Travel Insurance for Italy
Before you explore Italy’s famous cities and landscapes, it’s important to understand the risks that can affect your trip, including pickpocketing, healthcare expenses, demonstrations, and natural disruptions. Travel insurance for Italy can offer valuable protection against these issues and helps you travel with greater peace of mind. Plan benefits vary so be sure to review the coverages offered in your chosen plan.
Do You Need Travel Insurance for Italy?
Travel insurance is not legally required for Italy, but it is recommended when traveling internationally (U.S. Department of State). A plan that includes medical coverage and protection for common travel disruptions can reduce financial risk throughout your trip.
Italy is generally a safe destination, but there are still important risks to consider. According to On Call International*, healthcare is high quality, yet treatment costs vary by facility and some providers may require specific payment arrangements. Pickpocketing is common in crowded areas and major transit hubs, and demonstrations can intensify without warning. Italy also sits in an active seismic zone, making occasional earthquakes and volcanic events possible. Travel insurance for Italy can help you stay prepared for unexpected illness, injury, or other interruptions during your stay.
Will Domestic Insurance Work in Italy?
Your U.S. health insurance may not provide enough protection while traveling in Italy, so it’s important to review your current policy before you depart.
With few exceptions, Medicare does not provide coverage for healthcare outside the United States, according to Medicare.gov. As a result, individuals who rely on Medicare often need additional insurance when traveling internationally, a limitation shared by many domestic health plans.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) therefore recommends considering travel medical insurance for trips abroad. Healthcare in Italy may differ in structure, cost, and payment expectations, making travel-specific coverage a practical way to manage unexpected medical needs.
What Type of Travel Insurance is Right for Your Trip?
As you compare travel insurance for Italy, it helps to know that not all plans work the same way. Most fall into two groups—comprehensive trip protection and travel medical insurance —and understanding what each one offers will make it easier to decide which coverage fits your needs. A comprehensive trip protection plan helps protect your prepaid, non-refundable expenses, such as flights, accommodations, and tours, while also providing some medical coverage for unforeseen illnesses, injuries, or emergency medical evacuations. This type of plan is best suited for travelers who prioritize financial protection from trip disruptions, cancellations, or delays that could lead to lost payments or added costs.
For instance, WorldTrips’ Atlas Journey comprehensive trip protection plan can reimburse you for covered trip cancellations or interruptions, helping you recover non-refundable expenses if your travel plans change for a covered reason.
Travel medical insurance, in contrast, focuses primarily on covering unexpected medical situations while abroad. These policies also include some travel-related benefits, such as protection for lost checked luggage or travel delays.
With Atlas Travel insurance, you gain access to Air Doctor: a service that connects travelers to telehealth appointments, in-clinic care, or even in-hotel medical visits while abroad. These flexible plans let you tailor your deductible and coverage limits based on your destination, trip length, and budget.
Travel Medical Insurance
Atlas Travel
Designed for international travelers who need travel medical insurance coverage while abroad. Choose your deductible and coverage limits to match your destination, length of stay, and budget.
Highlights
- Coverage for New Illnesses, Injuries, and Accidents
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
- Emergency Dental
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment
- Lost Checked Luggage
- NO Trip Cancellation
- Pre-existing Conditions Generally Excluded**
Trip Protection Plans
Atlas Journey
A great option for U.S. residents looking for trip protection. Trip insurance includes benefits for trip cancellation, interruption, delays, and emergency medical care.
Highlights
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Trip Delay
- Missed Connection
- Medical: Accident and Sickness
- Emergency Evacuation
- Baggage Damage or Loss
- Pre-existing Conditions Waiver Available**
Why Choose WorldTrips for Your Italy Travel Insurance?
The best travel experiences come from exploration and connection—not from dealing with unexpected setbacks. With WorldTrips, you can travel confidently knowing your journey is backed by reliable coverage and decades of global expertise.
Global Experience
For more than 30 years, WorldTrips has provided protection to over five million travelers worldwide, including students, families, and business professionals. As part of Tokio Marine HCC, we bring together financial strength and a trusted reputation for dependability. The A++ (Superior) rating from AM Best underscores our stability and commitment to delivering exceptional travel protection.
Flexible Coverage
No two trips are the same, and your travel insurance should reflect that. WorldTrips offers flexible plans that can be tailored to include coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, travel delays, and lost baggage. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, studying abroad, visiting family, or embarking on a long-term adventure, you can select the plan that best fits both your itinerary and your budget.
