The health insurance policy for foreigners: what to do in case of a claim

Foreigners regularly staying in Italy, for a period of more than ninety days, are required to submit insurance coverage against the risk of illness and injury in order to obtain a Residence permit or thecivil registration with the municipality. Same obligation is required of those who should enter our country for a period of less than three months, for the issuance of the Visa by the Embassy or Consulate.

What are the coverages required by the Act?

The obligation of health coverage for foreign citizens is regulated by the European standard 2004/17/EC, which stipulates that all citizens applying for an Entry Visa or Residence Permit in Italy, must compulsorily submit coverage for any sudden medical expenses to the Authorities. The same applies to citizens of the European Union who stay in Italy for a period of more than three months and who, according to the Legislative Decree. , have an obligation to apply for residency in our country.

What to do in case of a claim?

As mentioned above, the insurance covers only expenses for hospital services of an emergency nature; thus, all medical services performed in public hospitals, whether hospitalization or immediate discharge, all directly resulting from an emergency diagnosis made by the hospital’s emergency room.

The documents to be submitted to the agency are as follows:

• Entry visa valid at the time of the claim;
• Electronic Residence Permit valid at the time of the claim. It is important to note that the application for the Permit is not proof of legal residence in Italy: if the foreign national will not yet be materially in possession of the title, he or she may apply for renewal along with the expired Permit;
• Receipt of registration with the municipality in the case of citizens of the European Union;
• Minutes from the emergency room and, in the case of hospitalization, the full medical record;
• Invoice issued by the Hospital for services rendered: the invoice must always be in the name of the insured;
• Receipt of payment made to the Hospital;
• In case of emergency services performed in a Schengen Treaty country, medical documentation and receipt of payment translated into Italian.