- The best travel insurance plans for Italy
- Current travel safety in Italy
- Is Travel Insurance a Requirement for Entering Italy?
- Why take out travel insurance for Italy?
- What travel insurance for Italy should cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Italy
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Italy
- Your current insurance coverage in Italy
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Italy: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Italy covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost personal belongings.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but covers costs not included in the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement.
3. Healthcare cost: Private hospital stays can be very expensive, potentially costing over AUD 1,500 per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Italy typically costs between AUD 40 and AUD 80.
5. Good to know: Be aware of petty crime; ensure your policy has adequate cover for theft of personal items.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Italy.
The best travel insurance plans for Italy
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | AUD 1.6M | A strong choice for Italy with superior limits. - high health cover - repatriation included - responsive support |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | AUD 1.6M | Excellent for peace of mind in Italy. - medical hotline - cancellation option - no excess |
| Tourist Card | AUD 800k | Well adapted for tourism in Italy. - medical costs covered - emergency assistance - competitively priced |
| Travel Pass Monde | AUD 1.1M | Reliable contract for staying in Italy. - solid hospital cover - repatriation - generous compensation |
| Globe Partner | AUD 480k | Good for extended travel in Italy. - essential health cover - liability and repatriation - simple claims |
| Globe Traveller | AUD 800k | Practical for short or low-risk visits. - useful health cover - fast claim processing - capped ceiling |
- high health cover
- repatriation included
- responsive support
- medical hotline
- cancellation option
- no excess
- medical costs covered
- emergency assistance
- competitively priced
- solid hospital cover
- repatriation
- generous compensation
- essential health cover
- liability and repatriation
- simple claims
- useful health cover
- fast claim processing
- capped ceiling
Current travel safety in Italy
As of June 2025, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) advises travellers to exercise normal safety precautions in Italy, based on the latest official advice.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: petty crime, especially pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is common in tourist spots like Rome’s Termini station. Exercise caution in crowded places, on public transport, and in large gatherings.
- Health risks: Italy has experienced outbreaks such as measles in northern regions. Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date, and note that medical care in rural areas can be limited.
- Legal and administrative requirements: carry identification, such as your Australian passport, at all times. You must show this to police on request; not doing so can result in a fine.
- Environmental and transport aspects: the Jubilee in Rome in 2025 will bring large crowds, which may cause traffic congestion and delays in public services. Italians drive on the right, and local traffic rules are strictly enforced.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Italy.
Is Travel Insurance a Requirement for Entering Italy?
Travel insurance is not legally mandatory for Australian citizens travelling to Italy for short-term stays under the current visa-free agreement.
However, travel insurance is strongly recommended as the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement between Australia and Italy only covers sudden acute illness or accidents for up to six months in public facilities, and private healthcare or emergency repatriation requires upfront payment, which can be costly.
According to our data, 50% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Italy. This is because health care can be expensive if you require private services or extended treatment abroad.
Why take out travel insurance for Italy?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Italy.
In Italy, while public hospitals like Policlinico Umberto I in Rome or Ospedale Maggiore in Milan are available, services in private clinics such as Humanitas in Milan can be expensive. Foreigners may need to pay upfront for care, especially for hospitalisation or specialist treatment, and costs can quickly escalate in large cities.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Italy.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Humanitas Milan | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | €3,000 (AUD 4,900) | Up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | €1,500 (AUD 2,450) | Up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | €30,000 (AUD 49,000) | Up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | €6,000 (AUD 9,800) | Up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What travel insurance for Italy should cover
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers hospital treatment, surgery, specialist visits, and medication in Italy. We recommend at least AUD 1,500,000. |
| ✈️ Repatriation or medical evacuation | Covers transport back to Australia in case of serious accident or illness. We recommend at least AUD 1,000,000. |
| 💼 Personal liability | Covers injury or property damage you may accidentally cause to others. We recommend at least AUD 1,000,000. |
| 🧳 Luggage and personal effects | Covers loss, theft, or damage to baggage and personal items. We recommend at least AUD 8,000. |
| 💊 Emergency dental | Covers urgent dental care due to pain or injury during the trip. We recommend at least AUD 2,000. |
| 🚗 Rental vehicle excess | Covers excess charges in case of accident or theft with a rental car. We recommend at least AUD 6,000. |
| 🚑 Ambulance costs | Covers ambulance transport within Italy or to hospital. We recommend up to AUD 10,000. |
| 🚦 Trip cancellation/interruption | Covers unused travel or accommodation due to illness, accident, or emergency. We recommend at least AUD 10,000. |
We recommend at least AUD 1,500,000.
We recommend at least AUD 1,000,000.
We recommend at least AUD 1,000,000.
We recommend at least AUD 8,000.
We recommend at least AUD 2,000.
We recommend at least AUD 6,000.
We recommend up to AUD 10,000.
We recommend at least AUD 10,000.
Travel insurance from local providers or included with bank cards often covers only basic risks, with low limits and several exclusions. It is safer to choose a reputable insurer with wide-ranging protections. Compare the best options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant proof of cover.
