We are moving to Vinchianna, Lucca Italy in Oct. 2007 and are in the process of getting our Schengen Visa and are anticipating eventually getting to the process of signing up for the Italian health insurance. We would like to know how other Americans living in Italy find the Italian state "run" insurance and whether or not they purchased private insurance to supplement it. Are pre-exhisting conditions covered? (arthritis)
Any information will be greatly appreciated!
Thank,
Bob and Joy

Hello Bob and Joy,

You might find it extremely valuable to read these documents:

1.
"National Background Report for Italy" available at:

www.inrca.it

This is part of a 2004 European Union funded project:
Key Action 6: The Ageing population and disabilities and
Key Action 6.5 Health and Social Care services to older people


2.
UNITEDNATIONS Economic and SocialCouncil Distr.GENERALE/C.12/4/Add.1321 May 2003Original: ENGLISH

Substantive session of 2003
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT
ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS
Fourth periodic reports submitted by States parties under
articles 16 and 17 of the Covenant
Addendum
ITALY*
[23 April 2003]

NOTE: These documents categorize the countries of Italy and Greece as the "least "capable in structure and services in fulfilling their obligations in social services.