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:

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:

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:

Planning a trip and need travel insurance? Get a free quote from World Nomads here.

What is the cost of travel insurance for Italy?

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

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:

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:

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

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

Looking to get travel insurance? Get a free quote from World Nomads here.

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Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

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