Do I Need Travel Insurance For Italy?

By John Prescot

Is it necessary to have travel health insurance in Italy? Yes, travel insurance for Italy is a must and is needed if you require a Schengen visa to visit the country. Travel insurance is not required if you come from a nation that enables you to travel to Italy without a visa.

Is travel insurance required for Italy?

If you need a Schengen Visa to enter Italy, you must first obtain valid travel insurance before applying for an Italian visa. If you can travel to Italy without a visa, however, travel insurance is not required but it is strongly recommended.

You may need international (expat) health insurance rather than travel insurance if you are looking for a long-term visa to Italy (such as a Work or Student visa).

Do US citizens need travel insurance for Europe?

For US citizens who do not require a visa to enter the Schengen zone, travel medical insurance is not necessary. It is, nevertheless, highly advised for visitors (both US citizens and non-US citizens) who are traveling Europe for business, vacation, or other reasons.

Travel insurance in Europe will cover any medical issues that arise during your journey, such as diseases or accidents.

How Do I Get Travel Insurance for Europe from the USA?

AXA Assistance, MondialCare, or Europ Assistance can provide you with travel visa insurance so you can relax and enjoy your vacation from the United States to Europe.

Do you legally need travel insurance?

No, having travel insurance is not required by law. Some tour companies, especially in countries like the United States where there is no public health service, will need you to have a policy in place before they confirm your journey. You may believe that travel insurance is more important in places like these, but it is usually worth it in general.

You should make sure that you and your loved ones are fully covered while on vacation for your own peace of mind. Accidents sometimes happen, and dealing with them when you’re not at home is more challenging. When the stakes are so high, it’s not worth taking a chance.

Why do I need travel insurance if I have an EHIC?

Do I need travel insurance if I have an EHIC? Yes, both are required. Other medical costs not covered by the EHIC will be covered by travel insurance, such as: Non-medical situations, such as replacing belongings or a lost passport, are usually covered as well.

Do tourists pay for healthcare in Italy?

Although healthcare in Italy is not free, the costs are usually affordable, and everyone in need, regardless of nationality, receives emergency medical assistance without charge.

In Italy, healthcare is given to everyone through a hybrid public-private system. Every person’s health is recognized as a fundamental right under Italian law, and anybody present in Italy is entitled to some type of healthcare (a concept known as “Universal Health Care”).

The average level of medical care in Italy is quite high by international standards (the Italian healthcare system was ranked second best in the world in terms of performance in a World Health Organization survey), and Italian doctors are often highly qualified. Italy has one of the highest life expectancy rates in the OECD group of countries (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development). See the 2019 OECD report on Italy’s healthcare.

Although Italy offers universal healthcare, only a few treatments are entirely free.

Most services require cost-sharing, and many are offered at no cost to the patient.

The “Ticket” co-pay cost is applied to certain emergency department visits, specialist consultations, diagnostic procedures, and lab investigations.

The amount of the co-pay varies by region and is determined by the type of services sought as well as the patient’s status (there are exemptions for poor income and serious conditions, known as esenzione in Italian).

Does Italy have free healthcare for tourists?

From how to register with the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) to what is covered by public healthcare in Italy, this section includes everything you need to know about the Italian healthcare system.

Healthcare Facts about Italy

Italians are among the world’s healthiest people, according to the Bloomberg Healthiest Country Index of 2019, owing to their balanced food and lifestyle.

The Italian healthcare system, on the other hand, occasionally falls short in terms of quality and efficiency. Despite the fact that Italy was listed among the top countries in the World Health Organization report for its healthcare system’s performance, this rating is based on overall health expenditures and life expectancy, not necessarily the quality or efficiency of medical services and facilities. In Italy, several public hospitals are overcrowded and underfunded.

Despite this, Italian hospitals and medical institutions are well equipped to handle medical emergencies and requirements. In general, services in the north and larger cities are of higher quality than those in the south.

How does Healthcare Work in Italy?

If you’re wondering if Italy has public healthcare, rest assured that it does. The country has a hybrid public-private healthcare system, which means that as long as you are eligible, you can pick between the two at any time.

