Do you need travel insurance for Italy? Yes, we believe you do. No matter how careful you are, things can and do go wrong when you travel. Even in a relatively safe country like Italy.
You’d be surprised how many trips are canceled due to emergencies at home or the number of people who fall on cobblestones and sprain their ankles. So it is best to be prepared to avoid any unnecessary stress by taking out a comprehensive travel insurance policy.
What's in this article
IMPORTANT – You must always carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase. In particular the “Limitations and Exclusions” section. Coverage depends on your country of residence and the activities you are do on your trip. There is no cover available for travel to any country or part of it with a COVID-19 travel ban, and any events that arise when you travel against any government bans or warnings.
What to look for in a travel insurance policy
While you can get coverage separately for different aspects of travel, we always look for a comprehensive policy that covers most situations. Italy is a generally safe country however there are the usual theft issues that arise wherever you go and other events outside of your control.
These are the inclusions you need to look for in your travel insurance policy:
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- cover for if you or your travel partner become ill
- provisions for natural disasters
- ability to claim if a close family member is sick
- Medical and repatriation services
- cover for hospital, medicine and ambulance charges abroad including Covid
- will your insurer fly you home if deemed necessary?
- claim for emergency dental work
- Delayed, stolen, lost or damaged luggage
- cover if your bags were delayed or lost in transit
- claim for stolen items and passport charges
- recover cost of replacement medication
- Flight insurance
- cover for cancelations due to strikes or bad weather
- Rental cars
- cover if your rental car is damaged in a collision, by theft, vandalism, weather
- rental vehicle insurance excess
- return of rental car if you are unable to
- Coverage for activities
- hiking, canoeing or skiing etc often carry additional charges
Although these items are all important, we think the medical and repatriation services are the most critical.
Sadly, through several first hand experiences, we know first hand what it is like to bring seriously ill friends and family members back home from their travels. You do not want to have to worry about a financial burden on top of that.
The Italian healthcare system is world class. But, if you are ill or injured, getting home is often the first priority. You can read more about healthcare for tourists in Italy below.
Insurance for families
Once you become parents, ensuring the safety of your family becomes your priority. Not buying travel insurance these days seems crazy to us even though before kids we may have considered it.
Check that your policy includes all family members and that the benefit amounts are quoted per person under the policy. If there is a chance you might be pregnant make sure to check the pregnancy clauses too.
Seniors insurance
If you are over 65 you may need to look for specialty seniors policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions. You may need to undergo a medical check-up with your GP and disclose any medical conditions before taking out cover. And it may mean paying an additional premium to ensure you’re covered.
What to understand and check before buying your travel insurance
As with any financial services product you must check the fine print before purchasing a policy. Things to look for include:
- Excess payments – the amount you need to pay when you make a claim on your policy
- Time limits – example – after what time do flight delay entitlements apply
- Item and cash limits – the most you will be reimbursed if items are stolen
- Proof of insurance – a hardcopy version or ability to print your insurance documents
- Limitations and Exclusions – usually pre-existing medical conditions, high risk activities or fear of travel
- COVID-19 coverage – review medical and cancelation cover with respect to COVID-19
IMPORTANT – Unless your policy explicitly addresses it (usually “Cancel for Any Reason” policies) there is no cover available for travel to any country or part of it with a COVID-19 travel ban, and any events that arise when you travel against any government bans or warnings.
Best travel insurance for Italy and Europe
Healthcare in Italy for tourists
Emergency Medical Assistance at public hospitals is provided to anyone in need under Italy’s universal healthcare principles. This is regardless of nationality and upfront payment is not required.
Other services will require a co-payment depending on where you are from. More details below.
Non EU citizens – USA, Canada, Australia and NZ
Italy has agreements with some countries on the provision of healthcare services though they are extremely limited. These health care agreements do not provide for ongoing treatment of existing health conditions as an example.
For more information on what applies in your country where available – click on the links below:
- USA citizens – click here
- Canadian citizens – click here
- Australian citizens – click here
Check your usual health insurance for coverage overseas however in our opinion this does not replace the need for private travel health insurance. Medical evacuations are usually not covered as an example.
Private medical care in Italy must be paid for at time of service.
EU citizens
Medical care in Italy incurred in public facilities by EU Citizens is fully refunded. Always remember to carry your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), as physical proof that you are insured in an EU country.
Private medical care in Italy must be paid for at time of service.
Health insurance requirements for Schengen Visa travelers
If you are traveling to Italy on a Schengen visa, travel insurance covering repatriation and medical expenses is compulsory – a minimum of €30,000 coverage is required. More information below.
Travel insurance for Schengen visa
Citizens of some countries are required to apply for the Schengen visa – click here to see if you need a visa for Italy and the Schengen area.
Note – no visa is required for US, Canadian, Australian and NZ passport holders at this time
You will not be issued a visa unless you provide proof of suitable coverage if you incur expenses for:
- Urgent medical treatment
- Hospitalization
- Out-patient care
- Medical evacuation
- Return of your remains
Oops I forgot – how to get insurance at the last minute
In all the excitement of planning your trip to Italy, administrative jobs like organizing insurance sometimes get forgotten. Don’t worry, these days there are options to buy last minute travel insurance.
Useful safety and travel insurance information for Italy
Once you are insured you can get on with enjoying your trip but here are a few extra pointers for making sure everything goes as smoothly as possible:
- Remember to leave your travel insurance details with an emergency contact at home
- Print out a copy of your insurance documents to take with you
- Add the emergency numbers for Italy into your cell phone’s text function
- 112 – general emergency
- 113 – police
- 115 – fire brigade
- 118 – first aid
- Add your insurer’s emergency contact information into your cell phone
- Bookmark the link to your insurer’s claims process if you are able to claim online
- Scan and keep all receipts for your travel and in one spot so they are easy to find
- Report lost baggage and thefts immediately and retain paperwork from airlines and authorities
We hope you now feel prepared for your trip to Italy. Safe travels – here’s hoping you NEVER need to use your insurance.
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The creator, writer and photographer behind Untold Morsels, Katy has been travelling and tasting the world since she was a teenager.
Now the proud mum of twins, she hopes they grow up to share her passions of great food, wine and travel. Favourite destination: Italy