24/7 Global Support
With WorldTrips, you’ll have access to healthcare providers in more than 190 countries, along with 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance. Our support team can help coordinate medical evacuations, connect you to trusted local physicians, and more. Plus, our partnership with Air Doctor allows you to book telehealth or in-person appointments quickly and conveniently on eligible plans.
Transparent Claims Process
Travel insurance should be straightforward. That’s why WorldTrips offers an easy online claims system that simplifies reimbursements. Our policies are written clearly, and we provide you with a Description of Coverage ahead of time, providing details on what’s covered and what’s not—helping you travel with confidence before your trip even begins.
Here’s what our customers have to say:
- “After extending my travel plans, I realised my existing travel insurance would shortly expire. I needed a quick, easy and inexpensive solution to briefly extend my cover. This was the perfect solution. I wish now I had of originally purchased my travel insurance here.” - Jarred
- “I purchased a health insurance plan for my daughter who is going to study in the United States, and I was truly impressed by how easy and transparent the whole process was. The website is user-friendly, the coverage options are clearly explained, and the support team is responsive and professional. I especially appreciate the sports-related injury coverage — a real plus for student athletes. WorldTrips gave me peace of mind, knowing my daughter is well protected abroad. Highly recommended for parents and international students!” - Solange
At WorldTrips, we strive to help you focus on the fun, knowing that we’re there to help if things go wrong.
Healthcare in Italy
According to On Call International* and the U.S. Department of State, Italy has strong healthcare services, and many doctors speak English or have translator support in major hospitals. Care may be more limited in rural areas, and treatment costs vary, so carrying adequate travel medical insurance is important. Travelers who use prescription medication should pack enough for the trip in original labeled containers along with the prescribing doctor’s note.
Public hospitals may not issue itemized bills, which U.S. insurers often require. Private hospitals typically request upfront payment or proof of insurance before admission.
If you need medical care during your stay in Italy, WorldTrips lets you choose any doctor or hospital for eligible services. You will pay upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement. Keep the following documents when filing your claim with WorldTrips:
- Itemized medical bills that include diagnosis details
- Medical records and prescription information
- Receipts for all payments made
- A doctor’s note if your condition impacted your travel plans
“WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024, based on our analysis of cost and coverage options.”
Pickpocketing
Watch for pickpocketing in crowded areas and at transportation hubs. Extra care is advised at Rome’s Termini station, on trains to and from airports and cruise ports, and on the Circumvesuviana line between Naples and Sorrento. Pickpockets often work in groups and use distraction tactics. Keep valuables zipped, close to the body, and out of sight.
Demonstrations
Expect periodic demonstrations in major cities such as Rome and Milan. Most are peaceful, but some turn confrontational and police may respond forcefully. Avoid protest areas and leave immediately if crowds form.
Payment & Identity Risks
ATM skimming occurs across Europe. Favor indoor bank ATMs, monitor accounts, and act quickly on suspicious activity. Cybercrime is increasing, so use strong passwords, enable two‑step authentication, and consider a VPN on public Wi‑Fi. Keep anti‑virus software up to date.
Documents
Do not carry your original passport during sightseeing if possible. A photocopy or digital copy typically suffices for routine checks. If your passport is stolen, you’ll need to file a police report before visiting your embassy. Having a photo ID is mandatory for visitors in case something happens.
Vehicle Safety
Car burglaries are common in large cities. Keep doors locked, windows up, and valuables out of sight, and do not leave items in parked cars. Criminals may use distraction tactics in traffic to get you to exit your vehicle. Self‑driving is best only if you are familiar with local routes, laws, and conditions.
Nightlife
Drink spiking has been reported in major cities. Do not accept food or drinks from strangers, and do not leave drinks unattended.
Natural Disasters
Track environmental conditions. Italy sits in an active seismic zone with periodic earthquakes. The country also has active volcanoes, seasonal flooding that includes acqua alta in Venice, and summer wildfires. Recent events have included a deadly 2022 landslide on Ischia, volcanic activity in Sicily that disrupted flights in 2024, and recurring heatwaves that can push temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. Monitor official guidance and follow local instructions during any incident.
