Italy travel health tips

In Italy, health and safety standards are generally the same as in other Western European countries. Serious health problems are rare for visitors, but petty theft is common in busy areas. Healthcare is reliable in most regions, with both public and private options available.
A bit of preparation helps you avoid unnecessary problems. Knowing what to expect makes it easier to handle anything minor that comes up. Here’s a roundup of our best Italy travel health tips.

Essential vaccines for traveling to Italy

If you’re coming from the US, Canada, or another EU country, there aren’t any required vaccines. The exception is if you’re arriving from a place with yellow fever risk (you’ll need proof of vaccination). Italy checks this closely, especially for travelers from certain parts of sub-Saharan Africa and South America.

It’s a good idea to make sure your regular vaccinations are current about a month before your Italy itinerary so they have time to work. If you can, book a travel health appointment a couple of months ahead, since some vaccines need more than one dose.

Worth checking before you go:

• Hepatitis A: Spread through food or water—common enough that most travelers get it.
• Hepatitis B: Important if you might need medical treatment, have close contact with locals, or stay for a longer time.
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR): Make sure you’re up to date—Europe still sees measles outbreaks.
• Flu: Helpful if you’re visiting between October and April.

Depending on your plans and health, you might also look into:

• Rabies: If you’ll be outdoors a lot in rural areas where you could encounter stray animals.
• Tick-borne encephalitis: Consider it if you’ll be hiking or camping in forested areas of northern Italy, especially Trentino-Alto Adige in warmer months.
   

Pre-travel health checklist

It’s worth packing a small health kit so you’re ready for the little things like cuts, headaches, and allergies without having to track down a pharmacy right away.

That said, pharmacies are easy to find in Italy. You’ll be able to get most supplies easily unless you are in a very rural area. When you’re tired or feeling unwell, it’s easier to just have what you need on hand.

A good kit includes:

• Prescription medications in their original packaging, plus a doctor’s note just in case
• Sunscreen SPF 30+ for the Mediterranean sun
• A few adhesive bandages and antiseptic wipes
• Pain relief like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (which are more expensive in Italy than in the U.S., for example)
• Antihistamines
• Insect repellent if you’ll be in the countryside or eating outside at night

Try to see your doctor 6–8 weeks before your trip, especially if you have ongoing health conditions. Let them know where you’re going and what you’ll be doing so they can flag anything that might need attention before you leave.
 

Traffic and pedestrian safety

If you’re not used to Italy’s driving style, it can feel a bit chaotic. Cars and scooters move quickly, and traffic rules can be interpreted loosely.

In some cities, especially in the southern cities like Naples and Palermo, pedestrian crossings aren’t always treated as a stop signal. Scooters can appear from unexpected places, including sidewalks.

To stay safe:

• Keep an eye out for scooters, even when you’re on the sidewalk
• Avoid walking distracted—skip the headphones and scrolling when crossing streets
• Cross with locals when you can

Driving safely in Italy

Driving in Italy can be a challenge. Roads are often narrow, traffic can be assertive, and signage is not always clear.

In the Alps and Apennines, roads twist through hairpin turns with few guardrails, and you may have to squeeze past large buses on tight mountain passes. Be ready for limited lighting and drivers who take curves from the middle of the road.

City driving (particularly in the South) often involves frequent honking, tight spaces, and scooters slipping through gaps. Parking can be difficult to find and expensive when you do. For most cities, it’s best to stick to local transportation.

You’ll need an International Driving Permit along with your regular license, and rental companies are checking more often. 
If you’re in a minor accident, swap insurance details and fill out the European Accident Statement that rental agencies provide. Police usually only get involved if there are injuries or disagreements.

How to avoid tick-borne illnesses

Ticks are common in Italy, especially once the weather warms up. They can carry illnesses like tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), Lyme disease, and Mediterranean spotted fever. You’ll find them in rural, wooded, and grassy areas across the country. If you’re hiking, camping, or just spending time outside, it’s worth taking a few precautions.

• Wear long sleeves and pants when walking through tall grass or wooded trails
• Use repellent with DEET, picaridin, or permethrin on skin and clothing
• Stick to maintained paths and avoid brushing against overgrown plants
• Check yourself for ticks every day after being outdoors
• Shower within two hours of getting back inside to help remove ticks before they attach
• Remove attached ticks quickly with fine-tipped tweezers, gripping close to the skin and pulling straight out

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease turns up across Italy, but northern regions like Veneto, Liguria, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia report more cases. The risk is highest from March to October, especially in damp, wooded areas, tall grass, and places where deer are common.

Ixodes ricinus ticks spread Lyme disease, but they usually need to be attached for more than 24 hours to pass it on. Early symptoms can include an expanding circular rash, fever, fatigue, and joint pain. If it’s treated quickly with antibiotics like doxycycline or amoxicillin, recovery is straightforward. Left untreated, it can spread to the joints, nervous system, and heart.

Mediterranean Spotted Fever (MSF)

MSF shows up most often in Sicily, Sardinia, and the south, with around 400 cases a year, mainly in summer.

It’s carried by the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), which lives around dogs, livestock, and sometimes inside buildings in warmer climates.

