Entry permit and/or residence permit for medical treatment requested by non-European Union citizens

Article. 36 of the T.U. 286/98 considers the issue of entry permits for medical treatment to non-European Union citizens coming from foreign countries where specialist medical skills, for the treatment of specific pathologies, do not exist or are not easily accessible.

Three clinical records are expected:

Foreigner applying for an entry permit for medical treatment

To obtain an entry permit for medical treatment, the foreigner must submit the following documentation to the Italian Embassy or to the territorially competent Consulate:

  • declaration of chosen public or private accredited health facility, indicating the type of treatment, the starting date and the presumable duration of the stay, the duration of any expected hospital stay, observing the provisions in force for the protection of personal data;
  • certification of deposit of a sum as a security bond on the estimated cost of the services requested. The security deposit must correspond to 30 percent of the total presumed cost of the services requested and must be paid to the chosen structure;
  • documentation proving the availability in Italy of sufficient resources for the full payment of healthcare costs and those for board and lodging outside the health facility and repatriation for the insured;
  • healthcare insurance for any accompanying person, valid in the national territory, for the duration of the residence permit, against the risk of illness and/or accidents;
  • demonstration of the availability of livelihood, for any accompanying individual, in relation to the stay in Italy, for an amount no less than that established on the 1st of March 2000, by Table A attached to the Directive of the Ministry. The demonstration of financial means can also be shown by means of a bank guaranty policy;
  • healthcare certification, certifying the applicant’s pathology in compliance with provisions regarding the protection of personal data. The certification issued abroad must be accompanied by a translation into Italian.

The remaining 70% of the expenses must be paid by the foreigner or the guarantor. The issue of the residence permit for medical treatment does not allow registration with the NHS, and in this case the healthcare services are paid by the client.

A foreigner who is transferred for treatment in Italy in the context of humanitarian operations, pursuant to art. 12 - paragraph 2 - letter c) of the legislative decree 30/12/92 n. 502, as modified by the legislative decree 7/12/93 n. 517

In this case, the entry for treatment of the foreign citizen living in a country without suitable and adequate healthcare facilities must be authorized by the Ministry of Health, in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation and Development. The Ministry of Health identifies the health structure and guarantees coverage of healthcare expenses.

A foreigner who is transferred to Italy as part of humanitarian operation programs, present in Italian Regions, pursuant to art. 32 - paragraph 15 - of the law 27.12 1997, n. 449

The Regions can authorize, in agreement with the Ministry of Health, the Local Health Units and hospital to provide highly specialized services, which fall within the assistance programs approved by the Regions, in favor of:

  • Non-European Union citizens coming from foreign countries in which medical-specialist skills for the treatment of specific serious diseases do not exist or are not easily accessible and reciprocity agreements relating to health care are not in force;
  • citizens from foreign countries whose particular contingent situation does not make the agreements, which are in force for the provision of health care by the National Health Service, feasible for political, military or other reasons.

Are you in need of more information on how to obtain your entry permit or residence permit in Italy?

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