health insurance travel to italy

Travel Insurance for Italy (What You NEED to Know Before You Go)

From who needs it to where to get italy travel insurance, here's what to should look out for.

Planning a dream trip to Italy? You may need travel insurance. I know, I know, the last thing you want to do is think about something going wrong. But when dealing with so many variables: flights, car rental, hotels, and tours, anything can happen. Accidents, theft, and cancellations have the potential to ruin what was supposed to be a well-deserved getaway. This is why many people choose to purchase travel insurance when traveling to Italy, Europe, and beyond!

Do you need travel insurance to visit Italy?

If you require a Schengen Visa to enter Italy, it is mandatory to have valid travel insurance to apply for an Italian visa. If you can travel to Italy without a visa, travel insurance is not required, but can provide added peace of mind. However, if you’re applying for a long-term visa, such as a Work or Student visa, international health insurance may be required instead of travel insurance.

Insurance requirements for Italy travel visas

Since Italy is a member of the Schengen, your insurance policy needs to meet the Schengen travel insurance requirements. This means it must be valid throughout the entire Schengen Zone and cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses. Additional coverage can be purchased for further protection.

Where can you get travel insurance for Italy?

You can purchase travel insurance for Italy by:

• Going directly to a travel insurance company – this is the popular option, as most companies operate online, allowing you to choose and purchase a plan from the comfort of your own home. World Nomads offers Schengen travel insurance that is accepted by Italian Embassies and Consulates.
• Travel insurance brokers – there are many online services that offer plans from various insurance companies where you can compare prices and choose travel insurance that meets your requirements.
• Tour agency – some tour companies offer complimentary travel insurance plans, but be sure to read the policy carefully before signing up to ensure you are adequately covered.

How to provide proof of Italy travel visa insurance?

When you purchase a Schengen travel insurance plan from World Nomads , you will receive an Insurance Certificate or Letter that you can download and print out. You must send this, along with the other required documents, to the Italian Embassy or Consulate.

Is having travel insurance important when traveling to Italy?

Travel insurance adds a safety net, protecting you from unexpected costs that could arise during your trip. For example, if you have an accident that requires medical attention while in Italy, travel insurance will reimburse your medical bills. Additionally, if you have trip disruption coverage and need to cancel or cut your trip short due to circumstances beyond your control, travel insurance could reimburse a portion of your prepaid expenses such as hotel and flight tickets.

What can Italy travel insurance cover?

Italy travel insurance plans can provide coverage for the following:

• Medical emergencies: If you encounter an accident or suddenly fall ill while in Italy, travel health insurance can cover the cost of medical treatment. However, you’re only covered for emergencies and accidents, not treatment for pre-existing conditions.
• Evacuation or repatriation: If you become seriously ill while in Italy and require evacuation out to your home country or elsewhere, evacuation coverage will cover the cost of the air ambulance. Repatriation coverage, on the other hand, refers to the transport of remains in the event of death.
• Optional coverage: In addition to travel health insurance, many insurance companies offer additional coverage, such as reimbursement for trip disruption, loss or damage of personal belongings, and liability insurance. However, these additional services come at an extra cost.

What are some things should you consider when choosing travel insurance for Italy?

When selecting the best travel insurance plan for Italy, consider the following factors:

• Policy maximum: This refers to the maximum amount of money that an insurance company will cover for medical expenses during your trip. In order to obtain a Schengen visa, you need insurance with a policy maximum that’s at least €30,000 or more.
• Coverage details: Most insurance companies provide detailed explanations of their plans on their website. Ensure you read about how much they will cover for each item and under what circumstances.
• Exclusions: Be aware of what the company will not cover, such as accidents resulting from driving under the influence and injuries due to adventurous activities.
• Schengen requirements: If you need a visa to visit Italy,  make sure you choose travel insurance that meets all Schengen requirements. Otherwise, it may result in the Italian Embassy/Consulate rejecting your visa application.
• Claims process: Ensure you understand the claims process before leaving, including how to file a claim, the required documents, and whom to contact.
• 24/7 assistance: Confirm if your insurance company has a 24/7 customer service line or if you have someone to reach out to during your stay in Italy.

What is the cost of travel insurance for Italy?

The cost of travel insurance for Italy varies as it depends on a few factors.