Symptoms include sudden fever, a bad headache, muscle pain, and a rash that often starts on the wrists and ankles. Early treatment with doxycycline works well and helps prevent serious complications.
 

Staying healthy in Italy

The sun can be stronger than it feels, especially with light bouncing off water, marble, and pale buildings. Even in the shade, UV can be high. If you want to know how to plan a trip to Italy while staying healthy, a big part of that will be using broad-spectrum sunscreen. Apply it about 30 minutes before heading out, and top it up every couple of hours if you’re outdoors. 

You’ll also need more water than you think in summer, around 2–3 liters a day if you’re active. In the mountains, the dry air and altitude can have the same effect, even if the temperatures are cooler. 

A wide-brimmed hat and quality sunglasses are worth having, particularly if you’re fair-skinned or not used to strong Mediterranean sun.

Food and water safety

In most cities, tap water meets EU safety standards and is fine to drink. Rome’s supply comes from mountain springs and is especially clean, and Milan and Florence have modern treatment systems. You can usually get tap water in restaurants if you ask, though locals often choose bottled for taste rather than safety.

In rural areas, it’s a bit more variable. Mountain villages may use well water or spring water that’s generally safe but can have minerals that upset some stomachs. 

Similarly, food safety is generally on par with the rest of the EU. Seasonal changes, ingredient freshness, and kitchen practices make the biggest difference.

Staying safe while hiking

Italy’s mountain and coastal trails can be stunning, but they come with real risks if you’re unprepared. Conditions can shift quickly, especially at higher elevations, so pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and enough food and water for more time than you expect to be out.

Some mountain routes include via ferrata (protected climbing paths with cables and ladders), which require proper gear and the know-how to use it. If you’re not experienced, go with a guide. Spring snowmelt can make paths slippery, summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms, and autumn means shorter daylight hours. See more in our guide to the best time to visit Italy.

Trail markings vary in quality, and mobile reception can drop out above 6,500 ft (2,000 m). Carry a GPS or detailed topographic map, and know how to navigate without relying on your phone. Let someone know your route before you set out.

The Italian Alpine Club (CAI) maintains many mountain huts and trail markers, but don’t assume they’re always clear or close by. A whistle, basic first-aid kit, and headlamp are worth carrying.
 

Safety during scuba diving

Italy’s coastline has a wide range of dive sites, from Sardinia’s clear waters to shipwrecks off Sicily, but conditions can be challenging.

Currents around Capri and the Aeolian Islands can be strong, and each year roughly 30 to 40 diving incidents here require hyperbaric treatment. Popular wall dives near Portofino and Taormina can drop past 100 feet (30 m), which increases the risk of nitrogen narcosis, especially for less experienced divers.

You will need certification from a recognized agency to dive in Italy, and deeper sites often require an advanced open water license. Operators must be within two hours of a hyperbaric chamber, but on remote islands like Lampedusa, evacuation may involve a helicopter transfer. Always check rental gear carefully, as quality can vary. Reliable operators work with dive masters who know the local currents, conditions, and how visibility changes with the seasons.

In an emergency, contact the Guardia Costiera (Coast Guard) on VHF channel 16 or by calling 1530. Hyperbaric chambers in Rome, Naples, and Palermo operate 24/7, but reaching them from more remote locations can take hours. 

That said, don't be intimidated, Italy's beaches are some of the best in the world.

Getting travel insurance

Italy’s public healthcare system, the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), covers citizens and EU residents and will treat anyone in an emergency, regardless of ability to pay. For visitors, emergency treatment in public hospitals is free, but non-urgent care usually comes with a small fee.

Public hospitals in major cities usually meet international standards, but if it’s not urgent, expect to wait: sometimes six to eight hours or more in the emergency department.

Private healthcare centers usually have shorter waits, more comfortable facilities, and doctors who are more likely to speak English. Hospitals in Rome, Milan, and Florence can manage everything from urgent care to major surgery. 

Private care is usually pay-as-you-go unless your insurer confirms coverage directly with the hospital, so you may need to pay upfront. Many private clinics cater to tourists and can arrange quick visits for common travel illnesses. They often provide clear pricing and English-language paperwork for insurance claims.

Hospital costs in Italy

If you're visiting Italy and don’t have insurance, costs can range significantly between public and private care. Here’s what to expect:

General practitioner / doctor visit

• Public: Non-emergency visits require a “ticket” fee, typically capped at around €36.15.
• Private: Generally €50–120 for GP visits; €80–200 for specialists.

Emergency room visit

• Public: Emergency treatment is free when truly urgent. Non-urgent cases may still require a small fee of around €25–35.
• Private: Basic care costs usually €50–200. In some cases and cities, costs may reach €350.

Hospital admission (per night)

• Public: Medically necessary admissions under SSN are typically free.
• Private: Costs vary by case complexity:
  • Low-complexity care: €476/day
  • Medium-complexity: €700/day
  • High-complexity (e.g., ICU): €1,402/day

CT scan / MRI

• Public: Often available at reduced cost with SSN coverage via ticket.
• Private: A single-area MRI generally costs €250–600.

