Do you need travel insurance for Italy?
Travel insurance isn’t a legal requirement for visiting Italy, but it can save you from unexpected costs if something goes wrong. Whether your plans involve relaxed sightseeing or more adventurous activities, the right cover offers peace of mind for situations, such as medical emergencies, cancelled flights, or lost luggage.
- In recent years, parts of Italy have experienced extreme heat. For example, during the summer of 2023, Europe saw record-breaking June temperatures, leading to a reported 15–20% rise in hospital admissions in Italy. Travel insurance can help cover treatment for heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, along with other medical needs.
- Medical costs can be particularly high if you need an emergency air ambulance home – a service that could cost over €11,500 (around £10,000) without cover. Travel insurance protects you should you ever need urgent repatriation to Ireland.
- Theft is the most frequently reported crime in Italy, with Milan recording the highest levels. Although overall crime rates remain relatively low, insurance can help with the cost of replacing lost or stolen items, so you’re not left out of pocket.
What does JustCover’s Italy trip insurance cover?
Get cover for all your essentials and any accidents. Travel insurance for Italy protects you as soon as you book. Make sure to read our Policy Wording for more details on what is and isn't included.
What's covered
Emergency medical expenses and repatriation costs – This includes the costs of tests, medications and procedures necessary to treat an illness or injury while abroad. You’ll also be covered for repatriation, making sure you return safely to Ireland.
Cancellation – Cover for flight and accommodation costs if an unexpected event means you have to cancel your trip before you go.
Curtailment – Cover if you need to return home early following an emergency.
Travel delay – If your flight is delayed, we’ll compensate you for the time
Personal belongings – You’ll be covered if your baggage or its contents are lost or stolen.
Personal liability – Cover for your legal expenses and any liability due if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while you’re away on holiday.
Legal protection cover – Provides cover for your legal expenses if you have to claim compensation or damages due to something that happened while you were away on holiday.
What's not covered
Claims below the value of the excess – This is dependent on your policy level.
Trips outside the region of cover – If you go somewhere not covered in your policy documents.
Known events or circumstances – Claims related to problems that you knew about before booking the trip or buying the travel insurance are not covered.
Medical conditions you don’t declare – You need to declare all of your pre-existing medical conditions.
Choosing not to travel – We know that sometimes plans change, but you’re only covered for cancellation where the reason falls within the policy terms and conditions.
Travelling against medical or government advice – We can’t cover you if you’ve been told not to go by a doctor or your medical team, or if you’re going away for treatment. We also can’t offer you a policy if the Department of Foreign Affairs has advised against all but essential travel to a destination.
Choose the right level of cover
We offer different levels of cover to make your Travel Insurance as cost-effective as possible.
Black
Gold
Silver
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Find the best travel insurance for Italy
Choose a plan that fits your needs. Whatever your travel style, we have options for everyone.
Annual multi-trip travel insurance
Great if you plan to visit Italy more than once this year or combine it with other European trips. It covers multiple journeys under one policy.
Single trip travel insurance
Perfect if you’re only going to Italy once. Covers your trip from start to finish, with options to add extras like cruise cover or pre-existing medical conditions.
Why choose JustCover for your Italy holiday insurance?
Whether it’s a short city break or a well-deserved two-weeks lounging in the sun, having the right cover goes a long way. We’ve got your back if flights get cancelled, belongings go missing, or you get ill on your trip.
- Buy from Ireland's most trusted travel insurance provider³.
- 95% of our customers rated their overall experience as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Great’⁴.
- 98% of our customers would recommend JustCover to family and friends⁵.
- Get up to €10,000 cancellation cover⁶.
- Plus up to unlimited cover for emergency medical expenses and repatriation.
Specialist travel insurance for Italy
Seniors travel insurance
With no upper age limit on our policies, everyone can enjoy their holiday. Get protection for baggage, unexpected cancellations and more.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions
We cover over 1,300 medical conditions. Declare yours before you travel so you’re fully covered. Our medical questionnaire takes a few minutes to complete.
Family travel insurance
One simple policy that protects the whole family - from kids to grandparents. Quick, easy and efficient, just how a policy should be.
