I have lost my health insurance card.
'Tessera' = TES-seh-rah. 'Sanitaria' = sa-nee-TA-ree-a. 'Tessera sanitaria' = health card.
When your Italian health card (also serves as tax code card) is missing.
The 'tessera sanitaria' (TS) is the Italian state health card, which doubles as the 'codice fiscale' card (tax identification). It is issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate and is free to replace. To get a replacement, visit any Agenzia delle Entrate office with an ID document or apply online through the Agenzia website. The card is typically sent by post within 15 days.
Il codice fiscale è stampato sulla tessera sanitaria.
The tax code is printed on the health card.
The tax code is always the same even if you get a new card.
Ho bisogno della tessera per andare dal medico.
I need the card to go to the doctor.
Without the card, tell the GP your codice fiscale — they can look you up.
Posso richiedere la tessera sanitaria online?
Can I request the health card online?
Yes — through the Agenzia delle Entrate website.
The Italian tessera sanitaria also functions as the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/TEAM) for use in EU countries, EEA members and Switzerland. The back of the card bears the EHIC details. Losing it abroad means you may need to pay for treatment upfront and claim reimbursement from ASL on return to Italy.