General

Italy is a country where you can expect to find low-cost healthcare and a good standard of medical assistance. Italian doctors are dedicated and well-trained, and the best private hospitals are the equal of any country. State hospitals, however, particularly in the south of Italy, can be well below what Americans and northern Europeans may take for granted. To avoid this, many foreigners and Italians choose to take out private health insurance to cover the costs of hospitalisation and surgery and to get extra comfort when needed, and above all to avoid the long waiting lists that are customary in the state system.

EU citizens can take advantage of Italy's health services under the same terms as the residents of the country, but you'll need form E111, available from any main post office. The Australian Medicare system also has a reciprocal healthcare arrangement with Italy.

On the other hand, Italy has no medical program covering US and Canada nationals. Therefore, US and Canadian nationals are advised to take out an insurance policy before travelling. First Aid Service (Pronto Soccorso) with a doctor on hand is found at airports, ports, railway stations and in all hospitals. Medicines can be obtained only from the pharmacy, whether they are on prescription or over the counter.

An Italian pharmacist (farmacia) is well qualified to give you advice on minor ailments and to dispense prescriptions and most speak good English. There's generally one open all night in the bigger towns and cities. Condoms (profilático) are available over the counter from all pharmacists and most supermarkets; some pharmacists have late-night dispensers too. The pill (la píllola) is available by prescription only.

Vaccinations are not required, and Italy doesn't present any more health worries than anywhere else in Europe; the worst that's likely to happen to you is suffering from the extreme heat in summer or from an upset stomach. The water is perfectly safe to drink and you'll find public fountains (usually button- or tap-operated) in squares and city streets everywhere, though look out for acqua non potabile signs, indicating that the water is unsafe to drink. It's worth taking insect repellent, as even inland towns, most notoriously Milan, suffer from a persistent mosquito problem, especially in summer.

National Healthcare

Italy's national health system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale or SSN) is administered through local health authorities and provides low or no-cost healthcare to all EU citizens, including in-patient treatment (including tests, medication and surgery during hospitalisation), visits to family doctors and medical assistance provided by paediatricians, obstetricians and other specialists. It also pays for part, sometimes all, of the cost of drugs and medicines, out-patient treatment and dental treatment. Emergency health provision is available to all EU and non-EU visitors. Regardless of where you come from, you must have some form of health insurance as soon as you arrive in Italy. A permesso di soggiorno will not be issued without it.