Travel Insurance for Italy
Travel advice for Canadians visiting Italy
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At a glance
- World Nomads offers four travel insurance plans for your trip to Italy. Plans range from standard to higher-limit protections.
- Coverage may apply to popular activities in Italy like hiking, biking and skiing.
- Policies for Canadians include protection for medical emergencies, trip delays and lost luggage.
From Rome’s ancient ruins and the Renaissance art in Florence to the canals of Venice and the rolling hills of Tuscany, there’s a lot to love in Italy. Whether you’re going for the art, food or outdoor adventure, Italy is a top-of-the-bucket-list destination for many Canadians. Beyond the main sights, travellers are drawn to the charm of Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast, the shores of Lake Como, the whitewashed towns of Puglia and the alpine scenery of the Dolomites – and beyond. Wherever you’re headed, being prepared makes all the difference should things not quite go to plan.
Plan Comparisons
Choosing the right travel insurance coverage depends on your trip type and planned activities. Each of our four plans – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – offers different coverages and benefit maximums.
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
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Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Covering the basics for your trip to Italy. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Get a quote |
Travel insurance for adventure activities in Italy
Getting active in Italy is as much about the setting as the experience. In the north, the Dolomites offer hiking, climbing and via ferrata routes through dramatic alpine scenery, while in winter, ski resorts across the Italian Alps cater to all levels. Along the coast, the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre are known for their walking trails, while further south, Sicily offers opportunities for hiking and even climbing or snowshoeing up to Mount Etna, one of Europe’s most active volcanoes. Cycling is also a highlight, from gentle rides through Tuscany to more challenging routes in the mountains. Thrill chasers can try canyoning, ice climbing or whitewater rafting.
Coverage for 250 activities you love + more
Common insurance considerations for Italty
Accidents and emergencies
No one likes imagining the worst, but if you do get seriously sick or have an accident that sends you to hospital, you’ll be thankful you purchased travel insurance before you left home. Hit by a car crossing the street in Milan? Stacked it on the slopes of Cortina? Ate dodgy pizza in Pisa and got food poisoning? Emergency assistance is a phone call away.
Trip Cancellation
The best trips are often the ones you’ve planned months in advance, but you can’t predict the future and unexpected situations can sometimes happen before you even set off. Trip cancellation coverage is included in all single-trip and annual travel insurance plans offered by World Nomads and gives you the opportunity to cancel your trip before you depart – but only for covered reasons. Optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to cancel for any reason that’s not otherwise covered by your plan. Broke up with your partner? You can cancel your trip. Sick dog? You can stay home to care for your fur baby. Change your mind about travelling? There’s no judgment here. Just make sure you purchase Cancel For Any Reason insurance cover within 15 days of making your first trip payment (like booking a hotel or flight).
Emergency evacuation
If you get seriously sick or injured but you’re far from appropriate medical facilities, emergency evacuation and repatriation insurance can help get you the care you need. It may cover, up to the policy limits, the cost to get you to the closest appropriate medical facility or to your home province for further treatment. Under your World Nomads plan, emergency evacuation may be covered if it’s recommended by the attending physician and pre-approved by our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. This benefit could include transportation costs and any related medical services or supplies. If you’re in hospital for three days or more, it may also include the transportation of a family member or companion to your bedside or the return of a dependent child back to your home.
Natural disasters
When a natural disaster strikes, even the most carefully planned trip can be thrown off course, but travel insurance can offer some much-needed weatherproofing. With protection for trip interruption, medical emergencies, and even evacuation, you can head into the unknown feeling prepared for whatever comes your way. Do your research before you go though, because if you buy a policy after an event is known and the natural disaster impacts your trip, you won’t be covered for any expenses.
Tips for travelling to Italy
- Validate your tickets on regional trains and buses before boarding to avoid fines
- Book ahead for major sights like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums to secure entry times and avoid long queues
- Be mindful of pickpocketing in busy areas and on public transport
- Don’t leave valuables locked in rental cars – they may be stolen overnight.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for Italy. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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Do Canadians need a visa to visit Italy?
Canadians don’t need a visa for short stays in Italy (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) but from 2026, travellers will need to apply for ETIAS authorisation before arrival. Check current requirements before you travel.
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Is Italy safe for tourists?
Italy is generally safe for travellers, but petty theft can occur in busy areas and on public transport. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure and consider travel insurance to cover those unexpected situations.
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Can I drink tap water in Italy?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink across Italy, including from many public fountains marked acqua potabile.
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How do trains work in Italy and should I book in advance?
Italy’s train network is extensive and easy to use, connecting major cities and regions. High-speed trains are best booked in advance for cheaper fares and reserved seats, while regional trains offer more flexibility and can often be booked on the day.
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Do I need to tip in Italy?
Tipping is not expected in the same way as in North America. A small service charge (coperto) is often included, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip for good service is appreciated.
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What are ZTL zones in Italy?
ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) are restricted traffic zones in many historic city centres. Driving into these areas without permission can result in fines, so it’s important to check signage and parking options in advance.
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Do I need travel insurance for Italy?
Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended. Cover for accidents, medical emergencies, cancellations, delays and lost luggage can help protect you against unexpected costs. Whether you’re in a major city or off adventuring in a more remote location, it’s reassuring to know you can get the help you need – especially when it comes to an accident or sudden illness.
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How do I make a travel insurance claim?
You can make a claim online 24/7. Have your documents and receipts handy to upload, and get started. If you get stuck, you can call us collect on +1 416 646 3723 or send an email to worldnomads@travelguard.com and we will assist you with your claim.
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What do I do if I need emergency assistance?
No matter where you are in the world, our 24/7 Emergency Assistance partners at Travel Guard are ready to help – 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Whether it’s a medical emergency, stolen gear, missing bags, or a natural disaster, they’re the first call to make. Need a translator? They can help with that too.
When you call, you’ll be asked if you are experiencing a travel emergency. If you are having a medical emergency, you’ll be connected with Emergency Assistance right away. If your situation is not urgent and you are calling outside of normal business hours, you’ll be able to leave a message and be called back.
The contact information for medical emergency assistance is:
Phone: +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from Canada and the Continental U.S.); or
Phone: +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Insurance protection for your hard earned vacation in the event of unexpected cancellation.
- Standard Plan: $2,500
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Epic Plan: $15,000
- AMT Plan: $10,000
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
We’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.
- Standard Plan: $250,000
- Explorer Plan: $500,000
- Epic Plan: $750,000
- Annual Plan: $500,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Gear & Baggage Protection
Coverage for the theft, damage or delay of your bags, tech and sports gear.
- Standard Plan: $1,000
- Explorer Plan: $2,000
- Epic Plan: $5,000
- Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
Protect your health
- Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
- Bedside Companion Travel and Subsistence
- Emergency Professional Services
- Return of Remains
- Return of Travel Companion/Dependent Children
Protect your trip
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Trip Delay
- Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
- Trip Exchange (Explorer, Epic or AMT)
- Rental Vehicle Damage (Explorer, Epic or AMT)
Protect your stuff
- Baggage and Personal Effects Theft or Damage
- Baggage and Sporting Equipment Delay
- Travel Documents Theft or Damage
- Sporting Equipment Theft or Loss by a Common Carrier
- Covered Adventure Sports listed in Policy
Assistance Services
- 24/7 Worldwide Emergency Medical Assistance
- Worldwide Travel Assistance
- Personal Security Assistance
- Adventure Traveller’s Hotline
- Bag Trak
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.