The E111/European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

In the initial moving period, or on holiday visits, or while on a speculative visit to Italy to look for work you will not be covered by the Italian social security system, and in such cases you can take out private travel insurance. However, it is also possible to obtain free, or mainly free treatment under a reciprocal agreement, which exists between EU countries. To qualify for such treatment you need an EHIC. From 1 January 2006 an EHIC will replace the E111, and gradually the other E-forms. The EHIC will be valid for two years and is renewable on the proviso that the applicant still makes their home country National Insurance contributions.