Public healthcare is available to all legal inhabitants, both Italians and foreigners. These services are normally offered free of charge or at a little fee by the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN).

How to Sign-Up for Italy’s Public Healthcare System

To be eligible for public healthcare in Italy, you must first register with the SSN. This is done at your local health center, the Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL).

Registering with the SSN and Obtaining a Tessera Sanitaria

When you first register with the SSN, you will obtain your Tessera Sanitaria. Mandatory and optional registrations are the two types of registrations available. The first pertains to the majority of residents, workers, family members, and so on, whereas voluntary registration is often reserved for visitors who will be staying for a shorter period of time, such as students, au pairs, religious staff, and so on.

The first step is to go to the ASL to find out what requirements apply to you and how to fill out the application form. The Bollettino Postale is the name for this type of document. It’s obtained, filled out, and paid for at the Post Office, where you’ll also receive a receipt.

Required Documents

Then, at your ASL, you must produce both the form and the receipt, as well as the following documents:

After that, the health card is mailed to your home address. Keep a copy of the receipt in the meantime.

As long as you have authorization to be in the country, your health card is valid. Make sure you renew your Tessera Sanitaria when you renew your residence permit. This is done at the ASL with the following:

You will be requested to register with a family doctor once you have completed your SSN registration and received your Tessera Sanitaria. This procedure is explained in further detail later in this section of the guide.

What does Public Healthcare Cover?

The majority of medical procedures are covered by Italy’s healthcare system for all legal citizens. Dental care is provided free of charge in emergency situations and to all children under the age of 16. Other operations, such as orthodontics or laser eye surgery, are often not covered, but may be partially subsidized on a case-by-case basis. Public health insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery.

Prescription medication is usually subsidized, but depending on the type of drug and your income level, you may be able to get it for a fraction of the cost.

Healthcare Costs in Italy

You don’t have to pay to see your family doctor or pediatrician, as previously stated. Treatments at public hospitals that need surgery or hospitalization are also free. You will, however, be required to pay a copayment for some specified procedures and specialist appointments. Every prescription has a copayment of roughly 36 EUR (39 USD). For an MRI and a cardiology appointment, for example, you would pay 36 EUR (39 USD) for each treatment.

Many medical expenses are deductible for tax purposes, so save all receipts even if you’re not sure if they’re eligible.

Pros and Cons of the Italian Healthcare System

Medical treatment in the public system is highly affordablemost operations and appointments are either free or have a minor fee attached to them.
In general, family doctors’ offices (medico di base) do not accept appointments. Patients are seen in the order in which they arrive, which results in crowded offices and high wait times. In the worst-case scenario, you may have to return another day if the office is overcrowded.
You might have trouble finding medical experts who speak English or another language other than Italian in the public healthcare system.
In Italy, seeing a professional can take months, delaying both diagnosis and treatment.

Can I go to Italy from the US?

*** Beginning December 6, 2021, all air passengers 2 years of age and older (citizens of all nationalities, including U.S. citizens, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated) with a flight departing from a foreign country must show a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than 1 day prior to travel, or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the previous 90 days, before boarding their flight. Passengers on planes will also be forced to sign an attestation stating that the information they submit is accurate. For additional information on the requirement for documentation of a negative COVID-19 test or recovery from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving in the United States, please visit the CDC webpages.

*** Beginning November 8, 2021, all non-immigrant, non-US citizen air visitors to the US must be fully vaccinated and produce documentation of vaccination status prior to boarding an airline to the US.

Please visit the CDC website for more information on the extremely limited exceptions to this policy, and to apply for one, contact your local embassy or consulate.

