Provided by the Ministry of the Interior, Department of civil liberty and immigration, with two circulars dated 17 February.
The first circular regards compulsory health insurance for the reuniting of family members over the age of 65.
For parents over the age of 65, the stipulation of an insurance policy to cover health risks within the country (or fee-paying registration with the National Health Service) became compulsory with the last decree acknowledging an EU directive on the reuniting of family members, which came into force last November. Since then, there has been a gap in legislation: circular number 737 states that the decree of the Ministry of Employment, Health and Social Security to specify the amount of the contribution for registration with the National Health Service, is still in the preparatory stages. Until the decree is passed, there are no alternatives. This means that those concerned are obliged to take out health insurance.
Until the implementative decree specifies which risks have to be covered, this insurance must be similar to that required of those applying for educational visas: it must cover risks in relation to sickness, accident and maternity. The policy shall have no expiry unless the policyholder opts for subsequent registration with the National Health Service, when this becomes possible.
The circular explains that, as it takes a very long time from presentation of the application for the reuniting of family members to the actual arrival of such persons in Italy, all you have to do at the time of application is present a formal declaration of the intention to take out insurance (in order to avoid payment during the months prior to arrival). The insurance policy must then be taken out within eight days of the parent’s arrival in Italy, before the latter comes to the Single desk to apply for a residency permit.
The second, on the other hand, concerns applications for family members who, following expulsion, are registered in the SIS (Schengen Information System) and must therefore be cancelled from the system before being able to obtain approval.
The second circular, on the other hand (number 738), concerns the reuniting of family members registered in the “SIS” and contains a point of fundamental importance. The circular explains that, at the moment, the delivery of the letter with which the family member in a foreign country can obtain cancellation of the expulsion by the Italian Embassy, takes place before the check by the Single desk that the applicant is in possession of all necessary requirements, also in terms of income and accommodation.
The circular invites the Single desks to check first whether the reuniting can be granted. This will prevent the person concerned from re-entry to Italy, after cancellation from the SIS, without the requirements necessary for the reuniting of family members.
Download the circulars
Number 737 – Health insurance policy
Number 738 – Expelled family members