Cruise travel insurance
Cover for cabin confinement, port delays and more. Essential if your Italian holiday includes a Mediterranean cruise.
How much does Italy travel insurance cost?
The cost of your Italy travel insurance depends on a few key things:
- Your age and medical conditions. Older holidaymakers may pay more, as they’re more likely to make a claim. Likewise, medical conditions may also increase your premium.
- The length of your trip. A 2-week trip to Milan, Rome or Venice will cost more than a short city break. Simply put, longer trips usually cost more to insure.
- Your level of cover. Adding extras like cruise or gadget cover also increases the premium.
- The activities you have planned. If you’re doing sports like skiing in the Dolomites, you’ll need winter sports cover. Similarly, if you’re heading on a cruise, playing golf or taking part in extreme sports, you’ll need additional cover.
When to buy Italy holiday insurance
It’s best to buy travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. This way, you’re covered if you have to cancel before you travel. The latest you can buy is the day before you leave, but earlier is always safer.
Italy travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions
Living with pre-existing conditions increases your risk of needing medical care. In Italy, temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees, with temperatures reaching record highs in 2021. If the extreme summer heat affects you, travel health insurance becomes even more important. With it, you won’t need to worry about expensive medical bills relating to your health.
Make sure you declare your medical conditions to us. If you don’t, you won’t be covered should anything relating to your condition happen. We cover over 1,300 medical conditions for holiday trips to Italy.
Some of which include:
- Asthma
- Atrial fibrillation
- Cancer
- COPD
- Diabetes
- Disability
- Heart conditions
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
Understanding healthcare in Italy
Italy has a two-tier healthcare system. The first is its public healthcare system, Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN). It also has a private healthcare system. Irish holidaymakers can access some public care with EHICs, but it is limited.
Your EHIC won’t cover the costs of treatment in a private hospital that doesn’t have a special agreement with the public health authority. So, bear this in mind. Private hospitals often provide faster treatment, and can be costly without insurance. That’s why travel insurance for Italy is so important. Just make sure you declare your conditions before you travel.
Will the EHIC cover you for your trip to Italy?
Yes, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives Irish holidaymakers access to state-provided healthcare in Italy at the same cost as residents. But it’s not enough on its own.
The EHIC does not cover:
- Private healthcare costs
- Repatriation to Ireland
- Lost baggage or cancellations
That’s why comprehensive Italy travel insurance is essential as it fills the gaps left by the EHIC.
A simple 3-step process to book your Italy travel insurance
Get your quote in seconds
You will only need to tell us some information about yourself and your holiday plans
Select and tailor your cover
Now all you need to do is to choose the level of cover that best suits your needs
Buy your cover and relax
Purchase your cover and you’re ready to go – we’ll take care of the rest!
Expert travel insurance recommendations from our team
"Italy is a wonderful place to visit, and travel insurance is there to make sure your trip stays that way. We’ll cover the unexpected, from medical treatment to lost bags, so you can focus on enjoying la dolce vita."
Peter Clark - JustCover Director
What our customers say
“Nathan was clear and calmly explained everything to me. As over-65-year-olds, we needed the reassurance of good cover. The Payment process was easy, and I feel we got value for money with the end-of-summer discount offer.”
see full reviewItaly travel tips and recommendations
Italy is a beautiful country and an exciting place to visit in any season. Here are a few practical tips that can make your trip smoother and safer:
- Healthcare: Always speak to your doctor before you travel, especially if you have pre-existing conditions. Take extra medication in case you lose any or are delayed. Carry your EHIC, plus travel insurance documents. Pharmacies (“farmacia”) are widely available for minor needs.
- Prepare well: Make sure your passport is in date. There’s nothing worse than finding out days before, or on the day of travel, that it’s expired. You should also contact your bank to let them know you’re jetting off to Italy. In case they pause your accounts for unusual activity.
- Safety: Pickpocketing is common in busy tourist areas like Rome, Milan, Florence and Naples. Keep valuables secure. The Department of Foreign Affairs offers some useful advice.
