If you are in possession of a valid Italian health card (
tessera sanitaria), this remains valid, and when it expires, you will be able to renew it if you meet the requirements.
If you have one, you can present a
new biometric card to your local health authority (ASL) to prove your entitlement under the Withdrawal Agreement when applying or renewing your healthcare registration. However, because it is not mandatory to hold the biometric card, if you already hold a residency document from your local town hall, this is evidence of your status.
If you are entitled to a
European Health Insurance Card issued by Italy, this card remains valid for use when you visit the UK, and other EEA countries. The Italian EHIC (also known as TEAM-Tessera Europea Assicurazione Malattia) will cover you for any necessary medical care during a temporary stay in the UK. Remember that the EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should always make sure you travel with insuran
As a UK national I know I should be getting the new biometric residency card from our local
questura. But what about the Withdrawal Agreement
attestazione di iscrizione anagrafica from the town hall that was released last year?
If you were lawfully living in Italy before 1 January 2021 you are protected by the Withdrawal Agreement. The Italian government has introduced a new biometric residency card called a
carta di soggiorno elettronica for people covered by the Withdrawal Agreement. The card is not mandatory for UK nationals living in Italy. However, we advise that you obtain it because it will show evidence of your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. You can get the card from your local police headquarters immigration office (
Britons are also reminded not to confuse the GHIC as a replacement for travel insurance. It’s important to note that a GHIC or EHIC aren’t an alternative to travel insurance and will not cover you for every circumstance, Danny Butler, insurance publisher at personal finance comparison site finder.com told Express.co.uk. Private medical treatment, repatriation and lost or stolen property would not be covered under the agreement and state-hospitals are not always available. Travel insurance covers a wider range of risks and activities and will likely adequately cover you where a GHIC or EHIC wouldn’t.