7 Best Travel Insurance Options for Italy + 2 Free Alternatives

 

Embarking on a trip to Italy promises incredible experiences, but it’s true that the planning process can also become a source of stress. From arranging plane tickets and accommodations to crafting the perfect itinerary and bracing for possible jet lag, there’s a lot to handle.

However, amidst all the pre-trip chaos, one crucial aspect often overlooked by many travelers is acquiring suitable travel insurance.

If you find yourself in this situation, fret not! This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about purchasing travel insurance for your Italian adventure, including a curated list of the best and most affordable options available.

But before we delve into the insurance details, let’s get you fully prepared for your memorable journey!

 

Do I really need travel insurance for a trip to the Italy? 

 

Absolutely, without a doubt! Travel insurance is an absolute necessity, especially for adventurous travelers like myself, who engage in activities that carry a higher risk of injury and subsequent medical expenses.

During my journeys, I’m always up for hiking mountains, climbing, leaping from one place to another, and even indulging in adventurous swimming and diving. These thrilling experiences are what make my trips perfect, but they also come with potential risks.

Just picture yourself snowboarding in Switzerland without travel insurance and encountering an accident on the mountainside. The helicopter evacuation and subsequent medical bills could be overwhelming, leaving you with a hefty financial burden and a prolonged hospital stay that even your heart might not appreciate.

Moreover, obtaining travel insurance is a wise decision no matter where you’re headed. I’ve encountered countless backpackers during my travels sporting the infamous “Thai Tattoo” – those large scars on their legs from accidentally burning themselves on scooter exhaust pipes in Thailand!

Do you really want to find yourself in a public hospital in the heart of Bangkok? With travel insurance, you have the reassurance of accessing private medical facilities where you’ll likely receive superior care.

In summary, travel insurance is an absolute must-have to protect yourself and your financial well-being during your globetrotting adventures, no matter where they take you!

 

But do I actually need travel insurance? I don’t usually do any extreme activities or sports!

Listen up: Regardless of whether you’re embarking on a leisurely shopping trip to Miami or a grand adventure in Italy, having travel insurance is a must!

Though Italy may not demand health insurance like certain other countries, traveling always carries some level of risk. You could easily trip while strolling down the street, get accidentally hit on the head, or fall ill unexpectedly.

Using Italy’s health system, or any foreign health system for that matter, without insurance coverage is akin to inviting personal bankruptcy. Medical expenses can quickly spiral out of control and leave you facing financial ruin.

Furthermore, it’s essential to note that many countries, including Italy, require travelers to have some form of health or travel insurance to enter their borders.

But here’s the best part: Travel insurance isn’t solely for medical emergencies! Depending on your chosen plan, it can also come to your rescue when dealing with lost luggage, flight delays, unfavorable weather conditions, or even the need for evacuation from a country in the event of civil unrest.

In a nutshell, don’t underestimate the importance of travel insurance. It’s a safeguard that can save you from significant financial burdens and unexpected hurdles during your journeys, be it a shopping spree or an overseas escapade in Italy.

 

Update regarding travel insurance and the coronavirus (COVID-19)

We’re all well aware that Covid hasn’t entirely disappeared, so you might be wondering if your travel insurance will provide coverage if you fall ill.

At this stage, almost every travel insurance plan available includes coverage for sickness related to Covid-19. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to exercise caution and thoroughly review the specifics of your policy before making a purchase. By doing so, you can ensure you have a clear understanding of the extent of your coverage and travel with peace of mind.

(Or for more details, you can also take a look at our article here: Does International Health and Travel Insurance cover Coronavirus (COVID-19)?) 

 

Observation: Here are travel insurance options tailored for tourists. If you plan to study in Italy, you’ll require an international health insurance plan for international students. Similarly, if you are heading to the US as an employee or immigrant, then you should consider a health insurance policy for expatriates. Check out the available choices at the end of the article here.

 

How does the health system in the Italy work? 

Let’s take a look at Italy’s National Health System, known as “Servizio Sanitario Nazionale” (SSN), which provides affordable healthcare to all citizens and legal residents.

 

1. Universal Access: Health for All

One of the most remarkable things about Italy’s healthcare system is that it is truly universal. All Italian citizens and legal residents have access to healthcare services, regardless of their income. It doesn’t matter if you are a local resident or a temporary tourist, the SSN is available to everyone on Italian soil.

