Accidents and emergencies in Italy
During your stay in Italy, besides administrative issues like visas, finding a job and enrolling at universities, it's essential to know where to go and who to call in case of accident of emergency. Here are some tips.
Dealing with an emergency in Italy
In the case of an emergency in Italy, if it involves injury, illness or other health issues, you immediately call at the emergency department of hospitals called Pronto Soccorso. You can also go to the Guardia Medica. Some dispensaries are authorised to provide first aid and make diagnoses, and you may be consulted by general practitioners.
If the emergency involves, for example, an assault or theft, you should go to the nearest police station.
Who to call in case of emergency in Italy
If ever you need help in Italy, here are some useful numbers depending on the type of emergency:
- Global emergency number: 112
- Medical emergency / Ambulance: 118
- Firefighters (Vigili del Fuoco): 115
- Police: 113
- Guard of finances (Guardia di Finanzia): 117
- Road assistance: 803 116
- Forest fire: 1515
- Sea rescue: 1530
Important:
112 is the global number in Europe and for any type of emergency, whether medical or not.
Documents required for access to healthcare
Whether you are a resident in Italy or not, all services are accessible and are either cheap or free of charge. In the case of hospitalisation, it's best to inquire with your health insurance. If you are resident in Italy, you also have access to the health service in Italy: the SSN (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale). You will, therefore, have to present your Tessera Sanitaria, which contains your Tax Code (Codice Fiscale).
If you are not resident in Italy, you can produce your European Health Insurance Card if you are an EU citizen. However, you will have to pay for healthcare. You can be reimbursed later after inquiring with your insurance, so don't forget to ask for the treatment details and the payment receipt.
Insurance coverage for emergencies in Italy
If you wish to get coverage for emergencies in Italy, you are strongly advised to take out an expat health insurance. In any case, make sure to collect all the documents issued, including the treatment sheet, receipt or invoice for payment.
Foreign residents who have access to the SSN can turn to hospitals, general practitioners and national dispensaries which, unlike private health institutions, might be eligible for reimbursement.
Very often, expat workers in Italy benefit from private health insurance which covers part of the treatment and possible medical emergencies.
Post-emergency care in Italy
After your emergency visit, if you only require going to the pharmacy or in the case of hospitalisation, you will have to bear the expenses, whether you are expatriate or not. These are usually not covered, and the costs depend on the type of problem.
If follow-up is necessary, you can check directly with your doctor or with a doctor at the hospital you attended. The cost will generally depend on the type of care required. However, consultation with the attending physician is always free of charge.
Good to know :
Most regions have set an emergency care cost of € 25 for those classified as a "White Code". For children aged less than 14, there are no fees.
Useful links :
Ministry of Health of Italy
Directory of Healthcare Centres in Italy
Useful contacts
