The health card, issued by the tax agency and sent to all citizens enrolled in the national health service (SSN), is now also available online. In case of loss, theft or deterioration, you can request it quickly and free of charge through the
online service.
In this guide we explain what the health card is, how to obtain it online, how to download the PDF of the document and how to get it back in case of loss, theft or deterioration.
What is the health card
The health card is the personal document issued to all citizens entitled to benefits provided by the national health service (SSN). It is sent automatically at the time of birth and to all residents in Italy at the time of registration with the registry. The same happens close to the deadline, with the sending of a new card
.
The ASL communicates the data to the TS system, which deals with the shipment to the address of residence in the tax registry database. The health card is required to access various health services, such as doctor visits, purchase of medicines and booking exams
.
Since 2011, the health card has been replaced by the health card — national service card (TS — CNS), equipped with a microchip. This document, valid for 6 years or for the duration of the residence permit for non-Italian citizens, can be used as an authentication tool to access online public administration services, subject to activation.
To activate the TS-CNS as an authentication tool, it is necessary to retrieve the PIN, PUK and CIP codes at authorized regional branches, presenting the health card and an identity document.
How to get your health card online in case of theft or loss
In case of theft or loss, it is possible to obtain the health card online by asking the tax agency for a duplicate. By accessing the reserved area of the site with SPID or CIE, you can request the duplicate for yourself or for minor children, subject to authorization. Those who do not have credentials can send the completed and signed AA4/8 form via PEC, together with a copy of the identity document. The request for a duplicate involves the automatic deactivation of the last card issued
.
How to get your health card back in case of deterioration
In case of deterioration, it is possible to obtain a new health card by applying online. If you had a microchip card (TS/CNS), you can request a new card through the electronic services of the tax agency. If you had a card without a microchip (TS), you can request a duplicate through the online service available in the free access area of the website, indicating your tax code or your complete personal data.
Based on the characteristics of the interested party, the following will be produced:
- a TS without a microchip, if the NHS assistance has a maturity equal to or less than six months;
- a TS/CNS with a microchip, if the NHS assistance expires more than six months;
- a tax identification card, if your SSN assistance has expired.
It is possible to make only one duplicate request for the same person in the same calendar year. The Ministry will send the duplicate to the address registered in the tax registry
.
How to download the PDF of the health card
It is possible to view and print the PDF copy of the valid health card, by accessing the reserved area of the “Health Card” portal. The main information relating to the health card (number and expiration date) is available in the “your profile” section of the reserved area
.
How to activate the health card
The health card is active as soon as it is issued. For TS/CNS holders, the request for a duplicate involves the automatic deactivation of the last card issued. Since 2011, for adult citizens, it has been possible to enable the TS/CNS as a national service card (CNS) by following a special
vademecum.
How does the online renewal of an expired health card work
The renewal of the health card is automatic. As the deadline approaches, the tax agency’s health card system issues a new card and sends it to the address of residence. If you do not receive your new card when it expires, you can contact the online tax agency to check the situation and request a duplicate
.
Alternatively, you can go to the territorially competent ASL or one of the offices of the local tax agency.
The health card is an essential document for accessing health services and can be easily obtained, replaced and renewed online. This guide provides all the information you need to manage your health card effectively and without complications
.