2. Financing: The Role of Taxes

You might be wondering how such a comprehensive healthcare system is funded. Well, the answer lies mainly in taxes and social contributions. Health is considered a fundamental right in Italy, and most services are provided free of charge or at very low cost to patients.

3. Regional Adjustment: One Touch Local

Although the Ministry of Health is in charge of regulating health throughout the country, each region in Italy has some autonomy to manage and organize its own health services. This may lead to some regional differences in healthcare procedures and care, but the aim is to ensure that everyone has adequate access to necessary medical services.

4. Primary Care: The First Step to Better Health

If you need medical care during your stay in Italy, you will likely start with primary care. The family doctor or general practitioner, known as the “doctor of general medicine”, is the first point of contact for common health concerns. They take care of simpler problems and, if necessary, refer patients to specialists.

5. Hospitals and Specialized Services

The SSN operates a network of public hospitals across the country. In addition, there are specialist clinics and treatment centers to cater for various medical needs. The quality of health services is generally considered to be good, and Italian health professionals are well trained and competent.

6. Modest Co-Payments

While most services are free for citizens, it is important to mention that there may be modest co-payments for certain services and medications, especially for those with higher incomes. However, these amounts are generally affordable and not a big expense for most people.

7. Private Health Insurance: An Option to Consider

While the SSN offers comprehensive coverage, some people choose to obtain private health insurance to supplement public services or to access specific treatments and facilities that may not be fully covered by the public system.

Although no one wants to need medical attention while traveling, it is always useful to know the health system of the country you are visiting.

 

 

What are the best travel insurance options for a trip to Italy? 

   1. The well-known, mid-priced travel insurance company:

IMG Global (accepts citizens from most countries!) 

They have one travel insurance plan available for Americans only (Patriot Travel Medical Insurance) and one available for non-American travelers (Patriot America Plus).

You are given the flexibility to choose your preferred level of coverage, which spans from US$50,000 to US$500,000, along with deductible options ranging from US$0 to US$2,500.

Overall, their prices tend to be competitive. However, similar to a few other choices mentioned in this list, there are certain activities they do not cover. It is advisable to thoroughly read your policy to ensure it includes all the necessary elements before making a purchase.

Travel insurance for seniors (65+): one thing that makes IMG unique is that they offer a travel insurance plan specifically tailored to travelers aged 65 and over, called GlobeHopper Senior. 

 

IMGlobal travel insurance and COVID-19 coverage

 

 

   2. The best, most comprehensive travel insurance company for backpackers and adventurous travelers:

World Nomads Travel Insurance

(5% discount coupon comfort5)

In my honest opinion, World Nomads stands out as the top backpacker travel insurance company available.

Whenever I embark on a journey that involves adventurous or “risky” activities such as snowboarding, canyoning, hiking, glacier walking, skydiving, deep-water diving, skiing, climbing, and more, I always ensure I have a policy with World Nomads.

They truly provide extensive coverage, encompassing a wide range of activities. I have yet to come across another company that offers a better deal for ALL the activities covered by World Nomads policies. (If you happen to know of one, please feel free to share it in the comments section below!)

If you have a particular activity in mind and want to know if it’ll be covered by World Nomads or not, you can take a look at this page here.

In essence, World Nomads offers two types of policies to choose from. The first option is the “Standard” policy, which can be sufficient even if you have adventurous activities planned. It provides emergency medical coverage for activities like downhill skiing or hiking up to 6,000 meters (almost 20,000 feet)!

Alternatively, there’s the “Explorer” plan, tailor-made for more extreme travelers. This comprehensive plan covers almost any other imaginable activity. However, it’s essential to review the plan details to ensure specific activities you have in mind are covered.

Another noteworthy feature from World Nomads is the option to add coverage for “high-value specified items such as iPhones and digital cameras.” This add-on can be beneficial if you’re carrying a lot of electronic gear or traveling in areas where theft is prevalent, like Brazil, for example.

Based on my personal experience seeking reimbursement after falling ill in Thailand, I can attest that their customer service team is highly attentive and easy to deal with.

One more crucial aspect to be aware of is that with World Nomads, you can purchase travel insurance even if your trip has already begun. You don’t need to be in your home country of residence to buy or extend a policy.

You can get a 5% discount code on your World Nomads travel insurance policy by using the coupon code “comfort5″.

(P.S. If you’re anything like me and are also addicted to sports and adventure activities and want to make sure you have good travel insurance that covers them, here are two other articles you might like: 3 Best International Travel Insurance for Extreme Sports and Adventure Activities and 9 Tips to Stay in Shape During Your Travels.) 