• The type and amount of coverage you choose will affect the cost, for example, policies that over coverage up to €30,000 will cost less than those with a maximum of €50,000 or €100,000.
• Your age is also a contributing factor. If you’re over 60, you will pay more due to increased risk.
• Additionally, the duration of your trip impacts the cost, with longer trips resulting in higher health insurance policy prices.
• On average, for a seven-day trip, you can expect to pay between €20 and €30 for travel health insurance for one person.

World Nomads provides travel medical insurance premiums for different durations of travel in the Schengen area and beyond. For more information, visit World Nomad’s website and create a free quote for your trip.

How to file a travel insurance claim

There are two methods for filing a travel insurance claim:

• Direct billing: In Italy, some hospitals will charge the travel insurance company directly for medical treatment without you having to pay anything. However, not all hospitals offer this option, and insurance companies typically have a network of hospitals that can bill them directly. Before you travel, it’s a good idea to confirm which hospitals are included in this scheme before receiving treatment.
• Reimbursement: You can choose to pay for your medical treatment upfront and then submit the bill to the insurance company for reimbursement. Remember, it’s essential that you keep all your receipts and prescriptions for medication, police reports for lost or stolen belongings, and proof of canceled flights.

Do US, Canadian, and Australian Citizens need travel insurance for Italy?

Although it’s not mandatory for US, Canadian, and Australian citizens to have travel health insurance for Italy, it can offer an extra layer of protection. Schengen Plus, Universal by Mutuaide, and Gold/Platinum by AXA are some of the travel health insurance plans that offer not only the mandatory insurance certificate required for an Italian visa but also extended coverage for Italy, all Schengen area members, EU countries, and the UK.

Is healthcare expensive for tourists in Italy?

Tourists without travel health insurance in Italy will have to bear the full cost of treatment themselves. While minor emergencies may not be too expensive, significant treatments like surgeries can quickly become costly.

It’s important to note that emergency services are not free of charge. There have been anecdotal reports of tourists not being charged anything for emergency services, but this is more likely because the incident was minor, and the clinic or hospital was not equipped to charge a tourist.

In any case, it’s always better to assume that you will have to pay for any medical treatment you receive in Italy. Italian citizens pay taxes that fund the country’s healthcare system and receive medical treatment mostly free of charge, but tourists do not benefit from this system and are subject to full costs.

Who should you call in an emergency situation in Italy?

In Italy, the following emergency numbers can be used:

• 118 for medical emergencies
• 113 for general emergencies (similar to 911 in the USA),
• 112 for national police (Carabinieri)
• 115 for the fire department

It’s also a good idea to note down the contact details of your country’s Embassy or Consulate in Italy.

Using EHIC vs. Getting travel insurance in Italy

Although an EHIC can provide medical attention in Italy for EU nationals in the same way as Italian citizens, it is not a substitute for travel insurance. The charges and co-pays for medical attention will still apply unless the individual has travel health insurance. Additionally, EHIC does not cover private healthcare, evacuation, trip disruption, liability, etc. It should also be noted that many Italian citizens have private health insurance.

Climate and health precautions in Italy

Italy is hot and very dry during the summers while winters can get quite cold and wet. Temperatures in Southern Italy reach 40°C in the peak of summer, making sightseeing exhausting so make sure you stick to the shade or spend that hottest part of the day indoors at a museum or poolside. During winter, do as the Italians do and ‘ vestirsi a cipolla ’ (dress like an onion), wearing several warm layers of clothing means you can stay comfortable when you’re going indoors and outdoors.

Get my complete guide to the best times to visit Italy which includes money-saving tips and ways to avoid crowds.

Car insurance for driving in Italy

A separate international car insurance plan is needed to cover Italy and other Schengen countries when driving to Italy. It’s important to note that regular travel insurance does not include car insurance. Your car insurance from your home country is also not valid in Italy either,  unless you are from an EU Member State. It’s also essential to check if your driving license and license plates are valid and accepted in Italy.

7 things to know before traveling to Italy

• Restaurants located near tourist attractions and popular landmarks tend to be overpriced, crowded, and offer poor-quality food.
• Italians tend to eat dinner late, so many restaurants will not open before 7 pm.
• A Coperto charge is paid when sitting down for a meal at a restaurant, usually ranging from €1 to €5 per person.
• Tickets for trains or buses should be validated at one of the machines at the station to avoid a fine.
• Carrying both cash and a card is advisable for smaller purchases.
• Electronic devices from the USA will need adapters and converters due to different plug shapes and voltages.
• Finally, booking tickets for landmarks in advance can save time and avoid long queues.

