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

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

by Michele
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Travel Insurance for Italy
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Claims process: Ensure you understand the claims process before leaving, including how to file a claim, the required documents, and whom to contact.
  6. 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.

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.

  • 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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

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

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

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Travel Insurance for Italy - What you should know


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