Medical treatment - visiting Italy

The E111 form, which provided British citizens with free or reduced-cost medical treatment within Italy became invalid after December 31 2005.

The E111 has been replaced by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), this is a plastic card valid for between three and five years and works in much the same way as the old E111 form, which entitled you to free medical treatment in Italy for up to three months but only for emergency treatment.

An EHIC can be obtained by ticking a box on your existing E111 or by filling in an application form from a post office. For more information call 0845 606 2030.

Medical Treatment - living in Italy

In Italy, all citizens, residents and foreigners in possession of specific requirements have the right to general medical assistance provided by a general practitioner. In the case of children under 14 care is provided by a paediatrician.

If you live in Italy, you will have to register with a general practitioner. You are not restricted by registering with a GP in a catchment area, so it may be worthwhile checking the area to find out which ones speak English.

Azienda Sanitaria Locale) (ASL) they can receive medical treatment equivalent to that available to an Italian citizen. You will need to register with the GP of your choice at the district offices of the ASL Azienda Sanitaria Locale.

There is a limit of 1,500 registered patients to a GP's list and 800 to a paediatrician's.

General practitioners and paediatricians by provide the following services: