Travel insurance for Italy (2024)

There are more hidden gems in Italy than there are varieties of pasta and gelato, from sampling limoncello while watching an Amalfi sunset, swimming the turquoise waters of Lake Garda, or visiting the World Heritage-listed site of Pompeii.

  • What's covered
  • Will I need a Schengen Visa to go to Italy?
  • Going off season and off the grid
  • Pickpockets and other scammers
  • Planning on an adventure?
  • 24/7 Help if you fall sick or get injured
  • Trip delays
  • Looking for more travel inspiration for Italy?

When you head to the Bel Paese, you’ll no doubt have an unforgettable trip; World Nomads just wants to help make sure it’s unforgettable for the right reasons.

What's covered

With World Nomads, you canbuy travel insurance when you book your trip from home or while you're already traveling around Italy. All our plans offer cover (up to the benefit limits) for:

  • Overseas emergency medical
  • Medical evacuation and repatriation
  • Trip cancellation
  • Stolen or delayed baggage
  • Worldwide 24-hour Emergency Assistance Team
  • Cover for some Coronavirus-related events.

Note:all travel insurance plans are different, and cover will vary, depending on what's happened, your Country of Residence, the plan you choose and any optional extras or upgrades you add. Always make sure you read the policy wording carefully.

Will I need a Schengen Visa to go to Italy?

Yes! When in Italy it’s very important to have a valid passport and a Schengen visa if you’re not a European citizen as this will help you move freely around the 27 EU member states. Depending on the Schengen country where you are applying for the visa, authorities may ask you for a Schengen visa letter.

If you’re not a resident of a Schengen visa country, you will need to get avalid Schengen visato move freely in the 27 EU member states. Before you can get your visa, you'll need valid travel insurance.

Going off season

It’s a good idea to visit Italy in the shoulder seasons, especially if you want to avoid large crowds and want cheaper flights and accommodation. Many of the main cities in Italy in the summer months will be full of tourists. If you do go outside of peak season – either in the autumn months (September to November) or the spring months (March to May) - flights may be cheaper, as will hotels and even shops.

Also, if you do go in the peak season, it may be a good idea to go off the beaten path and visit some of the lesser known, but still incredible, Italian cities and regions. For example, Locorotondo in Puglia, Trento in Trentino, Mantua in Lombardy, and Tropea in Calabria.

Check out ourtravel alertsto stay up to date on any travel restrictions or travel changes for Italy.

Pickpockets and other scammers

Italy might be the home of high fashion brands, but even a humble backpack can draw attention here, thanks to pickpockets. Always be vigilant with your personal items, especially in crowded areas where you’re likely to get jostled, especially on the buses, metros and trains, and busy tourist sights.

What to do if your gear is stolen

  • If the worst happens, and you realize your personal effects have been stolen or damaged, you may be eligible for coverage on the loss, subject to claim assessment.
  • As soon as you’ve noticed your bags have beenstolenordamaged, report it to the relevant authority (carrier, tour operator, accommodation provider). In the case of theft, you’ll also need to report it to the local police or relevant authority.
  • Generally, insurance won’t cover things such as losing bags or valuables that are left unattended. Remember to always keep originals or copies of your receipts if you need to make a claim.

When it comes to theft, prevention is best, check out ourtop 5 safety tips for Italyarticle before you go.

Planning on an adventure?

If you’re planning on skiing down the snow-dusted slopes in the Dolomites or cycling through cinematic Tuscany, World Nomads has you covered with cover for more than 150 adventure activities and sports.

Additional premiums may apply, depending on your Country of Residence. Your choice of a Standard or Explorer plan may also determine what activities are covered. Just select your Country of Residence to see those that apply to you. If you’re not sure if something you’re planning on doing while on holiday is covered, please contact us.

24/7 Help if you fall sick or get injured

In a medical emergency, say an injury or equipment failure that leaves you on your derrière, it’s comforting to know you can contact World Nomads for24/7 Emergency Assistance. They can help you find care nearby, communicate with doctors, and even assist with any paperwork that you’ll need for out-of-pocket expenses. (While Italian citizens have nationalized healthcare,visitors from non-EU countriesmay have to pay for the cost of their treatments.) With a World Nomads policy, you may be covered up to a maximum benefit for emergency accidents and sickness medical expenses.

Trip delays

One of the most common reasons World Nomads gets a worried call from travelers is an unforeseen travel delay. Maybe local train employees are on strike or the bus you booked has been in a road accident.

Depending on the plan selected, with a World Nomads policy, you could get reimbursed for any expenses you incurred and even a one-way ticket home if the delay is caused by an event specified in your policy and sets you back for a certain amount of time. Just be sure to keep your receipts and copies of your rescheduled itinerary.

