Most U.S. health insurance plans do not provide coverage in Italy, or offer very limited, emergency-only coverage. Medicare and Medicaid typically do not pay for medical care outside the U.S.. It is highly recommended to purchase specialized travel medical insurance for your trip to Italy.
Medical Emergencies and Hospital Costs
U.S. health insurance does not cover medical expenses in Italy. ✅ Travel medical insurance covers hospital stays, doctor visits, and emergency transportation, reducing unexpected expenses. Some policies arrange direct payment to hospitals.
U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not pay for medical care outside the United States. Check with your U.S. health insurance provider and ask if they cover emergency and routine medical care while abroad. If your regular medical insurance does not cover you, consider getting a short-term policy.
If you become ill in Italy, the country's health care system provides excellent medical services. For non-emergency situations, contact a health center or private clinic. For emergencies, call 118 for ambulance services. Most health care professionals in urban areas speak English.
U.S. citizens traveling to Italy are not required to obtain travel insurance if their stay is 90 days or less. However, travel insurance is highly recommended as it can provide coverage for emergency medical expenses abroad in the event of your illness or an injury.
Each doctor decides the price to charge for a consultation, we do not influence the doctor's fees. The price usually varies from about 20 euro up to 150 euro on average. To see a specialist the fee is usually higher, but hardly ever more than 250 euro, even for a world class doctor.
Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling
Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance. If you want, they can inform your family and friends.
Is healthcare free in Italy? Healthcare in Italy is not free, but the fees are usually quite reasonable and Emergency Medical Assistance is provided to anyone in need, regardless of their nationality, without asking for upfront payment. Healthcare in Italy is provided to anyone with a mixed Public and Private system.
What medication should I be careful taking to Italy?
Your insurer may ask to be told when you're going abroad and only provide third party cover when you do. An International Driving Permit when necessary. A Green Card from your insurer when necessary (from 2 August 2021, you no longer need a Green Card when driving in the European Economic Area). Your passport(s).
Make sure you understand what medical services your health insurance covers outside the United States. If your insurance is accepted abroad, take your insurance card and claim forms with you.
In Italy, patients are free to choose between public hospitals and private hospitals. Public hospitals normally provide both emergency and non-emergency services. At public hospitals, patients may receive emergency services at no cost or upon payment of a limited contribution, depending on the public hospital's policy.
Do Americans get free healthcare in Italy? No. Before obtaining residency, you must have private insurance. After residency, some categories—like employees or self-employed workers—can join the SSN, which provides low-cost or free services.
Italy Packing List
What happens if an American gets sick in Italy. Healthcare in Italy for US citizens guarantees access for urgent care to tourists who are in Italy up to 90 days. Tourists will be required to pay a fee for the services provided, called ticket.
Italy guarantees medical assistance to anyone who needs it and goes to a public hospital or similar facility (emergency rooms, polyclinics, doctor's surgeries). In these cases, there is no charge.
How to See a Doctor in Italy as a Tourist
Remember that in Italy the National Health Service is public and free, especially for emergencies. Almost every city hospital has an ER service. If you are unable to reach the nearest hospital, you can call the medical emergency number: 112, Single European emergency Number.
EES started on 12 October 2025. It will be introduced in phases, building towards being fully operational by 10 April 2026. You won't need an ETIAS for travel this year. The EU is looking to introduce ETIAS towards the end of 2026.
No, travel insurance isn't legally required for visiting Europe. However, it's highly recommended to protect against unexpected costs, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost belongings. Without the right cover, a dream trip could quickly turn into a financial nightmare.