Don’t miss my complete guide to  Italy travel tips that will save you time, money, and disappointment.

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Travel Insurance for a Trip to Italy (2024)

Alex Carver is a writer and researcher based in Charlotte, N.C. A contributor to major news websites such as Automoblog and USA Today, she’s written content in sectors such as insurance, warranties, shipping, real estate and more.

Sabrina Lopez is a senior editor with over seven years of experience writing and editing digital content with a particular focus on home services, home products and personal finance. When she’s not working, Sabrina enjoys creative writing and spending time with her family and their two parrots.

Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best travel insurance companies

Compare Italy Travel Insurance Companies

Use the table below to compare costs, CFAR coverage and COVID-19 coverage of travel insurance plans for Italy:

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Italy?

There are no requirements for U.S. citizens to have travel or health insurance as a condition of entry to Italy for trips fewer than 90 days. This also includes the other Schengen countries in Europe, a region accessible via a Schengen visa for travelers subject to the requirement for longer trips.

Many business travelers and tourists choose Italy travel insurance for protection against unexpected costs. The best travel insurance includes coverage for trip cancellations and healthcare in emergencies.

From boating across the Mediterranean to hiking in Naples and water skiing along the Amalfi Coast, adventure sports are popular during Italian travel. A travel insurance policy offers medical coverage in the event of accidents.

Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

Whether you’re planning to visit Rome, Milan, Florence or Venice, cancel for any reason coverage (CFAR) gives you the flexibility to change your plans at your discretion. Alternatively, when you buy standard travel insurance coverage, you’re limited to predetermined reasons and exclusions.

Generally, acceptable reasons for trip cancellation coverage only include emergencies, such as hospitalization or the death of a family member. With CFAR, for example, you could cancel a trip to Tuscany for a friend’s wedding if it was called off and you’d prefer to change your travel plans.

While CFAR provides a lot of flexibility, it is still subject to rules and restrictions. These may include disclaimers such as time limits on when trips must be canceled by.

Gear Theft Protection

With so many sites to take in on your trip, from the Colosseum in Rome to picturesque vineyards, you’ll likely want to have your camera ready. You may also bring other valuables with you, such as a laptop, sports equipment or jewelry.

Whether it’s due to trip interruption or equipment damaged by a tour operator, gear theft protection helps to recoup your finances when items are stolen or lost. Depending on individual travel insurance company plans, there may be exclusions or predetermined reimbursement limits. Many travelers choose to leave precious valuables at home.

Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation

If you require medical assistance, the U.S. State Department notes that hospitals in Italy are available but may not have the same standards as in the U.S. It also may be more difficult to find care outside of urban areas, and payment is typically required upfront. Therefore, travel medical insurance is recommended for U.S. citizens. Medicare and most private health insurance don’t apply overseas.

For those with pre-existing medical conditions , along with travelers dealing with health emergencies, medical costs can be significant. In the event of an illness or injury while visiting Italy, travel insurance for medical emergencies covers a range of expenses that typically includes the following:

• Hospital fees
• Operating room charges
• Ambulance services
• Dental emergencies

Most travel health insurance policies include emergency medical evacuation if local medical care isn’t available or you need to fly back to your home country. They also typically include repatriation if you pass away while abroad.

According to our methodology, the best travel medical insurance for Italy vacations is Travelex. Travelex is our pick for budget travel insurance and offers three policy tiers for Italy travelers to choose from. Read our in-depth Travelex review to learn more.

Rental Car Protection

If you prefer the freedom of a rental car to public transport, rental car protection is crucial. In Italy, you must have a collision and damage waiver, theft protection and fire and third-party liability insurance by law. This is typically included in rental rates.

Premium insurance policies may include additional safeguards such as:

• Personal effects coverage
• Personal injury insurance
• Roadside protection
• Tire and windshield protection

Standard travel insurance plans generally include rental vehicle excess coverage. This helps to recover the losses you’re liable for via excess for damaged or stolen cars.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance protects you against financial loss if unforeseen circumstances interrupt your travel plans. As a general rule, standard travel insurance plans reimburse you for nonrefundable and prepaid costs, subject to predetermined limits.

The following reasons generally qualify for trip cancellation coverage in the absence of CFAR premium insurance:

• Death of family members
• Hospitalization or serious injury
• Military orders
• Severe weather conditions delaying departure

How Much Does Italy Travel Insurance Cost?