Whatever you’re planning, be sure to read over your policy carefully andcontact customer serviceif you have questions.

Looking for more travel inspiration for Italy?

World Nomads has various articles that cover a range of fun topics on Italy, here’s a sample of some of our content:

  • 5 Things Travelers Should Know Before Driving in Italy
  • Skiing Italy's Dolomites: 8 Important Safety Tips
  • 5 Things to Know Before Going to Italy

About World Nomads

World Nomads polices are designed by travelers for travelers to provide simple and flexible travel insurance. Featuring coverage for more than 150 activities, you can get a quote, claim, or extend your policy online at www.worldnomads.com. All the information we provide about travel insurance is a brief summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.

Travel insurance for Italy (2024)

FAQs

Is travel insurance worth it for Italy? ›

From paying for medical expenses to reimbursing you for lost baggage, it helps to have a safety net for European vacations. When you purchase travel insurance for your Italy vacation, it includes trip cancellation, emergency medical evacuation and medical treatment in the event of unforeseen circ*mstances.

Do I need travel insurance to travel to Italy? ›

Before you travel, it's important to buy travel insurance that includes good medical cover in case of emergencies while you're away. This can protect you from having to personally pay certain costs and any associated expenses. Make sure you've got the most comprehensive protection you can.

Does US insurance work in Italy? ›

Travel Medical Insurance for Italy Trips

It's wise to buy travel medical insurance when planning an international trip. Your U.S. health insurance plan may have limited or no coverage outside the U.S. Likewise, Medicare does not cover health care costs outside the U.S.—a major consideration for senior travelers.

How much travel insurance is enough? ›

How much travel medical insurance do you need? Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, recommends buying at least $50,000 in emergency medical coverage for international travel. For travelers going on a cruise or to a remote destination, the site recommends at least $100,000 in coverage.

How much travel insurance do I need for Italy? ›

We recommend at least $50,000 in Emergency Medical insurance for your Italy trip. Medical Evacuation & Repatriation: Covers the cost of emergency transportation to another medical facility or back to your home country if a treating physician deems it necessary for more adequate treatment.

What happens if an American gets sick in Italy? ›

Although many health insurance companies will pay “customary and reasonable” hospital costs abroad, very few will pay for your medical evacuation back to the United States. Medical evacuation can easily cost $60,000 and up, depending on your location and medical condition.

Is healthcare free in Italy for foreigners? ›

Since 1978, healthcare in Italy has been provided through a mixed public-private structure. On the public side, the SSN, Servicio Sanitario Nazionale, provides free or very low-cost healthcare to all Italian citizens and non-citizens with residency status.

What to do if you get sick while traveling in Italy? ›

In case of an emergency, for immediate medical attention or to call an ambulance dial 112 from any telephone in Italy. No country code is necessary if calling from within Europe. Private hospitals do not normally have emergency rooms.

Do Americans get free healthcare in Italy? ›

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.

Is Allianz travel insurance legit? ›

We at the MarketWatch Guides team awarded Allianz Travel Insurance 4.1 out of 5 stars based on our provider review methodology. Named our pick for concierge services, Allianz offers 24/7 travel assistance through a multilingual team, which can help policyholders with travel and coverage issues while abroad.

What does a US citizen need to travel to Italy? ›

As a U.S. passport holder, you can visit Italy without a visa for up to 90 days. From 2025, you'll need to apply for ETIAS to travel visa-free. This page explains the ETIAS for U.S. nationals traveling to Italy. Understand the application process and be prepared for the new entry requirement.

Is it worth adding travel insurance? ›

Travel insurance can be useful, but it's not always necessary. The key to knowing if you need travel insurance is figuring out your specific risks for any given vacation, then deciding if you can buy coverage that adequately protects you from any financial losses and pitfalls that might occur.

Should you buy travel insurance when going to Europe? ›

Travel insurance isn't required when visiting Europe; however, it can cover your prepaid and non-refundable trip costs in the event of travel delays, cancellations, a medical emergency or lost baggage.

Should you get travel insurance for international travel? ›

It could be particularly useful if: You've spent a lot on prepaid, non-refundable expenses. You're traveling internationally where your health insurance won't apply. You're traveling to a remote area.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Tuan Roob DDS

Last Updated:

Views: 5598

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tuan Roob DDS

Birthday: 1999-11-20

Address: Suite 592 642 Pfannerstill Island, South Keila, LA 74970-3076

Phone: +9617721773649

Job: Marketing Producer

Hobby: Skydiving, Flag Football, Knitting, Running, Lego building, Hunting, Juggling

Introduction: My name is Tuan Roob DDS, I am a friendly, good, energetic, faithful, fantastic, gentle, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.