Redpoint Destinations

Italy

Essential Travel Insurance for Italy

Protect your Trip With Confidence

Get Protected with the Best Trip Insurance for Italy

With its rich and fascinating history, regional food and wine, and truly historic art and culture, there are plenty of reasons why Italy tops so many people's must-visit lists. Beyond the major cities of Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice, there are also many picturesque regions to explore, like Tuscany, Sardinia, Sicily, Lake Como, and the Dolomites.

But things can go wrong in any destination, and Italy is no different, so you'll want to get travel insurance coverage before your trip. Wondering what kind of travel insurance Italy requires?

Health & Safety in Italy

Like other European countries, Italy is generally considered a low-risk destination. As in any destination with a lot of tourists, though, pickpocketing and petty crime are prevalent, particularly in busy areas, like transport hubs, so stay vigilant and be mindful of your surroundings and belongings. Don’t carry large amounts of cash or valuables, and avoid areas that are known for theft.

Fortunately, there are no major infectious disease concerns in Italy, and U.S. travelers aren’t required to get any vaccinations to enter.

Still, for Italy travel tips and the most up-to-date information on health and safety, you should always consult the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory for Italy and the CDC’s health recommendations for U.S. travelers before your departure, just to cover the bases.

Beyond its historic cities, Italy has some beautiful natural landscapes too, from Lake Garda and Lake Como to the Dolomites. If you’re hiking, trekking, or going out on the water, always heed local guidance about wildlife, weather, and environmental hazards. Natural disasters, though rare in Italy, do include flooding and earthquakes.

Driving in Italy can certainly be different than in the U.S., and many American drivers may find Italian drivers to be more aggressive than they are used to. Familiarize yourself with the rules of the road, and make sure you have adequate insurance in case anything goes wrong. You are also required to have an International Driving Permit, along with a valid driver’s license to drive in Italy.

Insurance Benefits and Coverage for a Trip to Italy

The components of any good travel insurance policy are the same. You want to make sure you have each type of coverage below so that you’re covered no matter what happens during your trip to Italy.

Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance: Trip cancellation insurance reimburses your nonrefundable trip expenses if your trip to Italy is canceled or cut short due to covered reasons, like illness, severe weather, or family emergencies. For even more peace of mind, you can opt to add cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance for an extra cost.
Travel medical insurance: This covers unexpected medical expenses for injuries or illnesses incurred during your trip. Italy has excellent domestic health insurance, but visitors have to pay out of pocket to receive medical treatment, so travel medical insurance is a must. Your health insurance from home will not be accepted, and if you have preexisting medical conditions, you should consider applying for a waiver.
Emergency medical evacuation insurance: Emergency evacuation coverage reimburses you for transportation to the nearest Italian medical facility or back to the U.S. in extreme or emergency situations. If you’ll be spending any time on outdoor activities, like hiking the Dolomites, emergency evacuation is essential coverage to have as part of your policy.
Baggage and personal belongings insurance: This covers lost baggage and theft or damage to your belongings, should they go missing during your trip.
Trip delay insurance: Trip delay insurance compensates for additional expenses if your travel is delayed before it starts or during any connections or transfers.

For adventure travelers looking to wander the Tuscan countryside or check out Cinque Terre, Ripcord is an extensive travel plan with high coverage limits and enhanced coverage.

If you’re sticking to the major cities, like Rome and Venice, you’ll be better served with Redpoint’s other policies, Cavalry and Harbor. Cavalry is particularly suited for urban travel and luxury cultural experiences, while Harbor offers robust coverage to the budget-minded leisure traveler.

You can buy a policy for single trip cover to Italy, or purchase a policy for multiple trips with an annual policy. Check out our purchase page for a quote today.

FAQs for Italy Travel Insurance

Do I need travel insurance for Italy?

Travel insurance is not required to visit Italy if you are an American tourist staying for less than 90 days. However, it is a risk to travel anywhere without appropriate travel insurance, even if it's not required. If you are applying for a Schengen visa for longer stays, then you will need to provide proof of valid travel insurance.

How much is travel insurance for Italy?

Most of Redpoint's travel insurance plans for Italy range from 6% to 15% of the total trip cost.

What should your travel insurance cover for a trip to Italy?

A comprehensive travel insurance policy for Italy should include adequate medical coverage (at least $100,000), emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation coverage, trip interruption coverage, and baggage loss protection. You should also look for a policy with 24/7 assistance services, which all of Redpoint's policies offer.

Are there any COVID-19 restrictions for travelers to Italy?

As of now, there are no COVID-19-related entry requirements for travelers to Italy. However, if you are worried about a COVID infection upsetting your travel plans, it may be a good idea to include cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage to your travel insurance policy.

What happens if a tourist gets sick in Italy?

Visitors to Italy can access quality healthcare and seek medical attention at hospitals or local clinics, or by contacting emergency services. Keep in mind, though, that without insurance, the price of treatment will be high, so you should buy travel medical insurance to cover or reimburse you for any out-of-pocket medical expenses that may come up.

In case of emergencies in Italy, dial 112 to reach emergency services. Redpoint can also be reached for round-the-clock assistance at +1-415-481-0610.

Are the hospitals good in Italy?

Yes, Italy has a reputable healthcare system known for its high standards of medical care. Larger cities, such as Rome, Milan, and Florence, have excellent medical facilities, while more rural areas may have fewer resources but still provide competent care. Travel insurance can help ensure you can access and afford whatever coverage you need during your trip.

What documentation is needed to visit Italy?

Fortunately. U.S. citizens traveling to Italy only need a valid passport. The U.S. State Department recommends travelers ensure their passports have six months' validity.

A visa is not required for Americans entering Europe's Schengen Zone for tourism or business purposes if they're staying for less than 90 days. However, starting in 2025, travelers may need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before entering.

Is Italy safe to visit?

Italy is generally a safe destination for travelers. While petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in tourist-heavy areas like Rome or Venice, violent crime is rare. It's advisable to take standard precautions, such as securing your belongings and being aware of your surroundings in crowded places.

Is Italy safe for female travelers?

Italy is generally considered a safe destination for female travelers, including solo travelers. While street harassment may be more prevalent than elsewhere in Europe, it is usually verbal and not physical. As with any destination, exercising caution at night and in unfamiliar areas is recommended.

How do I contact the U.S. Embassy in Italy?

The U.S. Embassy in Italy is located in Rome, with additional consulates in cities like Milan, Florence, and Naples. Officials there can assist U.S. citizens with lost documents, such as passports, as well as legal matters and emergencies. You can contact the Roman embassy at the address and phone number below:

121 Via Vittorio Veneto, 00187 Roma

Tel: +39-06-46741

Protect Your Trip With Redpoint Travel Insurance

Redpoint is known for comprehensive and easy-to-understand policies to suit any type of trip, from a laid-back Italian holiday to an adventure-filled trek. Explore our Ripcord, Cavalry, and Harbor policy options and get a quote today.