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Not too sure about travel insurance... but for health care your EHIC may not cover you for more than 90 days, BUT being over 65 (and I guess with a state pension) you would be automatically covered... 

What about this lot? Not cheap but it seems they offer what you are looking for. Remember EHIC only covers you for emergency medical treatment.

EHIC only provides free treatment on exactly the same terms as a local of the country you are in - it does not cover all costs and importantly does not cover the cost of repatriation should that be required. Perhaps they are just looking for a complete coverage?

I think that there is a bit of confusion here regarding the difference between EHIC entitlements, which cover 3 months only in any signatary country and for emergency treatment only and the possibility for 65 + year old pensioners to transfer their health entitlements to Italy. I understand that there is some type of insurance called EHICPlus that covers certain gaps; however, I do not know much about how it would suit your requirements. Also, keep in mnd that if you stay more than 3 months, you will have to register with the local "Questura" as "free circulation" for EU citizens only allows us to stay for up to 3 months in any country without having to justify that we have means of support and will not become a burden to the host nation. One of the main issues will be health cover.