My Journey with Travel Insurance for Italy: Tips and Lessons

O que fazer em Milão: Subir ao telhado do Duomo di Milan.
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2025-04-08

If you’re planning a trip to Italy and want to know more about travel insurance, then you’ve come to the right place!

I recently returned to Italy, between bustling cities, historic villages and magnificent beaches, and I realized how important it is to have travel insurance, even when traveling within Europe.

Italy is an incredible country, full of history, culture and gastronomy.

But I also realized that, in the event of a medical emergency, I could have complications if I wasn’t well prepared.

For example, no one is free from twisting an ankle while hiking in the Cinque Terre. These and other unforeseen events can happen and, if you’re like me, you’ll want to be prepared.

That’s why I’ve prepared this article as a guide for anyone looking to travel with peace of mind in Italy.

Marina di Pescoluse, or "Maldives of Salento".
Marina di Pescoluse, or “Maldives of Salento”.

Is travel insurance compulsory to enter Italy?

For citizens of the European Union, travel insurance is not compulsory to enter Italy. You only need to carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

However, it is important to clarify: the EHIC is not a substitute for full travel insurance.

This card guarantees access to public healthcare under the same conditions as Italian citizens, but does not cover private consultations, repatriation, lost luggage or trip cancellations.

What’s more, in many tourist areas the doctors available are private, which means you may have to pay for everything out of your own pocket if you don’t have insurance.

So the recommendation is clear: take your EHIC and take out travel insurance that covers much more than basic medical care.

👉 See how much travel insurance for Italy costs and get a 5% discount

First day in Venice, Italy.
First day in Venice, Italy.

Why is travel insurance important?

When you take out travel insurance, you gain peace of mind.

In other words, you are protected against unforeseen events and know that if anything happens, you will have support and expenses covered.

Even in simple situations, such as a stomach ailment or a minor accident, insurance guarantees that you will receive the necessary care without additional stress.

What’s more, in large Italian cities such as Rome, Milan or Naples, it’s not uncommon for robberies or thefts to occur, especially in areas with a lot of tourists.

And if you’re unlucky enough to lose your luggage or documents, insurance can help – a lot!

Tourists in Alberobello.
Tourists in Alberobello.
Inexpensive meals in Venice, Italy: pizza and calzone.
Inexpensive meals in Venice, Italy: pizza and calzone.

What to do in the event of a medical emergency in Italy?

If you have a medical emergency in Italy, the first step is to contact your insurance company.

In my case, I travel with IATI Travel Insurance and you don’t have to advance any money. The insurer deals directly with the healthcare providers and there are no hidden deductibles.

It also has a handy app and a medical chat, ideal for quick questions.

👉 See how much IATI Travel Insurance costs, ideal for trips in Europe, and get a 5% discount here.

St. Mark's Square flooded, Venice.
St. Mark’s Square flooded, Venice.

What should travel insurance for Italy include?

When taking out insurance, check that the policy includes:

  • Medical expenses in public and private hospitals
  • Baggage cover (theft, loss or damage)
  • Trip cancellation or interruption
  • Civil liability
  • 24-hour service.

Also, if you’re planning to go hiking, cycling or try any outdoor sports, check whether these activities are covered by the insurance.

Ciclying Tours em Puglia, Itália.
Antonio from Puglia Ciclying Tours.
Cycling: safety recommendations in Italy.
Cycling: safety recommendations in Italy.

What insurance do I recommend for traveling to Italy?

For a trip to Italy, I recommend IATI Travel Insurance. It’s a tailor-made insurance for trips within Europe and covers the essentials, including medical expenses, lost luggage and flight cancellations.

It’s simple to take out, has no deductibles and 24-hour support. And, just as importantly, it has the most affordable price on the market.

👉 Enjoy a 5% discount when you take out your insurance here.

Unforeseen events happen everywhere, even when you’re on vacation in Italy, so if they do, it’s good to know you’re protected.

Take your European Health Insurance Card if you’re a European citizen, yes, but also take good travel insurance to make sure you can enjoy your trip without any worries.

Transportation in Bologna Italy.
Transportation in Bologna Italy.
Faro di Leuca (lighthouse).
Faro di Leuca (lighthouse).

👉 Rent your car in Italy with Discovercars – one of the most reliable and easy-to-book platforms. Start your Italian adventure with the confidence that you’ve made the right choice.

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We are a Family traveling around the world and sharing our journey and experiences at passaportenobolso.com. Here you can find plenty of family budget travel tips as well as practical information about numerous destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia and America. We have visited 40+ countries and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. From time to time I travel alone… Follow everything on YouTube / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / X Pinterest.

Plan your trip!

Book your trips with Passaporte no Bolso partners. The brands listed below are to be trusted, and for that reason, we recommend them!

Also, by using these links, we receive a small commission, which helps us keep the blog up to date. We appreciate the contribution!

  • Hotels on Booking;
  • Tours, tickets to museums, transfers to and from the airport and tourist attractions without queues and with occasional discounts on Get Your Guide;
  • Tailor-made travel insurance (includes COVID-19 insurance), with service in Portuguese and other languages and with a 5% discount at IATI Seguros;

Don’t forget that we plan our trips and those of our friends so we can plan yours too! Please send us an email at reservapassaporte@gmail.com.

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