The cost of travel insurance for Italy varies based on factors that may include your age, the destination and pre-existing medical conditions. The information you’ll need to request quotes from insurance companies includes the following:

• Ages and number of travelers in your group
• Destination country and location
• Total trip price

We requested quotes from ten travel insurance companies for their most affordable plan for a trip to Italy. The below quotes are for a 30-year-old traveler from Florida, traveling to Italy for ten days in September 2024, with a total trip cost of $4,000. Policies include coverage for cancellations, interruptions, delays, medical care and evacuation.

These quotes were collected in April 2024 for a trip in September 2024.

The quotes listed to help you determine the price of travel insurance were collected from each company’s website in May 2023. The cheapest policies for travel and health insurance plans to Italy include coverage for trip cancellation, medical expenses for emergencies, baggage loss or delay and emergency evacuation.

How Do I Get Travel Insurance for Italy?

The first step in getting travel insurance for an Italian vacation is to check your credit cards and current health insurance plans, as some offer coverage for travel. When you book your flights, most airlines offer travel insurance at the same time. Take note of the costs as they may be more expensive than other products.

It’s a good idea to compare prices and policy details from multiple travel insurance providers before making your decision. Remember to take into account personal factors, such as pre-existing medical conditions and activities you’d like to do. Automatic coverage doesn’t always apply.

Italy Safety Tips

Keep travel and safety tips in mind to ensure peace of mind while on vacation in Italy. Below are some basic recommendations.

Crime and Safety

The Italy Travel Advisory from the U.S. Department of State is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. This is due to an increased risk of terrorist plots that may result in attacks at tourist locations, government facilities and shopping malls. It’s recommended that you monitor local media for information.

Typically, Italy doesn’t present major crime or safety issues. As with most destinations, it’s important to remain aware of your surroundings at popular tourist destinations and in large cities. Pickpocketing and other petty crimes do occur, so make sure to have valuables stored somewhere safely.

Day Trips, Tours and Excursions

Italy is home to fascinating historical sites, beautiful beaches and exciting cities. Taking tours is an excellent way to explore the country. If you participate in adventure sports, ensure your travel insurance policy covers you for any related accidents or injuries.

It’s important to book your excursions and day trips through reputable tour organizations. Travel agents and hotel concierges offer recommendations. You can find more information on the official Italy tourism site .

According to the Italian government , there are no coronavirus restrictions in place for entry or travel around Italy. Check with local authorities with regard to any changes or updates.

Is Travel Insurance For USA to Italy Worth It?

It’s not mandatory to purchase travel insurance to visit Italy. Most leisure and business travelers choose to purchase insurance in order to cover unexpected medical costs and protect their trip investment against unexpected cancellations. The U.S. government recommends travel insurance as medical expenses aren’t covered by insurance that’s applicable at home.

Travel insurance is worth it to ensure peace of mind while traveling and to protect yourself from financial loss in the event of unforeseen incidents. We recommend that you get a quote from multiple providers to find the best deal on trip insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance for Italy

Can i claim flight compensation.

In order to claim flight compensation through your airline, you will need to check their policy. Many airlines will not compensate for delays, and there may be certain requirements to be compensated for a cancellation. Travel insurance for Italy offers the best protection against financial loss if your flights are canceled since it also refunds other costs associated with your trip.

What type of travel insurance do I need for Italy?

It’s not compulsory to have travel insurance for Italian vacations. However, unexpected medical costs may be expensive. Therefore, medical insurance is recommended, along with trip cancellation coverage.

Do Americans get free health care in Italy?

No, Americans do not get free health care in Italy, though emergency medical assistance is provided to anyone in need of it. To avoid expensive upfront costs, medical travel insurance is recommended.

Do all credit cards have travel insurance?

No, not all credit cards provide travel insurance. Those that offer travel rewards typically include a level of travel insurance with the benefits. Check the policy details to determine if it’s suitable for your travel needs.

Our Travel Insurance Provider Rating Methodology

• A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom.
• A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom.
• A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France.
• A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece.
• A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain.
• Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers with a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
• Coverage details (29%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
• Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursement after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
• Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

For more information, read our full travel insurance methodology.

A.M. Best Disclaimer

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The compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear, but it does not influence the recommendations the editorial team provides. Not all companies, products, or offers were reviewed.