When is international health insurance worthwhile for Italy?
Content
Those with statutory health insurance in Italy are covered by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – but only under the conditions of the Italian healthcare system. Repatriation to Germany is not covered by statutory health insurance , and private doctors and co-payments often remain the responsibility of the individual. Therefore, consumer protection agencies recommend taking out private international travel health insurance for trips to Italy.
Short answer
- EHIC (Back of the health card) is valid in Italy in case of acute illness or accident – in facilities of the state health service.
- Co-payments Under Italian law (e.g., for emergency room visits in minor cases, specialist consultations, medications), you pay yourself.
- Private doctor bills will be reimbursed at most partially.
- Return transport to Germany: not covered by statutory health insurance
- Travel health insurance closes these gaps and usually costs little for holiday trips.
What statutory health insurance in Italy covers
Treatment with the EHIC
You will find your EHIC on the back of your health insurance card. It entitles you to medically necessary treatment at doctors' offices and hospitals of the Italian National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) in the event of acute illness or an accident. Present the card along with your ID. Your health insurance will only cover what an Italian health insurance company would also cover – you are responsible for any co-payments ("ticket").
Where the gaps lie
- Return transport: Medical repatriation to Germany – for example by ambulance jet – is not covered by statutory health insurance and can be very expensive.
- Private doctors and private clinics: Especially in holiday resorts, you quickly end up at private practices. These do not accept the EHIC; the health insurance fund will only reimburse the amount that the Italian system would have paid.
- Co-payments and out-of-pocket expenses: In Italy, patients have to pay out of pocket for medications, specialist services, or emergency room visits in non-urgent cases.
- Planned treatments Procedures such as dental prosthetics or surgeries must be approved by the health insurance company beforehand.
When is international health insurance worthwhile?
Private international health insurance covers costs not covered by the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) and often bills doctors and hospitals directly. It is advisable for virtually all travelers to Italy, especially families with children, RV travelers, active vacationers, and older travelers. Those with private insurance should check whether their policy already includes international travel and repatriation.
You should pay attention to this
- Return transport if he medically appropriate is – not only when it is medically necessary
- Outpatient and inpatient treatment including medicines and dressings
- Pain-relieving dental treatment and repair of dentures
- No or low deductible
- Sufficient travel time per trip (e.g. for longer motorhome tours)
- Recovery and rescue, e.g. in hiking accidents
Many insurers and automobile clubs offer similar policies, for example, TravelSecure® international health insurance . Take your time to compare the benefits and terms; this article does not replace individual consultation.
Getting sick on holiday in Tuscany: practical tips
- Emergency call 112 – Free throughout Europe. More numbers at Making phone calls and emergency calls in Italy.
- Turistica Medical Guardia: Many resorts along the Tuscan coast offer an on-call medical service for tourists during the summer. You can find addresses and opening hours at the local council office, tourist information center, or your local tourist office. Campsite.
- Pharmacies (pharmacies, green cross) offer advice for minor ailments; emergency pharmacies are listed at every pharmacy.
- Keep receipts and request invoices with a diagnosis – you will need these for reimbursement.
- Further information on traveling with children can be found at Traveling to Tuscany with a child.
Safety on vacation
Italy is a safe travel destination. However, pickpocketing and scams do occur on beaches, in markets, and in tourist areas; break-ins of cars and campervans are also a concern. In summer, there is also a risk of forest fires in Tuscany – please observe barbecue bans and warnings. The Federal Foreign Office provides current travel advice . For information on what to do if you lose your card, see " Blocking your card while on holiday".
Frequently asked questions about health insurance in Italy
Is my statutory health insurance valid in Italy?
Yes, via the EHIC on the back of the health card – in case of acute illness or accident in facilities of the state health service and under Italian conditions, i.e. with co-payments.
Will the health insurance cover the cost of repatriation from Italy?
No. Statutory health insurance does not cover medical repatriation to Germany. Private international travel health insurance is required for this.
Does every doctor in Italy accept the EHIC?
No. Private doctors and private clinics are not accepted. The health insurance company will only reimburse their bills up to the amount of the Italian standard rates.
What do I need to consider when choosing international health insurance?
Important features include repatriation if medically necessary, outpatient and inpatient treatment, dental treatment for pain, no deductible, and a sufficiently long travel duration.
What is the emergency number in Italy?
The Europe-wide emergency number is 112.