 

WorldNomads travel insurance and coronavirus coverage

As of writing this article, World Nomads doesn’t explicitly address whether or not their insurance plans cover Covid-19 treatment. However, you can find their most up-to-date position on the coronavirus on their website here. 

 

 

   3. One of the cheapest travel insurance companies you’ll find anywhere:

 

WorldTrips (formerly Atlas Travel)

WorldTrips travel insurance and Covid-19 coverage

 

 

 

   4. The new international travel insurance company for digital nomads and adventure/extreme sports:

 

Safety Wing

One thing that makes Safety Wing stand out is its focus on insurance plans that cover adventure sports and extreme activities. (Like WorldNomads!) 

Plus, their website is fun and allows you to easily and quickly get a quote. 

 

Safety Wing travel insurance and Covid-19 coverage

 

 

 

   5. The best place to find & compare cheap travel insurance policies:

 

VisitorsCoverage

It’s a bit like Momondo, which lets you compare plane tickets from different companies. Or Rentalcar.com, which does the same rental cars. 

In other words, it makes it much easier to see all your options for travel insurance plans. And then ultimately compare, choose, and buy the best option for your trip. 

VisitorsCoverage travel insurance and COVID-19 coverage

 

 

 

   6. Another great website to search for and compare cheap travel insurance policies:

 

TravelInsurance.com

One nice feature of TravelInsurance.com is that, beyond travel insurance, they also offer insurance plans for immigrants, international students, and expatriates.

 

TravelInsurance.com and coronavirus coverage

 

 

   7. A final “travel insurance portal” option to search for and compare policies to find the best deal:

AARDY

AARDY is a noteworthy travel insurance “aggregator,” offering a platform to explore travel insurance plan options from multiple companies at once. They often describe themselves as the “Amazon” of travel insurance.

AARDY distinguishes itself with its exceptional customer service, evident from its high scores on TrustPilot reviews.

In addition to their user-friendly search portal, which enables quick and easy plan comparisons, they provide various support channels like email, live chat, and customer support, allowing you to have all your questions and concerns addressed before purchasing your insurance policy.

Another commendable aspect of AARDY is their commitment to giving back. They donate 10% of their annual income to The Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which offers financial assistance to the children of military personnel who lost their lives in combat.

 

AARDY travel insurance and COVID-19 coverage

Since AARDY itself isn’t a travel insurance provider and is only a portal that lets you compare insurance from many companies, you’ll have to look into the individual insurance company before you buy your plan to see what their position is on Covid-19 coverage. 

 

 

Bonus option to find and compare many different travel insurance plans at once:

 

InsureMyTrip

It’s a lot like Momondo, which is an aggregator for airline tickets, or Rentalcar.com, which is an aggregator for car rentals.

InsureMyTrip sets itself apart with its strong emphasis on quality. Any plan or insurance company receiving less than 4 stars will be removed from their website, ensuring that only reputable options are showcased.

Another notable distinction is InsureMyTrip’s exclusive focus on travel insurance. Unlike some other options mentioned earlier, you won’t find any insurance plans for expats, immigrants, or international students here. Their specialization ensures a dedicated and streamlined experience for travelers seeking comprehensive travel insurance coverage.

But if you’re looking for a plan like this to complement your travel insurance, check out my article on the 5 Best & Cheapest Health Insurances for International Students or 5 Best International Health Insurances for Expats & Immigrants.

 

InsureMyTrip travel insurance and Covid-19 coverage

Since InsureMyTrip itself isn’t a travel insurance provider and is only an aggregator that lets you compare insurance from many companies, you’ll have to look into the individual insurance company before you buy your plan to see what their position is on Covid-19 coverage. 

 

 

 

But wait….you might not even need to buy travel insurance!

Here are two sneaky ways you might be able to get “free” travel insurance 🙂 

 

   1. Buy your return flight ticket with a credit card to (maybe) get free insurance for your trip.  

Depending on your credit card type, purchasing a roundtrip flight with it may include a free basic travel insurance plan.

Credit card providers such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Diners offer cards that might have this benefit. However, it’s essential to contact your card provider or check their website to verify if your card includes this feature and understand how it works.

For trips to Europe, this free basic insurance plan could suffice to fulfill the mandatory Schengen insurance requirement.

However, it’s crucial to note that the insurance provided by your card is more of an international health insurance plan rather than a comprehensive travel insurance plan. This means it will likely only cover emergency medical care, and it may not cover treatment needed for most sports or any “risky” activities.

