orsetta

Last question from me I think . My TS runs out this week, I was listed as a family member on my OH card (so received my own card), I have visited the ASL offices and they have given me three options for my renewal, 2 of which they claim I must have the biometric card inplace before they will reissue, the third being the voluntary contributions (yet they only cover until 31 Dec - so next year I would have to refund or go without cover until end Feb). So I would just like general thoughts and advice please, is it a good idea or NOT to let the TS laps for say 2-3 weeks or would this invalidate paying into the health system for 5 years (next year will be 5 years) or does it go by the length of time resident in Italy as my carta d'identita was issued 6 weeks after the original TS was applied for - so technically unless I get hit by the 'bus' it would be ok (fingers crossed) to let the TS expire for a few weeks? I do have health appointments due at the end of Jan and start of February, so much I have the card sorted to enable me to go ahead with these appointments? Thoughts and knowledge most welcome.

Listen Very Carefully

I assume that you have applied for your WA attestazione?

orsetta

Yes done early December, just waiting for an appointment for the biometric card now.

Lugsbug

Hi - we got our TSs this week via the voluntary contribution route (we don't work and not yet pensioners). This was our first time as it got too late last year to be worth applying for. Everything went well at the ASL office although there were a few mentions of Brexit. Luckily I had printed off the Ministry of Internal Affairs guidance to regional offices and this helped calm the nerves. The actual payment was the most difficult part as my bank and the post office did not know where to put the tax codes on the F24 form. I came home, googled the answer and returned to the post office with the completed form (oh, and payment was refused on my Italian bank card as it was over the limit - arrgh - but tried my UK card and it worked). So that's us for 12 months - OH is type 2 diabetic so will be investigating how he can utilise the service.

philat98

If you go along to your doctor you can order various health checks such as eyes, teeth, cancer screening, cholesterol, etc. I get my teeth checked before I go to the dentist. The x_ray is cheaper than the private dentist and you get an independent report from a hospital dentist.

orsetta

Oh that's good to know, I've not been to a dentist yet and should. TS sorted. And our ASL has now moved into this century - no queuing at the PO for me, they now have a payment machine like at the hospitals, small blessings :-)

37100

In short, your family doctor will send you to a specialist who will draw up a management plan. You should be given an exemption request which you take to the ASL were it is logged. It will show up everytime your doctor writes a prescription related to diabetes you will be exempt from most prescription charges.
Word of warning if your husband drives. When it's time to renew his licence start early as you'll have to provide extra paperwork.

philat98

If they give you an appointment with a specialist and the waiting time is too long you can jump the queue by paying to see a doctor and they will then treat you within the public system. People in Umbria sometimes go to hospitals in places like Rome, Siena or Milan to see a specialist because they get better treatment than in their local hospital.

GeorgeYoung

I can't comment on the effects of length of service but a few years ago I forgetfully let my TS expire (my wife went to the GP and when he looked her up, he noticed my TS had expired) but it made no difference when I went to renew it the next day, they didn't care about it having expired.

Lugsbug

I know! He changed his driving licence when we moved and had to see a diabetic doctor at the hospital. She said he would need eye, blood and heart reports so it did take a little time. Thankfully all were OK so she signed him off and we were then able to get the rest of the paperwork sorted.