The CDC has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Italy due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country and advising Americans to avoid the country “Avoid going to Italy.” Similarly, the Department of State’s Level 4 Travel Advisory advises Americans to stay away from Italy entirely.
Depending on transmission rates, availability of hospital and ICU beds, and other parameters, Italy’s regions are color-coded from white (very low danger) to yellow (low risk), orange (high risk), and red (extremely high risk).
Each zone is subject to different restrictions.
Food stores, pharmacies, newsstands, and cigarette shops, among other essential services, stay open throughout Italy.
Please see http://www.governo.it/it/articolo/domande-frequenti-sulle-misure-adottate-dal-governo/15638#zone for current measures assigned to each region.
The new law will take effect on August 6, 2021 “Access to specific sites and participation in certain social activities requires a “Digital Green Certificate/Green Pass.” On July 29, 2021, the Italian Ministry of Health issued an ordinance stating that an Anti-COVID-19 vaccination certificate for an EMA-recognized vaccine from competent US health authorities (CDC) is required “Where this requirement exists, white cards”) will be considered the equivalent of the Italian Green Pass. You can also offer a medical certificate issued by authorized US authorities certifying recovery from COVID within the preceding 6 months or a negative molecular PCR or fast antigen test result taken within 48 hours before utilizing. Certificates can be in Italian, English, Spanish, or French, and they can be digital or printed.
Other decrees with more restricted requirements were announced by the Italian government on December 23 and December 29, 2021. The new guidelines establish a “Only persons who are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID will be eligible for a “Super” Green Pass. Individuals will be able to keep receiving benefits “By testing negative for coronavirus, you can get a “basic” Green Pass. Individuals will be able to keep receiving benefits “By testing negative for coronavirus, you can get a “basic” Green Pass. The date is set for January 20, 2022 “From February 1, 2022 to March 31, 2022, a “basic” Green Pass will be required to enter institutions that provide personal services such as hairdressers and beauticians, as well as banks, post offices, non-essential shops, and shopping malls. The Super Green Pass is necessary to stay in hotels and B&Bs, to use all public transit, including local buses, metros, and trains, and to board flights and high-speed trains from January 10, 2022 to March 31, 2022. Most social activities, such as museums, indoor and outdoor restaurants, counter service, theatre, and sporting/entertainment events, will be restricted to Super Green Pass holders. Please visit the Italian Ministry of Health’s website for further information. When the certification is awarded after the third booster dose or after the second dose and recovery from Covid, the Super Green Pass is valid indefinitely. The Super Green Pass is only valid for 6 months for those who have not recovered from Covid but have received the second dose.
After receiving a negative swab test, travelers entering Italy with a valid certificate of recovery or vaccination (even if the vaccine is not recognized in Italy) issued more than 6 months ago will be able to access the same services and activities as Super Green Pass holders starting February 7, 2022. (valid 48 hours if antigenic, or 72 hours if molecular).
Face masks will no longer be required outside as of February 11, unless in congested locations or where maintaining adequate social distance is impossible.
From December 25, 2021, through March 31, 2022, all indoor and outdoor cultural and recreational activities, as well as all modes of transportation, need the use of more protective FFP2/KN95 masks.
The Covid-19 state of emergency has been prolonged by the Italian government until March 31, 2022.
All adults over the age of 50, including foreigners living in Italy, will be required to be vaccinated from January 8, 2022 until June 15, 2022.
Please keep in mind that response times vary depending on the testing site, the type of test administered, and the mechanism used to get test results (i.e., in-person or via correspondence).
Antigen testing are currently priced at around $20 in Italy, while PCR tests are priced at over $70.
Please see https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/requirements-for-air-travelers-to-the-us.html for details on restricted humanitarian exemptions.
Individuals who believe they fit the criteria for a waiver or air carriers wanting to allow potentially qualified individuals to board should contact the nearest Consular Section at:
Is it possible for Americans to get immunizations in Italy? Yes, but only for U.S. citizens who are enrolled in Italy’s national healthcare system.
In Italy, what vaccines are available? Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and AstraZeneca are among the companies. In addition, the Republic of San Marino has access to the Sputnik V and Pfizer-BioNtech. Regional health officials, on the other hand, will decide which immunizations are given out.
The Italian government is distributing COVID-19 immunizations at a provincial level.
The National Vaccination Plan, according to the Italian Pharmaceutical Agency, ensures that vaccinations are available to all those present/resident in Italy, regardless of whether they have a valid Permit of Stay, as long as they are registered with the Italian National Health Service.
Citizens must follow the procedures and schedule set forth by their home area, and more information from each region may be found at http://www.regioni.it/regioni-online/.
Please visit the Italian National Institute of Health’s website for further information on COVID-19 immunization in Italy.
To discover more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States, go to the FDA’s website.
The US government has no plans to deliver COVID-19 immunizations to private Americans living abroad. Please stay up to date on COVID-19 immunization advances and guidelines in the host country.
Current entry limitations into Italy are based on a number of variables, including one’s country of origin and intended purpose of visit.
The Italian government modifies these prohibitions on a regular basis to reflect changing situations, and all travelers should check current Italian health decrees before making travel plans.
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a webpage with English-language information on current entry and exit procedures.
Regional governments in Italy may also put limitations on visitors from certain countries, so tourists planning to visit or return to Italy should check with their target region to see if any new rules have been implemented.
Travelers from the United States may enter Italy beginning December 16, 2021, and valid until March 15, 2022, if they submit a negative molecular PCR test result obtained within 72 hours of arrival or a quick antigen test result obtained within 24 hours of arrival AND one of the following:
An Anti-COVID 19 immunization certificate for a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and AstraZeneca are currently recognized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
The final vaccine dosage must be received at least 14 days before travel.
Travelers who have been vaccinated in the United States can show this on their passports “The CDC emblem is printed on a white card.
A medical certificate verifying COVID recovery that is no more than six months old at the time of departure.
Passengers who do not have a valid vaccination or recovery certificate will be required to self-isolate for five days upon arrival and will be subjected to a molecular PCR or fast antigen test at the conclusion of the isolation.
Passengers must fill out the EU Digital Passport Locator Form online.
Italian, English, Spanish, and French are the permitted languages for the above certificates.
Certificates are available in both digital and physical formats.
Please visit the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website for more information on travel to and from Italy.
Transiting through Italian airports is permitted, although passengers from countries on the Italian Ministry of Health’s website’s Lists D and E must transit via a designated area of the airport.
Exemptions can be found on the website of the Italian Ministry of Health.
Children aged six and above must always take the pre-departure Covid test when accompanied by a parent or caregiver; children under the age of six are excused from the pre-departure Covid test and from quarantine upon arrival.
An individual’s presence in or transit through a certain country triggers testing requirements and options.
The Italian Ministry of Health’s website has this country-specific guidance.
Are there any health-screening processes in place at airports and other entrance points? Yes

