Medical Emergencies while in Italy (2024)

FAQs

Medical Emergencies while in Italy? ›

While anyone can access hospital treatment in Italy, medical care is affordable or free if you live in the country. If you are a tourist visiting Italy and in need of emergency care, the SSN covers basic hospital treatment for foreigners.

While anyone can access hospital treatment in Italy, medical care is affordable or free if you live in the country. If you are a tourist visiting Italy and in need of emergency care, the SSN covers basic hospital treatment for foreigners.

In the European Union, for serious conditions (stroke, heart attack, bad car accident), summon an ambulance by calling 112, the universal emergency number for ambulance, fire department, or police. Most countries also have a 911 equivalent that works as well; for instance, in the United Kingdom you'd dial 999.

The main diseases affecting the population are circulatory diseases, malignant tumours and respiratory diseases.

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.

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.

The state health system in Italy also includes the state hospitals. These hospitals are funded primarily by taxes, so treatment is free for patients. For scheduled treatment, a referral from the patient's GP is required; in acute situations, the patient can go to A&E (Pronto Soccorso) without a referral.

Tourists can go directly to a GP's surgery. A list of GPs can be found through the local ASL. If necessary, the state GP will then refer the patient to a specialist. Regions and cities that regularly welcome a large number of tourists sometimes have separate medical practices for patients from abroad.

U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas. This means your health insurance won't pay for care if you need to visit a doctor for a prescription medicine, or if you need treatment for a condition that is not considered an emergency.

Health Care Resources for Travelers

The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).

Is it safe to go to Italy right now? ›

Danger level: 3 - Travel with high caution.

Travelers should not bring excess supplies of prescription drugs into the country and cannot bring prescription drugs for other people. The import of medications into Italy by courier services or by mail is strictly regulated by Italian Customs laws.

CVD, especially ischemic heart disease, is still an important cause of mortality and morbidity. The impact of increasing life-expectancy is a key determinant of CVD epidemiology in Italy, if compared to worldwide data, since older age is one of the major risk factors for CVD.

Do they have urgent cares in Italy? Urgent care walk-in clinics are not common in Italy as everyone has a designated primary care physician that they can visit the same day. Doctors at urgent care centers always change shifts so it's not easy to find an available English-speaking doctor.

How the service is actually provided, and the level of service that is provided, can vary from a region to another, although basic standards are quite the same. Emergency service in Italy is always free of charge.

Cost of doctors and specialists in Italy

A GP consultation in Italy is free to all residents registered with the SSN. Costs for public and private specialists vary. On average, standard public consultations and checkups are around €36, according to the Italian Ministry of Health's website.

Many doctors in Italy speak English, especially in big cities. If you need emergency care, hospitals are also well-equipped with English-speaking medical staff.

How the service is actually provided, and the level of service that is provided, can vary from a region to another, although basic standards are quite the same. Emergency service in Italy is always free of charge.