Travel Insurance for a Trip to Italy (2024)

There are no requirements for U.S. citizens to have travel or health insurance as a condition of entry to Italy for trips fewer than 90 days. This also includes the other Schengen countries in Europe, a region accessible via a Schengen visa for travelers subject to the requirement for longer trips.

Many business travelers and tourists choose Italy travel insurance for protection against unexpected costs. The best travel insurance includes coverage for trip cancellations and healthcare in emergencies.

From boating across the Mediterranean to hiking in Naples and water skiing along the Amalfi Coast, adventure sports are popular during Italian travel. A travel insurance policy offers medical coverage in the event of accidents.

Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

Whether you’re planning to visit Rome, Milan, Florence or Venice, cancel for any reason coverage (CFAR) gives you the flexibility to change your plans at your discretion. Alternatively, when you buy standard travel insurance coverage, you’re limited to predetermined reasons and exclusions.

Generally, acceptable reasons for trip cancellation coverage only include emergencies, such as hospitalization or the death of a family member. With CFAR, for example, you could cancel a trip to Tuscany for a friend’s wedding if it was called off and you’d prefer to change your travel plans.

While CFAR provides a lot of flexibility, it is still subject to rules and restrictions. These may include disclaimers such as time limits on when trips must be canceled by.

Gear Theft Protection

With so many sites to take in on your trip, from the Colosseum in Rome to picturesque vineyards, you’ll likely want to have your camera ready. You may also bring other valuables with you, such as a laptop, sports equipment or jewelry.

Whether it’s due to trip interruption or equipment damaged by a tour operator, gear theft protection helps to recoup your finances when items are stolen or lost. Depending on individual travel insurance company plans, there may be exclusions or predetermined reimbursement limits. Many travelers choose to leave precious valuables at home.

Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation

If you require medical assistance, the U.S. State Department notes that hospitals in Italy are available but may not have the same standards as in the U.S. It also may be more difficult to find care outside of urban areas, and payment is typically required upfront. Therefore, travel medical insurance is recommended for U.S. citizens. Medicare and most private health insurance don’t apply overseas.

For those with pre-existing medical conditions, along with travelers dealing with health emergencies, medical costs can be significant. In the event of an illness or injury while visiting Italy, travel insurance for medical emergencies covers a range of expenses that typically includes the following:

• Hospital fees
• Operating room charges
• Ambulance services
• Dental emergencies
• X-rays

Most travel health insurance policies include emergency medical evacuation if local medical care isn’t available or you need to fly back to your home country. They also typically include repatriation if you pass away while abroad.

According to our methodology, the best travel medical insurance for Italy vacations is Travelex. Travelex is our pick for budget travel insurance and offers three policy tiers for Italy travelers to choose from. Read our in-depth Travelex review to learn more.

Rental Car Protection

If you prefer the freedom of a rental car to public transport, rental car protection is crucial. In Italy, you must have a collision and damage waiver, theft protection and fire and third-party liability insurance by law. This is typically included in rental rates.

Premium insurance policies may include additional safeguards such as:

• Personal effects coverage
• Personal injury insurance
• Roadside protection
• Tire and windshield protection

Standard travel insurance plans generally include rental vehicle excess coverage. This helps to recover the losses you’re liable for via excess for damaged or stolen cars.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance protects you against financial loss if unforeseen circumstances interrupt your travel plans. As a general rule, standard travel insurance plans reimburse you for nonrefundable and prepaid costs, subject to predetermined limits.

The following reasons generally qualify for trip cancellation coverage in the absence of CFAR premium insurance:

• Death of family members
• Hospitalization or serious injury
• Jury duty
• Military orders
• Severe weather conditions delaying departure