Random swab tests may be administered to visitors entering Italy. Individuals who test positive must self-isolate for 7 to 21 days, depending on the circumstances. Self-isolation will take place in Covid hotels or at the expense of the traveler in private accommodations, as determined by Italian health authorities.

On the following website, the Italian government addresses frequently asked questions about the COVID measures in effect: FAQs.
It’s also crucial to be aware of any restrictions in place in your area during this period.
The Italian Ministry of Health’s website also has further information.
Travelers from the United States who do not have a valid vaccination or recovery certificate must self-isolate for five days upon arrival and then undertake a molecular PCR or fast antigen test.
Airlines, trains, and buses, as well as other forms of public transit, continue to run, but at a reduced frequency.
Travelers should check carrier schedules for the most up-to-date information and organize or reschedule travel directly with the airline or travel agent.
Additional travel restrictions may be enforced with little or no advance notice, so travelers should be prepared.
Non-compliance with Italian anti-COVID-19 measures like as social separation, movement limitations, and mask mandates can result in monetary penalties.
Beginning October 26, 2020, the US Embassy and Consulates General in Italy will limit the level of consular staffing and appointments for the following routine U.S. citizens services: passport processing, reports of birth abroad, notarial services, and federal benefits assistance in the interest of protecting the health and safety of our staff and customers. To schedule an appointment for these services, U.S. citizens should go to the relevant pages. We’ll keep an eye on the COVID-19 situation in Italy and hope to resume regular activities as soon as feasible. Please visit the U.S. Embassy Rome’s U.S. Citizen Services homepage for further information.
In compliance with Italian government rules enforcing social separation, all individuals entering consular offices must wear a face covering.
Individuals who have traveled to a nation that requires self-isolation or a negative COVID-19 test upon return to Italy during the last 14 days will be denied entry to the US Embassy or Consulates General in Italy.
https://www.epicentro.iss.it/coronavirus/ is the website of the Italian National Institute of Health.
If you feel you are experiencing symptoms and are currently in Italy, dial 112 or 1500.
Operators who speak English are available.

