Healthcare

This article is a planning tool and the recommendations provided here are intended as guidelines only. To ensure that all your travel health needs are covered, seek further assistance from your doctor or travel health clinic. This information provided by Rome Abroad is meant to complement, not substitute, the advice of your healthcare provider. Reliance on any information provided by Rome Abroad is solely at your discretion. Always be prepared for any anticipated medical conditions or emergencies before traveling abroad.

All Rome Abroad Travelers should review and update the following vaccinations prior to departure: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Polio, Influenza, and Pneumococcal. We strongly recommend Hepatitis A vaccination for all Rome Abroad Travelers, regardless of destination.

Healthcare in Italy

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Italy ranks second among the top 10 countries for quality health services (the U.S. ranks at 37th!)
• Most doctors and pharmacists in Europe speak at least basic English so you shouldn’t worry about communication issues
• Worst case scenario, a doctor whose English isn’t wonderful can probably help you get in touch with another doctor who speaks English well
• Italy, like most European countries, has a universal healthcare system
• This national health plan is called Servizio Sanitario Nazionale and most care is free or low-cost
• In Italy, healthcare is considered a right
• This means that everyone pays for healthcare as part of their taxes, so when someone is injured in Italy, they avoid becoming bankrupt with hospital fees
• Although, no healthcare system is perfect, it does give peace of mind knowing that everyone is taken care of, even those not from Italy
• So if you are sick or get injured during your adventure, there are healthcare options
• For more information on healthcare, check out tips and insights from Rick Steves

Health Insurance

• Check your international coverage in your insurance policy before you go so you know what to expect
• However, you will “likely have to pay out of pocket for any medical treatment, even if your insurance company provides international health care coverage” (Rick Steves)
• Emergency room fees range from free to small fees to expensive, depending on what treatment you need
• Be sure to get a copy of your hospital bill so that you can file a claim to be reimbursed when you go back home
• Here are two travel insurance companies recommended by Rick Steves:
  – Travel Guard
  – Travelex Insurance Services
• If you bought travel insurance, make sure to call the company as soon as possible to report the injury

Most of the time, travel insurance companies can work directly with the hospital to get your bills paid

Emergencies

• If you have an accident or life-threatening issue, get to a hospital
• If you have a serious accident, call an ambulance
• Emergency phone numbers are listed below:
  • 112 for ambulance
  • 113 for firefighters
  • 118 for police
• Then, contact your travel health insurance company as soon as you can
• Ensure that you have accessible funds to cover upfront fees and adequate travel health insurance

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Non-emergency solutions

Pharmacies

• To locate a pharmacy or clinic, you can use Google Maps or ask your host family
• Pharmacies are a great option for minor injuries such as: a sore throat, fever, stomach problem, sinus issue, insomnia, blisters, rashes, urinary tract infections, or muscle, joint issues
• Pharmacists in Europe can diagnose and prescribe remedies for tons of simple health issues
• Although some medications might look the same in Europe as their counterparts in the U.S., they can be stronger in Italy so be careful especially when following dosage directions
• Topical remedies are very common in Europe so if you’re experiencing body pains or aches, a pharmacist might prescribe a cream to apply first and foremost
• Bring ibuprofen with you

Clinics

• Health clinics in Europe are generally efficient, effective, and inexpensive
• Ideal if your issue is beyond a pharmacist, but non-emergency
• Best place for non-emergency testing
• Just like clinics in the U.S., clinics in Italy will have you sign in with a receptionist, answer some basic questions, and then wait for a nurse or doctor
• A clinic visit may have a nominal fee or it might also be free
• Like the emergency room fee, you should expect to pay this fee even if you’re covered through your health insurance company or a special travel policy
• Like other feeds, be sure you get a copy of the bill so you can file a claim when you get home

Helpful Resources

• Use the U.S. Embassy’s website to see lists of physicians and hospitals in major cities in Italy
• The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT) is another helpful organization
• You can get a list of English-speaking doctors in more than 90 member countries who charge affordable, standardized fees for medical visits
• IAMAT membership is free to join
• Membership is valid for one year and renewable with a donation
• Check out the fee pricing on their website and you pay the provider directly at time of visit

Vaccinations

• Required, for your protection and those around you
  • Hepatitis A
• Strongly recommended
  • COVID-19

Before you leave

• Check your health insurance policy’s international coverage
• Research travel insurance and decide if/what type of coverage you’d like
• Consult your physician to determine if you need any travel-related vaccines (such as Hepatitis A)
• ​Consult your physician to determine if you need any prescriptions refilled

Healthy tips for eating and drinking

• Do eat:
  • Food that is thoroughly cooked and served while hot
  • Fruits, nuts and vegetables you can peel or remove the casing of by yourself
  • Fruit and vegetables that are washed with treated water
  • Pasteurized dairy products
• Don’t eat:
  • Raw, undercooked, or cold meat, poultry, fish, seafood, or eggs
  • Bush meat or game meat
  • Condiments or sauces made from raw ingredients or eggs
  • Food that is uncovered, not on ice, or not refrigerated

 

Preventing bug bites (for the summer only)

• Use physical and chemical barriers to prevent mosquitoes bites
• Use a spray, lotion, towelette, or liquid repellent containing 20-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, long clothing (cotton and linen) as much as possible
• Always wear shoes, both indoors and outdoors
• Don’t use scented soaps, shampoos, deodorants, perfumes, or after-shaves
• Ensure that all door and window screens do not have holes and are tightly fitted
• When using repellent and sunscreen together, apply sunscreen first and repellent second (after the sunscreen sits on skin for 20 minutes)
• This could reduce the efficacy of the sunscreen, so it’s best to reapply often or wear long clothing

Emergency contacts & medical information

For iPhones

• Go to the Health app (already installed on your iPhone)
• Turn on the “Show When Locked” and add your contact info
• Add any medical conditions, notes, allergies, your blood type, height, weight, etc.
• Add emergency contacts​
  • Include your host parent(s) for while you are abroad
  • Turn on Auto Call​ (requires SIM card)
• You can also register to Donate Life America (optional)

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For Androids

• Go to Settings, and select Users
• Click “Emergency Information” and add any medical conditions, notes, allergies, your blood type, height, weight, etc.
• On the same page, add your contact info
• Click the contacts tab and add emergency contacts
  • Include your host parents for while you are abroad