Travel insurance for Italy
From hiking the Dolomites to exploring medieval cities, here’s how World Nomads travel insurance can help Americans traveling to Italy.
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At a glance
- World Nomads offers four travel protection 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.
- Plans for Americans 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 US travelers. Beyond the main sights, Americans 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 with travel protection may make all the difference should things not quite go to plan.
Plan Comparisons
Choosing the right travel protection 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 also try canyoning, ice climbing or whitewater rafting.
Coverage for activities in Italy
Common insurance considerations for Italy
Accidents and emergencies
No one likes imagining the worst, but if you do get sick or have an accident that sends you to the hospital, you’ll be glad you purchased travel protection before you left home. Wiped out on the slopes of Cortina? Ate dodgy pizza in Pisa and got food poisoning? Emergency assistance is a phone call away. All World Nomads plans include insurance benefits and non-insurance services like portable health records. This enables medical staff to access your records 24/7. Having that information available may be critical if you experience an unexpected medical emergency while travelling.
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 protection 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. Change your mind about traveling? There’s no judgment here. Just make sure you purchase the Cancel For Any Reason benefit within 7 days of making your first trip payment (like booking a hotel or flight) and remember to cancel no later than two days before your departure date. Additional cost, terms and conditions apply; not available to New York residents.
Emergency evacuation
If you get sick or injured and your condition is acute, severe, or life threatening and you’re far from suitable medical facilities, emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage may help get you the care you need. It may cover, up to the maximum benefit amount, to get you to the closest suitable medical facility or to your primary residence 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 non-insurance Emergency Assistance team. This benefit could include transportation costs and any related medical services or supplies.
Trip interruption
No matter how good of a time you’re having, things can happen that mean you have to finish your trip early or you’re unable to participate in your full planned itinerary. If you get injured or sick while you're traveling, or you get a call from back home and learn that an immediate family member has unexpectedly passed away, you may not be able to complete the rest of your planned trip. World Nomads offers trip interruption coverage that may help you get reimbursed for prepaid, non-refundable travel costs if your plans change for a covered reason.
Natural disasters
When a natural disaster strikes, even the most carefully planned trip can be thrown off course, but travel protection can offer some much-needed help and can protect you from unforeseen cost. 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 plan after an event is known and the natural disaster impacts your trip, you may not be covered for any expenses.
Tips we recommend 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 Americans need a visa to visit Italy?
US passport holders don’t need a visa for short stays in Italy (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) but from late 2026, travelers will need to apply for ETIAS authorization before arrival. Check current requirements before you travel.
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Is Italy safe for tourists?
Italy is generally safe for travelers, but petty theft can occur in busy areas and on public transport. Stay aware of your surroundings and follow US Department of State travel advisories*. You may want to consider travel insurance for those unexpected situations that arise.
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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 if my bags are lost or stolen?
Travel insurance benefits for lost, damaged, destroyed, stolen or delayed bags are included in all World Nomads plans. Also, our non-insurance service included in every plan assists with tracking and delivering missing checked bags.
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What if my passport gets stolen in Italy?
World Nomads travel protection plans cover theft or damage of the following documents:
- Passports
- Driver’s licenses
- Birth certificates
- Travel visas
You can claim up to the maximum limit stated in the plan towards the replacement of your passport or one or more other travel documents mentioned above.
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How do I avoid getting sick in Italy?
Take sensible precautions with food and water and check which vaccinations are recommended well in advance of your trip. All World Nomads plans for US residents include insurance benefits and additional non-insurance services like access to pre-trip medical support. A telehealth consultation can help you with a customized medical plan based on your destination. This may help you prepare for health concerns before you go and the best ways to avoid things like altitude sickness, malaria, yellow fever and traveler’s diarrhea.
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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. Benefits 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: https://worldnomads-us.eclaims.csaclaims.com. Have your documents and receipts handy to upload and get started. If you get stuck, you can call us collect on +1 844-207-1930 and we can 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 non-insurance Emergency Assistance partners at Generali Global Assistance 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 (877) 289-0968 (toll-free from the Continental US); or
Phone: +1 (954) 334-8143 (collect from anywhere else in the world)
Need destination inspiration for your Italian travels?
Not sure where your next adventure should take you? Take a look at these travel and safety ideas and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.
Secrets of Puglia, Italy: Food, History, Beaches, and Trulli
Discover Lecce, Italy: The ‘Florence of the South’
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Protection
Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.
- Standard Plan: $2,500
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Epic Plan: $15,000
- Annual Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Insurance
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
- Standard Plan: $125,000
- Explorer Plan: $150,000
- Epic Plan: $250,000
- Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Evacuation
We'll provide assistance to get you to the hospital or home quickly.
- Standard Plan: $400,000
- Explorer Plan: $500,000
- Epic Plan: $700,000
- Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Evacuation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags, tech and gear.
- Standard Plan: $1,000
- Explorer Plan: $2,000
- Epic Plan: $3,000
- Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
The amounts listed represent the maximum benefit amount.
Protect your health
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance Help Line
- Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Evacuations
- Bedside Companion Travel
- Emergency Medications
Protect Your Trip
- Trip Cancellation
- Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
- Trip Delay & Trip Interruption
- Missed Connection (Explorer or Epic)
- Rental Car Damage (Explorer, Epic or Annual)
Protect Your Stuff
- Baggage Delay
- Passport and Visa Loss
- Lost or Stolen Bags
- Personal Tech, Equipment & Gear
- Baggage Return After Evacuation
Non-Insurance Services
- Medical & Non-Medical 24/7 Emergency Assistance Line
- Translators Available
- Pre-Departure Telehealth Services
- Portable Health Records
- Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.