Reimbursement of Medical Treatments Abroad 2024: How to Apply

Medical Treatments Abroad: What to Know

Italian citizens are entitled to receive healthcare services from the National Health Service.
These services may be provided for free or require the payment of a fee, depending on various factors such as age, economic status, and other conditions.
But what happens if medical treatment is needed while abroad?

For those carrying the Tessera Europea di Assicurazione Malattia (TEAM), also known as the European Health Insurance Card, when in European Union countries or in countries with which Italy has bilateral agreements, they can request reimbursement for medical expenses incurred.
Let’s delve into the different scenarios that may arise and how to request reimbursement for medical treatments abroad.

Reimbursement Procedure for Medical Treatments Abroad

Reimbursement for medical treatments received abroad is subject to specific rules and requires the possession of all necessary documentation.
Depending on the situation, there may be different timeframes and procedures to follow.
Therefore, it is advisable to prepare in advance and be aware of the information and procedures needed to obtain reimbursement for healthcare expenses incurred abroad, especially when traveling for extended periods.

Two Scenarios for Medical Expenses Abroad

It is important to differentiate between cases where medical treatment is needed abroad due to an emergency, such as sustaining an injury while on vacation, and cases where an individual decides to seek medical treatment abroad.

In case of an emergency abroad, individuals must seek medical assistance at a public healthcare facility and present the TEAM card.
The cost of the treatment must be paid unless exempt (e.g., retirees meeting criteria set by Regulation CE n.883/2004).

For planned medical treatments abroad, an advance authorization (E112 form) from the local health authority (ASL) is often required to ensure reimbursement.
The costs of the treatment are initially borne by the patient, but with prior authorization, partial or total reimbursement can be obtained, following specific procedures.

Dealing with Healthcare Costs Abroad

When facing healthcare expenses abroad, Italian citizens have two options: either rely on health insurance coverage or pay upfront for treatment and request reimbursement afterwards.
Reimbursement is possible for both public and private healthcare services, provided the treatments are available in Italy.

For instance, in countries like France, where a copayment is required for medical services, individuals with the TEAM card can request reimbursement upon returning to Italy if the treatment is covered by the National Health Service.
The reimbursement is based on the actual expenses incurred abroad, regardless of the copayment differences between countries.

The Role of the European Health Insurance Card

The Tessera Europea di Assicurazione Malattia ensures access to state healthcare under the same conditions and costs as the host country within the European Union or associated territories.
It is essential to comply with specific requirements, such as temporary stays and being in eligible countries, to benefit from the card.

For situations without the TEAM card, individuals must bear medical costs upfront and request reimbursement, provided the treatments are available in Italy.
The reimbursement process can be initiated upon return at the competent ASL office or through the Italian embassy in the host country.

Regarding non-partner countries, where reimbursements are not possible, it is advisable to secure appropriate insurance coverage for short stays or research procedures for long-term residence planning.