Visa & Entry Requirements for Italy
Italy is within the Schengen Area, so U.S. citizens may visit for up to 90 days without a visa and travel freely throughout the zone. You must carry a photo ID or a copy of your passport if asked to identify yourself. If your passport goes missing, file a police report before seeking assistance at your embassy. Identity requirements vary by nationality, so bring the documents you need for verification while in Italy.
Destination Safety in Italy
According to London-based solo female travel blogger, Jou Jou Travels, in her experience she felt safest traveling in Rome, Venice, Florence, the Amalfi Coast, and Cinque Terre. While larger cities may not seem the safest at first glance, she notes they have more English-speakers which can be important if you are alone and do not speak Italian. Larger cities also may have more convenient access to high quality healthcare.
Melissa Byron, another solo female travel expert and tour curator, notes in her blog (A Single Woman Traveling) that in her experience the safest places to travel include Florence, Bologna, Verona, Turin, and Trento. She cites that these cities are “walkable, well-lit, and have a welcoming atmosphere.” The official blog of ItaloTreno, a high-speed train service in Italy widely used to travel between cities, agrees that Bologna and Verona are the safest, balancing tourist appeal and security. As smaller destinations, they are slightly easier to navigate, less crowded, and locals are more welcoming.
Every trip comes with its share of uncertainties. Travel insurance helps manage the financial burden of covered emergencies and gives you access to support when issues arise. It can’t eliminate risk, but it can reduce out-of-pocket costs for covered situations and help you avoid handling problems on your own — a major reason travelers feel more confident abroad.
WorldTrips offers a range of travel insurance plans for Italy to suit your travel needs. Every plan includes flexible coverage options, global protection, and 24/7 emergency travel assistance. Get a quote today and find the plan that’s right for you!
* Country safety data provided by our trusted partner On Call International
** Pre Existing Condition Definitions
Pre existing condition definitions vary by plan type. Review the definition that applies to the product you are considering.
Comprehensive Trip Protection
(Atlas Journey, Atlas Cruiser, Atlas On the Go)
Pre existing condition means an illness, disease, or other condition during the 90 day period immediately before your coverage effective date for which you did any of the following:
• received a test, examination, or medical treatment
• received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment
• took or received a prescription for medication
Item (3) above does not apply to a condition that is treated or controlled solely through the use of prescription medication and remains treated or controlled without any change in required prescription throughout the 90 day period before your coverage effective date.
Change in required prescription means the dosage or frequency has been increased, reduced, stopped, and or new medication has been prescribed due to the worsening of the condition being treated. Exceptions include:
• switching between brand name and generic medication with equivalent dosage
• adjustments to insulin or anti-coagulant dosage
Pre-existing Condition Exclusion Waiver: Pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage unless you meet both of these requirements: 1) you purchase your Atlas Journey Elevate or Explore plan within 21 days or purchase your Atlas Escape plan within 14 days of the date you made your first payment toward your trip; and 2) you are medically able to travel on your coverage effective date.
If you do not purchase your Atlas Journey plan within the required time period, a 90-day lookback period will apply to pre-existing conditions. Coverage varies by plan and state of residency. Please review the policy documents specific to your plan and state of residency for a full list of covered reasons, conditions, and exclusions.
Travel Medical Insurance
(Atlas Travel, Atlas Premium, Atlas Nomad, Atlas MultiTrip, Atlas America)
Pre-existing Conditions are excluded except for an applicable Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition.
Pre existing condition means any injury, illness, sickness, disease, or other physical, medical, mental, or nervous disorder, condition, or ailment that, with reasonable medical certainty, existed at the time of application or at any time during the 2 years prior to the effective date of this insurance. This applies whether or not the condition was previously manifested, symptomatic, known, diagnosed, treated, or disclosed, and includes any subsequent, chronic, or recurring complications or consequences related to the condition.
An Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition means a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence that is of short duration, is rapidly progressive, and requires urgent care. A pre-existing condition that is a chronic or congenital, or that gradually becomes worse over time is not acute onset of a pre-existing condition. An Acute Onset of Pre-existing Condition does not include any condition for which, as of the Effective date, the Insured Person (i) knew or reasonably foresaw he/she would receive, (ii) knew he/she should receive, (iii) had scheduled, or (iv) was told that he/she must or should receive, any medical care, drugs or treatment.
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WorldTrips is a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. WorldTrips international travel medical insurance products are underwritten through binding authorities with TMHCC (CI) Insurance SPC Ltd and Houston Casualty Company (HC).