Will healthcare in Italy still be accessible to Brits post-Brexit? This is a question being asked by both British holidaymakers and tourists in Italy, as well as British citizens living in Italy. Recent reports about the future of healthcare in Italy has caused some worry amongst British tourists and expats but we’re here to reassure you and guide you through the steps you need to take if you want to continue to receive healthcare in Italy after Brexit.
Healthcare in Italy for British holidaymakers
The UK has entered a Brexit transition period which will run until the end of December 2020. This means that for the moment, there will be no changes to healthcare access for UK nationals visiting or living in the EU before the end of 2020. This means that you can continue to use your EHIC during this time, as you did before. The same applies for pensioners in Italy with an S1 form, who perhaps only live in Italy part-time. You must register your S1 with your local health authority and once registered, you will receive a health card. This will mean you’re entitled to healthcare on the same basis as an Italian citizen and for 2020 at least, this won’t change. Talks are ongoing between the UK and Italian governments to reach agreements about what will happen after the transition period.
Healthcare in Italy for British expats
If you live in Italy and want to be able to access the publilc health system, then the best way to do this is become an Italian resident. After doing this, all you need to do is head to your local health centre to choose a doctor and register with the Italian equivalent of the NHS, the SSN (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale), for healthcare. The registration contract is called a medico convenzionato. You will need to take your proof of residency documentation with you when you register. If you’re living in Italy or move there permanently before the end of 2020, you’ll have life-long healthcare rights in Italy as you do now, provided you remain legally resident.
For more information, consult the British government’s guide on healthcare in Italy for British citizens. Brexit news, as always, keeps changing but the most important thing to keep in mind for now is that current healthcare conditions are guaranteed until the end of December 2020 when the current Brexit transition period ends. Keep up to date with Brexit news affecting expats in Italy on idealista.
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