Medical evacuation (air ambulance)

• Available only via private services or insurance, and can range from €25,000 to €100,000, depending on location and medical support needed
   

What to look for in a policy

Travel insurance is not just about peace of mind. It can mean the difference between getting quick, effective care and facing huge bills. It's also a way to avoid staying in a hospital waiting room for the entirety of your trip (especially helpful if you're in Italy with kids).

When you choose a policy for Italy, think about the type of trip you are taking and your own health needs. Make sure the coverage fits your plans so you are not left scrambling if something happens.

Medical coverage of at least €100,000: Enough for longer hospital stays, surgery, and specialist care in private clinics, where you are more likely to get faster treatment and clearer communication.

• Emergency evacuation of €1,000,000: Covers air ambulance transport home if local hospitals cannot handle your condition. This is especially important for major injuries or rare illnesses.
• Pre-existing condition coverage: If you have an ongoing health condition, make sure it is included. Without it, related emergencies will not be covered.
• Adventure activity coverage: Many standard plans exclude diving, skiing, or climbing. Check if your planned activities are included so you are not denied after an accident.
• 24/7 assistance hotline: Gives you a direct line to someone who can help find the right hospital, arrange payment, and coordinate with doctors in your language.
• Direct billing: If your insurer works with Italian hospitals, you will not have to pay upfront before getting treated.

Trusted travel insurance providers

Here are a few insurance providers that can be a good fit for a trip to Italy.

• World Nomads: Good for trips that might include adventure activities. You can extend coverage while abroad, and their 24/7 line has Italian-speaking staff who can help you get admitted quickly.
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Works with many Italian hospitals for direct billing. Also includes coverage for trip interruptions caused by transport strikes, which happen from time to time.
• AXA Travel Insurance: Focused on European travel, with extras like filling in EU111 gaps and upgrades to private hospitals. Their app lets you speak to an English-speaking doctor over video for smaller issues.
• IMG Global: Covers a wide range of situations, including many pre-existing conditions if documented. Also includes higher-risk activities and has a concierge service to book specialist appointments and translate medical paperwork.
   

Emergency help: what to do if you get sick

It’s worth saving these numbers before your trip, both in your phone and on paper in case your battery dies.

• 112 – Works anywhere in Italy for police, fire, or medical help. It is free, connects even if your phone is locked, and often has English-speaking operators.
• 118 – Direct line for ambulances and medical emergencies.
• 06 4906 63  –  Poison control (Rome) 
• If you are a U.S. citizen, you can call the U.S. Embassy in Rome: 06‑46741 

Going to the hospital

Emergency rooms in Italy use a color-coded triage system. Red means life-threatening, yellow is urgent, green is minor, and white is non-urgent. If your condition is not serious, you could be waiting a while.

Public hospitals will not turn you away in an emergency, but you will need to arrange payment once you are stable. Private hospitals often expect a credit card or proof of insurance before treating non-emergencies. Bring your passport, insurance details, and a list of medications with generic names to make registration and treatment smoother.

An important Italy travel tip: English is not always spoken, especially outside major cities or at night. Larger hospitals in tourist areas might have interpreters, but it is inconsistent. A translation app is useful, and printing a short note in Italian about any health conditions or allergies can save time.

Quick Italy health travel tips:

• Keep essential documents together in one place.
• Ask for itemized bills so your insurer can process the claim.
• Take photos of receipts, prescriptions, and medical notes before you leave.
• Call your insurance provider as soon as possible. Many require notification within 24 to 48 hours.
   

Best hospitals in major Italian cities

Most hospitals in Italy are of good quality; here are some of our favorites:

• Policlinico Gemelli, Rome: Large teaching hospital with strong departments like cardiac surgery and oncology. Has services for international patients.
• Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan: Private university hospital known for advanced treatments and research. Many specialists speak English, but I could not confirm if interpreters are always available in emergencies.
• Ospedale Careggi, Florence: Tuscany’s largest public hospital, focused on trauma and emergency medicine. Interpretation during business hours may be possible, but less likely in urgent cases.
• Ospedale Civile, Venice: Emergency care is reachable by water ambulance, with strong cardiology and stroke units. Some staff speak English, and for complex cases, an interpreter may be needed.
• Policlinico, Palermo: Main teaching hospital in Sicily. Comprehensive care but often longer waits. Some English-speaking doctors, though nursing staff usually speak only Italian.
   

Medication in Italy

In Italy, most medications are dispensed through pharmacies (farmacie), marked by a green cross sign. Instead of picking up the medication from an aisle, you instead ask the pharmacist at the counter, who can help inform you on different options. You’ll find a lot of OTC drugs like ibuprofen come in smaller packages and will cost more than in the US. 

Pharmacy hours vary, though most towns have at least one open 24/7 on a rotating schedule.

Italy’s biggest risk...

If you are in good health, your biggest problem might be eating more than you planned!

Italy’s healthcare system is strong, but it is still smart to keep the basics in mind: drink water, use sunscreen, get travel health insurance, and be sensible with food hygiene. For more Italy travel tips, see our guide to the best things to do in Italy.