- Transport: Trains are fast and efficient, but car hire requires extra care. Roads in rural or mountain areas can be challenging. Remember that temperatures can reach 40 degrees in summer, so wear light and breathable clothing.
- Pack for the weather: Pack the right clothes and wear sunscreen; Italy can get extremely hot in the summer months. Stick to shaded areas when you can and stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Cash and cards: Cards are widely accepted, but some small shops and restaurants still prefer cash.
- Local etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting churches. Cover shoulders and knees in religious sites like the Vatican. Also, be aware of particular laws that apply to some Italian towns and cities. In some places, littering can hand you an instant fine. In others, sitting on monument steps or eating and drinking near churches can also be punished with a fine.
- Dining customs: Tipping isn’t mandatory, but leaving small change is polite. A “coperto” (cover charge) is often added to restaurant bills.
Travel risks in Italy
Italy is a safe and welcoming country, but there are a few risks to be aware of:
- Crime: Petty theft and scams target tourists in crowded areas and on public transport.
- Natural hazards: Italy has active volcanoes (Mount Etna, Stromboli, Vesuvius) and occasional earthquakes. Due to the heat, forest fires can also happen. Stay alert and always follow local safety advice.
- Altitude sickness: If you plan on hiking in places like the Alps or Dolomites, be wary of altitude sickness.
- Heat: Summers can be extremely hot, especially in southern Italy. Stay hydrated and take care if you have medical conditions.
With the right travel insurance, you’ll be protected.
Frequently asked questions about travel insurance for Italy
Does Italy travel insurance cover extreme heat or heatwaves?
Yes, if you fall ill due to extreme heat or dehydration, medical treatment can be covered as part of your travel insurance. Always check your policy for exclusions. Insurance won’t cover simply being uncomfortable due to high temperatures, but it can protect you if you need hospital care linked to heat.
What kind of travel insurance do I need for Italy?
Irish travellers to Italy should get European travel insurance that includes medical cover, cancellation, lost belongings, and cover for any activities you plan to do (such as skiing in the Dolomites or hiking). If you have medical conditions, be sure to declare them during your quote process.
Do you need a visa to visit Italy?
No, Irish citizens do not need a visa to travel to Italy for short stays (up to 90 days) as Ireland and Italy are both in the EU. You just need a valid passport. Longer stays may require registering with Italian authorities.
How safe is it to travel in Italy?
Italy is generally very safe. The biggest risk for tourists is petty crime like pickpocketing in busy areas such as Rome, Florence, and Venice. Violent crime is rare. Always keep valuables secure and be cautious in crowded spaces. And stick to licensed cabs and Ubers where you can.
Are there age restrictions on travel insurance for Italy?
Some insurers may place age limits on certain policies, but we offer travel insurance for seniors, including those over 65, 70, or even 80. Premiums may be higher for older holidaymakers, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
When does your Italy travel insurance need to begin?
Ideally, your policy should start from the day you book your trip, not the day you travel. That way, you'll be protected if you need to cancel due to illness, injury, or another covered reason before departure. You won’t be able to book travel insurance once you’re already in Italy
What medications are not allowed in Italy?
Some medicines available in Ireland may be controlled in Italy, especially strong painkillers or medications containing codeine. Always carry a copy of your prescription and check the Department of Foreign Affairs advice before travelling. Keep medicines in the original packaging.
Do you need a licence to ride a moped in Italy?
Yes. To legally ride a moped, scooter, or motorbike in Italy, you must hold a valid driving licence. For mopeds up to 125cc, an Irish car licence is usually accepted, but always check local rules. If you ride without the correct licence or helmet, travel insurance will not cover you.
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2. Covers cancellation for certain reasons outside of your control and detailed in our Policy Wording. Amount of cover depends on the policy level you have purchased.
3. Based on Trustpilot reviews of all companies in Ireland within the Travel Insurance Company category - January 2025.
4. Based on 128 responses, post-purchase survey August 2025.
5. Based on 128 responses, correct as of 27/08/2025.
6. Covers cancellation for certain reasons outside of your control and detailed in our Policy Wording. Amount of cover depends on the policy level you have purchased.