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The rule in writing
“The elective residence visa requires health insurance valid across the Schengen area with minimum cover of €30,000, including hospitalisation and repatriation, for the full visa year.”
Official source: Italian consulate elective-residence guidance (via The Italian Lawyer & Global Citizen Solutions) — Last verified:
The rule in writing
“For the first year, consulates commonly require zero deductible or co-pay, and cover of the whole Schengen area including repatriation of remains.”
Official source: Consulate application language & applicant reports (b2 forum pass) — Last verified:
Will your certificate pass?
What a consulate officer actually looks for on the page.
Passes when it shows
- Private health cover — not travel or Schengen
- Valid in Italy and the Schengen area (€30,000 minimum)
- Covers your full visa period (up to a year)
- No disqualifying deductible on the core cover
Refused when it’s
- A travel or Schengen “trip” policy
- A deductible / excess on core cover
- Cover that ends before your visa does
The retirement visa is the elective residence visa
Italy has no visa literally named 'retirement visa.' Retirees apply through the elective residence visa (ERV) — for people who can support themselves on passive income, such as a pension, and will not work in Italy.
The consulate checks two things closely: proof of stable income and the right health insurance. Income thresholds vary by consulate, so read your consulate's page for the figure.
The insurance rule for retirees
The insurance rule is the same one that trips up most applicants. You need a health policy — not travel insurance — valid across the Schengen area, covering at least €30,000, with hospitalisation and repatriation, for the full visa year.
For the first year, consulates commonly expect zero deductible on the core cover. A deductible clause is a documented reason files get refused.
Age, health, and what to check before you apply
Two honest points for retirees before you apply:
- Age caps apply. Our International Health cover is available to age 70, and Essential cover to age 80.
- Pre-existing conditions are excluded, including ones you did not know about. We disclose this before you request a quote.
You can apply and get cover the same day, with no medical exam. Cover excludes treatment in the United States.
Honest limits: Cover is worldwide but excludes treatment in the United States. Pre-existing conditions are excluded, including conditions you did not know about. We disclose this before you request a quote. Consulates keep discretion, and requirements can change. We show the published rule and its source; the final decision is the consulate’s.