How to register an S1 form in Italy (healthcare for pensioners)

What it is

An S1 form shows that another country pays for your healthcare while you live in Italy. Pensioners use it most: if your state pension comes from another EU country, the EEA, Switzerland or the UK, and you don't also get an Italian pension, that country usually covers you. With your S1 you join the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) free, like Italian residents, choose a family doctor and get your tessera sanitaria.

Do you need this guide?

• State pension from another EU or EEA country, Switzerland or the UK? Yes.
• UK State Pension, moving after 2020? Yes: UK pensioners can still get an S1.
• You work in Italy or get an Italian pension? No: you join the SSN directly. See the health service guide.

Before you start

You'll need:

• Your S1 form, from the country that pays your pension:
  • UK: phone NHS Overseas Healthcare Services (+44 191 218 1999) and ask for an S1.
  • EU, EEA or Switzerland: ask the health insurance or pension body in that country.
• Your passport or EU identity card.
• Your codice fiscale.
• Proof of your residence in Italy (your residence registration at the comune).

Steps

1. Get your S1 from the country that pays your pension. Ask before you move if you can.
2. Register your residence at your comune and get your codice fiscale, if you haven't already.
3. Take your S1 to your local health authority (ASL, or the health district office), with your documents.
4. Choose a family doctor (medico di base) from the ASL's list.
5. Receive your tessera sanitaria, valid throughout Italy.

Cost

Registering the S1 is free.

Common pitfalls

• Asking Italy for the S1. It comes from the country that pays your pension.
• Going to the ASL before your residence registration. Most ASLs ask for proof that you live there.
• Leaving Italy. Tell the ASL and the country that issued your S1 when you move away.

When to ask a helper

Ask someone who registered an S1 at your ASL recently: they'll know which office handles it and what else they asked for.