Do US citizens need a visa for Italy?

For further information on COVID-19 entry/exit regulations in Italy, please visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page.

Traveling Throughout Europe: If you intend to visit or travel through European countries, you should be aware of the Schengen Agreement’s rules.

Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your visit has ended. Take a look at our website for American travelers in Europe.
See the Schengen Visa page for further information about visas for the Schengen area.
Citizens of the United States who arrive at an Italian Port of Entry without a valid travel document even passports that have been reported lost or stolen in the past will be denied entry and sent back to their country of origin. In Italy, this restriction is vigorously enforced.
Without a visa, U.S. citizens can visit Italy for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. Non-residents must fill out a declaration of presence form (dichiarazione di presenza). Prospective residents, as well as anyone planning to stay in Italy for more than 90 days, must first get a stay permission (permesso di soggiorno). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Polizia di Stato can provide additional information.
When visiting a Schengen country for the first time, non-EU tourists must get a stamp in their passport. Due to the fact that many border crossings are unmanned, you may need to request a stamp at an official point of entry. Travelers arriving from another Schengen country must obtain a declaration of presence form from a local police station (commissariato di zona), police headquarters (questura), or their place of stay (e.g., hotel, hostel, campgrounds), and submit the form, along with a copy of their passport, to the police station or their place of stay within eight calendar days of their arrival. Expulsion from Italy is possible if a statement of presence is not completed.

There are no HIV/AIDS admission restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Italy, according to the US Department of State.

Our websites have information on dual nationality, international child abduction prevention, and customs procedures. Please read our Customs Information page and our Italian Customs webpage for general information on Italian customs regulations.

Can an American go to Europe for healthcare?

There’s good news! The US dollar is now exceptionally strong against other currencies, including the Euro! Hopefully, this means that more of us will be able to cross the pond in search of new foods, cultures, and adventures! If you’re planning a trip to Europe and think you’ll be staying for a while, you should be aware that US citizens traveling to Europe must obtain travel insurance.

Aside from being required for long-term stays in Europe, it is smart to have insurance even for short visits in Europe due to the high cost of health care. While many Americans believe they have good health insurance and don’t need to buy anything extra for Europe, you should be aware that domestic US insurance policies provide very little or no coverage outside of the country. If you rely on a domestic insurance plan in the United States to cover a medical emergency outside of the country, you could be in for a rude awakening.

Unless we plan to stay for more than 90 days, US citizens are free from the health insurance requirement. For stays of more than 90 days, US individuals will need to apply for a visa and then produce proof of long-term Europe visa health insurance coverage that matches the requirements. Even if they plan to remain for fewer days, some nationalities require foreign insurance coverage.

While the visa criteria are not particularly stringent (we have numerous foreign plans that can meet and/or exceed them), they can be difficult to locate.

The following are some of the requirements that European Schengen country state consulates may find challenging to meet:

Do I need travel insurance for Europe after Brexit?

After Brexit, as long as you have your EHIC/GHIC, you will be able to obtain free or subsidised healthcare in EU nations.

When traveling to Europe, the UK government still advises that you purchase travel insurance, just as you would anywhere else in the world. It will cover you for more than just medical expenditures by, for example, covering you for cancellations or if any of your personal belongings are lost or stolen.

If you have pre-existing health conditions, a travel insurance policy is very crucial since it can provide you with the assistance you need if something goes wrong on your trip, such as if you need to be evacuated home in an emergency.