Healthcare is one of the most important things to establish when moving abroad; but for us Brits, used as we are to the generosity and availability of the NHS, it is often not given the consideration it requires when we are out of the country. Think of those horror stories of holidaymakers who, having decided to save a few pounds by not paying for any cover, find themselves in severe difficulties when serious health problems arise or accidents occur.

You will probably already be struggling with the language and the bureaucracy involved in any medical-related issues in Italy, so it is imperative that you at least ensure the peace of mind that comes with being totally au fait with your health coverage.

For UK nationals travelling or moving to most Western European countries (and paying tax in at least one of them), the issue of healthcare is not a terribly complicated one: EU laws often guarantee reciprocal healthcare agreements for foreigners abroad. However, it is important that you ensure you are aware of exactly what is covered and for how long.

The recent advent of the European Health Insurance card (which replaces the old E111 form system) has made seeking medical assistance whilst in participating countries a much easier thing to do. However, it is very important to read the terms and conditions carefully, and to note that the card is only applicable to temporary visitors. If you are moving permanently to Italy, then you must bear in mind that alternative health cover will be required.

If when you move to Italy you are in the position of full-time employment (with a contract) then you will be automatically covered by the same healthcare system available to all Italian citizens - il Servizio Sanitario Nazionale/SSN. The first thing to do is to pay a visit to the Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) to obtain your Tessera Sanitaria (Italian healthcare card), you will then be able to sign up with a GP – medico convenzionato.

People who are self-employed or freelance must first sign up with the Istituto Nazionale di Previdenza Sociale (INPS) in order then to obtain a tessera and sign on to a doctor’s patient list. However, many Italian citizens, even those covered by the national healthcare system, also opt to take out private health insurance (assicurazione sulla salute); in order to cover the portion of medical bills that will not be taken care of under the national system.

If you are not in full-time, or declared employment, or if you are a retired UK citizen, then despite the fact that you are not actually required to pay direct healthcare contributions, and need only be a resident in Italy or a citizen of the EU to receive the same health benefits as an Italian, you will have to follow a slightly different procedure at the moment of applying for your residency in Italy.

Bear in mind that when it comes to getting residenza, if you cannot give proof of either employment, or the regular payment of social contributions as a self-employed or freelance worker, then you must first take out full medical insurance with either an Italian or an international insurance company.

You will be required to show the policy wording in Italian, so before you take out the cover, make sure that your insurance company can provide you with that service.

If you do qualify for healthcare, then your dependants will automatically receive the same benefits and will be listed on your tessera. Dependants include your spouse (if he/she is not covered separately), any children you may support who are under the age of 16 (or under the age of 26 if they’re students or unable to work through illness or invalidity), and ascendants, descendants and relatives by marriage supported by you and living in the same household.