The cost of travel insurance for Italy
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 42 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 96 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 149 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 212 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your travel insurance for Italy depends on several key factors. These include your age, the length of your stay, your chosen level of cover, and any pre-existing medical conditions. It's crucial to consider these elements to find a policy that suits your needs and budget, ensuring you're properly covered for your trip.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to Italy
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Italy while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip duration | Price rises with the length of your stay, especially for multi-week trips. | Only pay for days you are travelling, not your full time abroad or extra days. |
| 🧑🤝🧑 Number of travellers | Family or group plans may reduce costs versus buying solo policies in Italy. | Look for group discounts or family coverage options that offer a single premium for all. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Higher coverage ensures better protection, but you pay more for higher limits. | Choose the right balance: select adequate but not excessive limits for your needs. |
| 💼 Activities insured | Certain risky activities can increase premiums, relevant in Italy for skiing. | Exclude sports/adventure coverage unless planning those activities, but always include medical cover. |
| 🏷️ Excess amount | A higher excess can reduce your premiums, but means more out-of-pocket cost. | Increase your excess to lower the premium but make sure you can afford the deductible. |
| 👴 Traveller's age | Insurers usually charge more for older people due to higher risk of illness. | Consider Heymondo, which does not increase prices for over 62s, for better value. |
| 🛒 Where you buy | Buying directly from insurers or online brokers may lead to better deals. | Use a comparison tool to view the best offers in Australia and avoid intermediary fees. |
Your current insurance coverage in Italy
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverages, like public health insurance, private health insurance, or credit card insurance, are sufficient for a trip to Italy. Unfortunately, this coverage is often very limited or insufficient for your needs abroad. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Italy? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Limited coverage | Urgent care in Italian public hospitals for acute illness/accident, but no private care or repatriation. | Travel insurance covers up to AUD 1,500,000+ in medical expenses, private clinics, and full repatriation. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, Medibank, NIB) | Limited coverage | Partial reimbursement, medical costs limited to AUD 50,000, excludes most emergency services abroad. | Travel insurance offers cover up to AUD 1,500,000+, emergency dental, evacuation, and hospital cash benefit. |
| Classic credit card (Commonwealth Bank Low Rate, ANZ First, NAB Classic) | Limited coverage | Medical emergencies up to AUD 15,000, rarely covers trip interruption, repatriation, or baggage loss. | Travel insurance provides medical up to AUD 1,500,000+ and covers luggage, cancellations, and all emergencies. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Platinum, Westpac Altitude Black, American Express Explorer) | Limited coverage | Medical up to AUD 150,000, limited trip delay, baggage cover up to AUD 2,000, exclusions for pre-existing. | Travel insurance includes up to AUD 1,500,000+ in medical, cancellation up to AUD 10,000, all-your-trip support. |
Example
While skiing in the Dolomites, an Aussie tourist tore her ACL. The helicopter rescue and private surgery totalled AU$30,000. Her CommBank Platinum card's insurance only paid AU$2,000, and the reciprocal health agreement didn't cover private care or the rescue, leaving her with a shocking AU$28,000 bill.
Expert advice
Your bank card or health insurance often won't cover trip interruptions due to a relative’s illness or death. Always check the policy's fine print to avoid nasty surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to take out dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
Australian citizens do not need a visa to visit Italy for tourism, business, or short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For longer stays, or specific purposes like work or study, you will need to apply for the appropriate Italian visa before departure.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Italy?
Start by comparing different travel insurance policies, using the HelloSafe comparison tool to find tailored options. Check the coverage and exclusions, especially medical and repatriation benefits relevant for Italy. Buy your chosen policy online. You will then receive a certificate of insurance to use during your trip.
What medical care can I access in Italy with travel insurance?
With travel insurance, you can access both public and private medical care in Italy, including emergency treatment, hospitalisation, and medications. Some policies even offer 24/7 assistance in English. Coverage limits are typically high, up to AUD 1,500,000 or more, depending on your chosen policy.
Does my Medicare card cover healthcare costs in Italy?
As an Australian, you can access urgent care in public facilities in Italy due to the reciprocal health agreement. However, only sudden acute illness or accidents are covered, and private hospital costs, ambulance fees, and repatriation are excluded. Comprehensive travel insurance closes those gaps and provides broader protection.
Are adventure sports and ski activities included in travel insurance for Italy?
Standard travel insurance often excludes risky activities like skiing, snowboarding, or adventure sports common in northern Italy. If you plan such activities, select a policy with dedicated cover. Always check conditions and exclusions to make sure your planned activities are insured.
Can I buy travel insurance for Italy after leaving Australia?
Travel insurance is best purchased before you depart Australia. However, some insurers do allow you to take out a policy while already overseas, though conditions and limits might apply. Make sure you disclose your current location and check for any waiting periods before coverage starts.
Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
Australian citizens do not need a visa to visit Italy for tourism, business, or short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For longer stays, or specific purposes like work or study, you will need to apply for the appropriate Italian visa before departure.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Italy?
Start by comparing different travel insurance policies, using the HelloSafe comparison tool to find tailored options. Check the coverage and exclusions, especially medical and repatriation benefits relevant for Italy. Buy your chosen policy online. You will then receive a certificate of insurance to use during your trip.
What medical care can I access in Italy with travel insurance?
With travel insurance, you can access both public and private medical care in Italy, including emergency treatment, hospitalisation, and medications. Some policies even offer 24/7 assistance in English. Coverage limits are typically high, up to AUD 1,500,000 or more, depending on your chosen policy.
Does my Medicare card cover healthcare costs in Italy?
As an Australian, you can access urgent care in public facilities in Italy due to the reciprocal health agreement. However, only sudden acute illness or accidents are covered, and private hospital costs, ambulance fees, and repatriation are excluded. Comprehensive travel insurance closes those gaps and provides broader protection.
Are adventure sports and ski activities included in travel insurance for Italy?
Standard travel insurance often excludes risky activities like skiing, snowboarding, or adventure sports common in northern Italy. If you plan such activities, select a policy with dedicated cover. Always check conditions and exclusions to make sure your planned activities are insured.
Can I buy travel insurance for Italy after leaving Australia?
Travel insurance is best purchased before you depart Australia. However, some insurers do allow you to take out a policy while already overseas, though conditions and limits might apply. Make sure you disclose your current location and check for any waiting periods before coverage starts.
On the same topic
