Medical Care
Italy has a public health system (SSN) that offers EU citizens with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) free emergency treatment. Quality varies regionally: In northern Italy and major cities, care is good to excellent, while in rural areas of the south, there may be limitations.
- Pronto Soccorso (Emergency Room): In every hospital, 24/7. Waiting times can be long — Italy uses a triage system (red/yellow/green/white).
- Guardia Medica: Medical on-call service at night and on weekends. Free for EU citizens with EHIC.
- Farmacia (Pharmacy): Pharmacies are well-stocked and can sell many medications without a prescription. Night pharmacies (Farmacia di turno) are marked — the duty roster is posted at every pharmacy.
- Private Clinics: Shorter waiting times, higher costs. Travel health insurance is recommended.
💡 Tipp
Apply for the EHIC card before the trip (free from the health insurance). Additionally, take out private travel health insurance — it covers repatriation, private doctors, and services not covered by the EHIC. From 10 €/year.