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Italy Health Care and Vaccinations
| Title | Special precautions |
|---|---|
| Diphtheria |
Sometimes |
| Hepatitis A |
Sometimes |
| Malaria |
No |
| Rabies |
No |
| Tetanus |
Sometimes |
| Typhoid |
No |
| Yellow Fever |
No |
Italy has a well-developed healthcare system that provides good standards of medical care across the country, particularly in cities and larger towns. Public hospitals and clinics are widely available, and private healthcare facilities operate in parallel, often offering shorter waiting times and English-speaking staff. Emergency medical treatment is available to everyone, including visitors.
Pharmacies (farmacie) are common and easy to identify by a green cross sign. They dispense both prescription and over-the-counter medicines and can provide basic medical advice for minor ailments. Some medications that require a prescription in other countries may be available over the counter in Italy, while certain foreign prescriptions may not be accepted. Visitors who rely on specific medications are advised to bring sufficient supplies, along with a copy of their prescription.
In emergencies, the national emergency number is 112, which connects callers to medical, police and fire services. Emergency rooms (pronto soccorso) operate in all public hospitals. For non-urgent medical needs, private clinics and international medical centres in major cities are often a convenient option for travellers.
EU and EEA visitors can access necessary public healthcare using a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), though this does not replace travel insurance. Non-EU visitors are generally required to pay for treatment unless covered by private insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical treatment, hospitalisation and any potential evacuation.
Tap water in Italy is safe to drink and meets strict European safety and quality standards. In many cities and towns, especially Rome, visitors will also find public drinking fountains providing fresh, potable water. In restaurants, bottled water is commonly offered by default, but this is a matter of custom rather than necessity. In very remote rural areas or mountain locations, water from natural springs should only be consumed if clearly marked as drinkable.
Italian food standards are generally high, and dairy products are safe to consume. Visitors should be aware that some traditional cheeses are made from unpasteurised milk, which may not be suitable for pregnant women or those with compromised immune systems. Food hygiene in restaurants, cafés and markets is well regulated, but, as anywhere, caution is advised with unrefrigerated food left out in extreme heat, particularly during summer months.
Italy is generally a safe destination, but visitors should remain alert to petty crime, particularly in major cities and tourist hotspots. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are the most common issues, especially on crowded public transport, around train stations, and near popular attractions. Visitors are advised to keep valuables secure, avoid displaying expensive items, and be cautious in busy areas.
Tourist scams do occur, particularly in heavily visited cities. Common schemes include distraction tactics, fake petitions, unofficial guides, and street vendors selling counterfeit goods. Please note that purchasing counterfeit items is illegal and can result in fines for both buyers and sellers.
Strikes affecting public transport and services happen periodically and are usually announced in advance. While disruption is often limited, travellers should allow flexibility in travel plans and check local information if moving between cities.
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