Travel Insurance for Italy
Planning a visit to Italy? This popular European destination offers everything from mountain vistas to lively beach resorts and millions of Brits head over each year for great food, culture and history. While picking flights, hotels and restaurants may seem like the most important parts of planning your Italian getaway, there are some other things to consider before leaning back and counting down the days until your holiday.
Whether you’re jetting off on a city-break to Rome, a wine tasting excursion in Tuscany or a beach break on the Amalfi coast, make sure you take note of the below so that you can enjoy a stress-free trip.
Do I need travel insurance for Italy?
In an ideal situation, your jaunt to Italy will go off without a hitch, but travel insurance can come in handy if you experience unfortunate events such as theft, loss of baggage or medical problems while you’re abroad so it’s a clever idea to purchase comprehensive cover. It could also protect you if there are unforeseen delays or cancellations in your travel arrangements. Indeed, most claims are made before someone even jets off on holiday due to cancellation, so it is important to take out a policy before you book your holiday
Lost baggage
After the stress of making sure you’ve packed everything you need, losing your luggage can feel like a disaster. Take the time to check what your policy covers so that you don’t end up having to spend your holiday fund on replacing lost items or buying new outfits.
What are the risk of travelling to Italy?
Every destination comes with its own risks, but being aware of what to look out for and preparing adequately can help avoid against any problem.
The UK government outlines a few common risks on its website such as avalanches in the country’s skiing resorts, forest fires during the summer and earthquakes. Take the time to look up the risks in the specific region you are visiting and heed local and UK government advice on the risks particular to the area you plan to travel to.
Italy offers some fantastic destinations for winter sports, such as Cervinia and Courmayeur. Skiing and snowboarding does, however, offer its own risks and might require different cover.
Some winter sports policies, such as ours, also include cover in case of piste closure, meaning you can claim money back for days of missed skiing. If you bring your own equipment.
Columbus might also be able to contribute towards the hire of other equipment if something happens to your skis or snowboard.
For more information on insurance for skiing and snowboarding holidays, see our winter sports holiday FAQ.
Medical issues while in Italy
If you are an EU national, you can access reduced-cost or free medical care if you have an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), so make sure to apply for one and bring it before travelling to Italy. It is a free card so an essential part of any holiday to Europe.
Your EHIC / GHIC card covers you for emergency medical treatment in state facilities but it won’t provide you with assistance services or repatriation. It also won’t cover costs if you’re treated in a private medical centre, therefore it is also important that you purchase travel insurance before you travel.
What to do if something happens while I'm in Italy
If you need emergency help while in Italy, contact local emergency services on 112 or reach out to the local UK embassy or consulate.
For medical service, you can also call 118, for police 113 and for the fire brigade 115.
Travel with confidence with Columbus Direct
With over 30 years of experience, we know what you need from your travel insurance. You can travel with peace of mind, knowing we’re here for you and your family with cover for everything from lost baggage and flight delays, to stolen items and medical bills while you are on holiday.
Terms and conditions apply:
(1)The policyholder can register both themselves and up to four travelling companions for Columbus Direct’s Airport Delay services. They will then be eligible to receive free airport lounge access in the event a delay of one or more hours is announced for your flight. View terms and conditions here.