Additionally, unlike standard travel insurance, you won’t be covered for travel delays, lost baggage, canceled flights, or other trip-related issues under the insurance plan provided by your credit card.

Also keep in mind that this won’t work if you’re using miles to buy your plane ticket.* And that the maximum time limit on insurance from these types of credit cards is only 31 days. So if you’re still traveling, you’ll have to buy a regular travel insurance policy to keep yourself covered. 

 

*CORRECTION: According to a blog reader named Alex, who commented on the Portuguese version of this article, if you possess a Visa Platinum credit card and use the accumulated miles from this card to pay for the ticket taxes and fees with the same card, you may be eligible for their worldwide travel insurance.

Nevertheless, it’s advisable to verify this information directly with your credit card provider as the benefits of the same credit cards can vary based on the country of issuance. Thank you, Alex, for sharing this valuable information!

Additionally, thanks to reader Ana Luisa’s comment, I discovered that Visa Platinum insurance typically covers a duration of 60 days, which is longer than the usual 30-day coverage offered by most other credit cards. However, if your trip exceeds this period, it is essential to complement the rest of your journey by purchasing a regular travel insurance policy. Nonetheless, taking advantage of the Visa Platinum coverage can help you save money during those initial two months of your trip.

 

   2. Use your health insurance policy from your home country or country of residence. 

Before concluding, I have one final potential option for you. Consider reaching out to your health insurance plan provider in your home country to inquire about any international travel insurance options they offer.

Since you are already insured with them, you might be able to obtain affordable (or even free!) coverage while traveling abroad. However, it is essential to verify that their insurance will cover the specific destinations you’ll be visiting and all the activities you plan to engage in during your trip. Ensuring comprehensive coverage for your travel needs is crucial.

 

A quick note about travel insurance for cruising: 

Someone recently reached out asking if any of these travel insurance plans could be used for cruise trips, so I did some research. 

And based on what I could find, both WorldNomads and WorldTrips will cover you on a cruise. 

It’s great to hear that WorldTrips’ Atlas plan includes coverage for medical evacuation from a ship if required, depending on the circumstances. This can provide travelers with added peace of mind during their cruise trips.

It’s also worth noting that all travel insurance plans with WorldNomads seem to cover cruisers as well. However, keep in mind that there is an age limit of 66 for WorldNomads’ coverage.

On the other hand, one notable advantage of WorldTrips is that they have no age limit, making it a suitable option for travelers of all ages.

As you await confirmation from the other companies, it’s essential to carefully review the policy details and verify whether they offer the specific coverage you need for your cruise or any other activities you have planned during your trip.

 

Fraud Warning! As previously mentioned, both WorldNomads and WorldTrips allow you to purchase travel insurance even after your trip has commenced. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the possibility of fraud when using this option.

Purchasing travel insurance after you’ve already fallen ill or experienced an accident, with the intention of seeking coverage for that specific incident, is not a valid practice. Insurance companies are well aware of such tactics and typically include an “anti-fraud” clause in their policies.

 

This clause often dictates that you can only utilize your insurance coverage 48 hours after purchasing the policy. In other words, if you become seriously ill during your trip and attempt to buy travel insurance right away to cover your treatment, you’d have to wait 48 hours before being eligible for reimbursement from the insurance provider. Moreover, you would need to demonstrate that the illness occurred after you purchased the policy.

On the other hand, if you’ve had an accident, you can use your insurance within this 48-hour window. However, you must be able to prove that the accident occurred after you purchased your travel insurance plan.

Insurance companies are vigilant and will investigate any suspicious activity to ensure that travelers are not attempting to deceive them by purchasing insurance for incidents that have already taken place.

Therefore, it is essential to approach travel insurance with honesty and integrity, only using it for incidents that occur after you have acquired the policy and adhering to the terms and conditions set by the insurance provider.

 

 Can I use traveling insurance while living abroad as an expat or an immigrant? 

If you’re living overseas or traveling in a country for a short period, you might be okay with just travel insurance. 

But you’re looking for more complete coverage (travel insurance usually just covers medical emergencies), if you’re going to be living abroad long-term, or if you need proof of health insurance for immigration purposes, then what you actually need is an international health insurance plan for expats or immigrants. 

If you’d like to learn more about the differences between travel insurance and international health insurance, then you can take a look at our article about the 3 Best International Health Insurance for Expats & Immigrants.

