Travel insurance for Italy
Explore la dolce vita
- Trusted by:
Trusted by:
There are more hidden gems in Italy than there are varieties of pasta and gelato, from sampling limoncello while watching an Amalfi sunset, swimming the turquoise waters of Lake Garda, or visiting the World Heritage-listed site of Pompeii.
- What's covered
- Will I need a Schengen Visa to go to Italy?
- Going off season and off the grid
- Pickpockets and other scammers
- Adventure safety
- What activities and sports are covered?
- Trip delays
- Looking for more travel inspiration for Italy?
When you head to the Bel Paese, you’ll no doubt have an unforgettable trip; World Nomads just wants to help make sure it’s unforgettable for the right reasons. No matter where your travels take you, it’s worth considering travel insurance as it may come in handy.
What's covered
With World Nomads, you can buy travel insurance when you book your trip from home or while you're already traveling around Italy. All our plans offer cover (up to the benefit limits) for:
- Overseas emergency medical
- Medical evacuation and repatriation
- Trip cancellation
- Stolen or delayed baggage
- Worldwide 24-hour Emergency Assistance Team
- Cover for some Coronavirus-related events.
Note: all travel insurance plans are different, and cover will vary, depending on what's happened, your Country of Residence, the plan you choose and any optional extras or upgrades you add.
Here are our top tips for living large in Italia that help you protect yourself... so you can save your worries for which flavor of gelato to order instead.
- Pickpockets and other scammers
- Adventure safety
- Trip delays
Will I need a Schengen Visa to go to Italy?
Yes! When in Italy it’s very important to have a valid passport and a Schengen visa if you’re not a European citizen as this will help you move freely around the 27 EU member states. Depending on the Schengen country where you are applying for the visa, authorities may ask you for a Schengen visa letter.
Important: The Schengen Agreement allows residents of certain European countries to travel freely around the Schengen Area as though it's a single country. For travelers from other countries, you need to get a valid Schengen visa to do the same. Before you can get your visa, you'll need valid travel insurance. We have also more handy tips on tourist visas and passports.
We have you covered if you are still looking for more travel inspiration on which places to visit in Europe or if you need the latest safety travel alerts.
Always refer to your local consulate or embassy or visit the Italian government travel website for information on visiting Italy.
Going off season and off the grid
It’s a good idea to visit Italy in the shoulder seasons, especially if you want to avoid large crowds and want cheaper flights and accommodation. Many of the main cities in Italy in the summer months will be full of tourists. If you do go outside of peak season – either in the autumn months (September to November) or the spring months (March to May) - flights may be cheaper, as will hotels and even shops. Also, if you do go in the peak season, it may be a good idea to go off the beaten path and visit some of the lesser known, but still incredible, Italian cities and regions. For example, Locorotondo in Puglia, Trento in Trentino, Mantua in Lombardy, and Tropea in Calabria.
Check out our travel alerts to stay up to date on any travel restrictions or travel changes for Italy.
Pickpockets and other scammers
Italy might be the home of high fashion brands, but even a humble backpack can draw attention here – thanks to pickpockets. Always be vigilant with your personal items, especially in crowded areas where you’re likely to get jostled, especially on the buses, metros and trains, and busy tourist sights.
If the worst happens, and you realize your personal effects have been stolen, you may be eligible subject to claim assessment for coverage on the loss. (One thing to note is that, if you don't specify the item and pay the additional premium, you’ll be covered at the depreciated value of your belongings, not the current retail price. For example, you may have paid a certain amount for your new backpack five years ago, but if in its current well-worn state, it is only a portion of the original value, that is what you will receive as a replacement value.)
As soon as you’ve noticed your bags have been stolen or damaged, please report it to the relevant authority (carrier, tour operator, accommodation provider). In the case of theft, you’ll also need to report it to the local police or relevant authority, as theft is a crime. Generally, insurance won’t cover things such as losing bags or valuables that are left unattended. Remember to always keep originals or copies of your receipts if you need to make a claim.
Depending on your country of residence, coverage for cash is limited or non-recoverable, so carry only the Euros you’ll need for the day. And note the maximum benefit limit for baggage... you may want to leave your designer bag at home. When it comes to theft, prevention is best, check out our top 5 safety tips for Italy article before you go.
Adventure safety
If you’re planning on skiing down the snow-dusted slopes in the Dolomites or cycling through cinematic Tuscany, consider how much coverage you’ll need for your adventure. Depending on your country of residence, you may need to purchase an upgrade for an additional fee. Al fresco fun can be nothing less than magical, but only when you’re prepared for all the wild surprises that can show up impromptu outdoors, including wonky weather issues.
What activities and sports are covered?
With more than 150 sports and activities covered under our Standard and Explorer plans, you can find more information on what activities we cover here. Just select your Country of Residence to see those that apply to you. If you’re not sure if something you’re planning on doing while on holiday is covered, please contact us.
No matter what you plan to do, World Nomads offers cover for many activities but remember that you may need to compare the Standard or Explorer plans to see which activity levels are covered on each plan. Depending on your country of residence, you may need to add activities to your policy for an additional premium.
In a medical emergency, say an injury or equipment failure that leaves you on your derrière, in pain, it’s comforting to know you can contact World Nomads for 24/7 Emergency Assistance. It can help you find care nearby, communicate with doctors, and even assist with any paperwork that you’ll need for out-of-pocket expenses. (While Italian citizens have nationalized healthcare, visitors from non-EU countries may have to pay for the cost of their treatments.) With a World Nomads policy, you may be covered up to a maximum benefit for emergency accidents and sickness medical expenses.
Trip delays
One of the most common reasons World Nomads gets a worried call from travelers in Italy is an unforeseen travel delay. Maybe local train employees are on strike or the bus you booked has been in a road accident. Depending on the plan selected, with a World Nomads policy, you could get reimbursed for any expenses you incurred and even a one-way ticket home if the delay is caused by an event specified in your policy and sets you back for a certain amount of time. Just be sure to keep your receipts and copies of your rescheduled itinerary.
Whatever you’re planning, be sure to read over your policy carefully and contact customer service if you have questions.
Looking for more travel inspiration for Italy?
World Nomads has various articles that cover a range of fun topics on Italy, here’s a sample of some of our content:
- 5 Things Travelers Should Know Before Driving in Italy
- Skiing Italy's Dolomites: 8 Important Safety Tips
- 5 Things to Know Before Going to Italy
About World Nomads
World Nomads polices are designed by travelers for travelers to provide simple and flexible travel insurance. Featuring coverage for more than 150 activities, you can get a quote, claim, or extend your policy online at www.worldnomads.com. All the information we provide about travel insurance is a brief summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.
Traveler tip: many major cities in Italy offer a pass granting access to several museums and attractions. If you plan to visit cultural sites and museums during your stay, this is a great way to save money. In some cases, they may be free to enter. For example, in Florence, it is free entry to most of the major museums on the first Sunday of each month.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you*
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel companion unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need medication?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Hurt abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamWherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.
Emergency Assistance, World Nomads
Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.
Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.