There is also a mandatory cost for the Health Card: you pay it in these circumstances, otherwise you cannot use it.
The Health card it’s one of those documents that we all have, often without thinking too much about it. It is used for the doctor, for drugs, for a thousand other things related to public health. In short, an indispensable document, but one that is usually not given much importance… at least until it is lost or expires.
In recent times we have been hearing more and more about additional costs for services that, until yesterday, we took for granted. Even the Health Card seems not to be immune to this change. There are those who wonder: does this really have to cost something every year too?
The Card is practically the access key to the healthcare. Without her you don’t go anywhere, neither to the doctor nor to the pharmacy. It’s one of those documents that, if you don’t find it when you need it, immediately causes panic. So what? You have to request it again, maybe pay something, and wait for it to arrive.
It is always said that certain services must remain freebut then in reality things go differently. Thus, even for such an important document, there is the possibility of a fixed cost.
The cost in certain situations
This figure, however small it may seem, is not pleasant news for those who find themselves forced to request a new card. In fact, if you lose the document, you cannot do without it: without the Health Card it is not possible to access the medical servicespurchase prescribed medications or use other services related to the national health system.
For this reason, it is important to pay attention and look after the document as best as possible. Although the cost of the duplicate is not high, the procedure it can be complicated for some people, in particular for those who are not familiar with online services or live far from the competent offices.
Back of the Health Card (Wikimedia Commons – NiloGlock photo) – www.energycue.it
What happens in case of loss
The Health card it remains free at the time of periodic renewal, when the old one expires. There is nothing to pay, and the new document is sent directly to the owner’s home. However, the situation changes completely if you lose your card before its expiration or it is damaged beyond repair.
In case of loss or theft, you need to request a duplicate, and this is where cost comes into play. To obtain a new one, you must follow the online procedure on the Revenue Agency website or go in person to an authorized office. This operation involves a cost of 6.70 euros, which is added to a further contribution of 0.85 euros for shipping, if you choose to receive it directly at home.
