In the case of patients requiring hospital admission in Italy, family members must arrange the transfer with the British hospital if the latter considers the Italian patient fit to travel (the so-called “patient’s air transportability”). At the same time, the family must identify a medical facility in Italy where the national will be admitted upon arrival. The transfer can then take place in agreement with both facilities via an independent provider of medical transport (private air or land ambulance). For travel to the United Kingdom, it is always advisable to take out comprehensive health insurance that includes medical repatriation, in case the patient is unable to travel on commercial flights.
In the case of Italian citizens residing abroad who are in serious financial and social distress, or Italian minors in a state of abandonment, the Consulate arranges for permanent repatriation in collaboration with their families and the competent Italian authorities (Prefectures, Police Headquarters, Municipalities, Local Health Authorities, Social Services). Repatriation is subject to verification that relatives are willing to take responsibility in Italy for the maintenance and care of the repatriated individual. If such willingness is not present, repatriation is coordinated with the Social Services of the last place of residence or place of origin in Italy. The repatriation of abandoned minors is carried out at the expense of the State, in coordination with the competent Juvenile Court and the Social Services of the Municipality of residence.