Whether you’re heading to the spectacular Amalfi coast, the historic city of Rome or the canals of Venice for your Italian escape this year, we hope that all you’ll need is a guidebook and some sun lotion. Nobody likes to think about getting ill when away on holiday but if your holiday turns into a catastrophe rather than “la dolce vita”, then having an EHIC for each member of the family could both save you money and make the process of getting healthcare simpler.
SSN
The Italian NHS equivalent is called SSN. The government website – archeo.salute.gov.it – has information in English for visitors to Italy who need to use the state healthcare service. Some of the information is aimed at longer term visitors, but much of it is relevant to holidaymakers too. When you are looking for an Italian doctor or hospital, make sure that they are registered to provide care with the SSN. Doctors who are not registered will be private providers, and although you are free to use them if you choose, the costs will not be covered under EHIC rules.
Italian Basics
If you are staying in a tourist area, or a city with a high number of foreign visitors, then finding someone who speaks English should not be too tricky. The same cannot be said of remote areas, and having a few words of Italian might prove very useful. Translation apps and phrasebooks are no substitute for a native speaker to interpret for you, but could help in an emergency. Some of the basic Italian words which could be helpful are “medico” meaning doctor, “ospedale” which means hospital, and “pronto soccorso”, which is an A&E department. A good starting point for any conversation is “Parla inglese?” which means “Do you speak English?” Call 112 for the emergency services, or 118 for an ambulance.
Costs for Treatment
Unlike the NHS in the UK, Italian state care isn’t always free at the point of care. There is a complex system of co-payments or contributions, worked out according to your age, income, type of illness and disability. Some conditions are treated free of charge. When you see the doctor or attend a hospital A&E department, you will be given a “ticket” which states the contribution you have to make towards your treatment. This payment has to be made before you leave the hospital and isn’t something which can be reclaimed under EHIC, either in Italy or once you are home in the UK. If the costs add up to more than your travel insurance policy’s excess, you might be able to reclaim any fees from them, so keep all receipts and invoices which you are given.
Pharmacies and Prescriptions
Prescriptions medication is usually not free in Italy, and you will have to make a contribution towards the cost of anything the doctor gives you. Pharmacists can also sell a range of over the counter medication for minor ailments. Most villages have at least one pharmacy – look out for the illuminated green cross.