Or, you can quote directly with some of these expat insurance companies here:

   Cigna

   IMGlobal

   Now Health International

 

Can I use travel insurance during my international exchange or while studying abroad?

However, if you’ll be needing a student visa, then you’re going to need a health insurance plan that’s designed just for international students or exchanges. 

If you’re an international student and think you might need one of these special medical insurance plans, then take a look at my page with The 3 Best and Cheapest Health Insurances for International Students & Exchanges to learn more.

Again, you can check out directly some of these international student insurance companies here:

   IMGlobal   

   Cigna for International Students

   Now Health International

 

International travel insurance coverage for terrorism

I’ve had a few comments in both the English and the Portuguese article asking if travel insurance covers acts of terrorism. 

I did  a bit of research, and here’s what I found out: 

Although WorldTrip’s basic travel insurance plan doesn’t cover terrorism, their Atlas Premium plan DOES cover “treatment of injuries and illnesses relating from an act of terrorism, up to the limit set forth in the schedule of benefits and limits.” So yes, they do appear to have terrorism coverage. 

General tips to help you get back your travel insurance reimbursement

All the travel insurance companies mentioned above have an extensive network of hospitals, clinics, and doctors. The ideal scenario is to seek treatment at one of these in-network providers.

By doing so, you can avoid any out-of-pocket expenses, as the treatment bill will be directly sent to the insurer for payment (unless the treatment exceeds the maximum coverage amount).

In the event of illness, accidents, or any incidents requiring medical attention, it’s best to contact your travel insurance provider promptly. They will guide you on which in-network doctor or hospital to visit for treatment.

However, if you are unable to access an in-network medical provider, you may need to pay for the treatment out-of-pocket and subsequently request reimbursement from the insurance company.

As you know, dealing with insurance companies, whether for cars, homes, health, or travel, can be a bit challenging, and they require precise documentation to process claims.

But first, a few insurance terms to cover:

*make a claim: ask an insurance company for reimbursement for medical expenses

*insurer: the travel insurance company

*beneficiary = claimant = the insured: the person (you) who is asking the insurance company for money/reimbursement

 

List of documents usually requested by travel insurance policies when you seek reimbursement for medical expenses (if you were treated by an out-of-network provider): 

• Copy of the claimant’s national ID (driver’s license or other state-issued ID)
• Copy of Proof of Residency (any current proof – from the last 3 months – with the name of the claimant). If you don’t have this, send a declaration of residence that is completed, signed, and notarized by the insurer.
• For minors, a declaration of residence must be completed, signed, and notarized by the respective legal guardian (form provided by the insurer)
• Copy of the claimant’s voucher
• Original registration information form, signed by the beneficiary (form provided by the insurer)
• Copy of passport (ID page + page with entrance and exit stamps from the country where the accident happened) or other documentation that shows beneficiary was outside of habitual domicile when an accident happened (aka your home country) – for example: airplane tickets (by the way, you should always keep your boarding pass until the end of your trip, not only for filing a possible claim but also request your miles!)
• Presentation of the original medical report with descriptions of the procedures, provided by the health professional or medical center with a clear indication of the diagnosis, clinical history, and admission form, in the case of hospitalization
• Original prescription (if the pharmacy still has the prescription, send your x-ray or a document showing you picked up your medicine in exchange for the prescription)
• Invoice of the medical procedures or the pharmacy receipt with medications prescribed, which should match the quality and quantity of the provided prescription
• Report of medical care (explaining the reason, what happened and how the treatment went – both from the travel insurance staff as well the health providers), written by the beneficiary 
• A completed list of expenses (form provided by the insurer)
• Your contact phone number, address, and e-mail
• Proof of bank info (copy of bank statement header, check, or debit card)

 

And the worst part? You’ll most likely have to send all of these documents physically by mail!

Yes, I understand. It can be an enormous hassle. So, if possible, seeking treatment from a medical provider within your insurance company’s network is much easier. This way, you can avoid all the time wasted and headaches associated with preparing this paperwork.

However, if you truly have no other option, going through the reimbursement process isn’t the end of the world.

With a bit of organization and ensuring that you have all these documents in order, your chances of successfully filing your claim and receiving a prompt reimbursement are quite good!

If you’ve ever had to make a claim, please share your experience and tips in the comments section below to help other readers.

 

To summarize, these as the best travel insurance companies for the Italy:

1. IMGlobal
2. World Nomads Travel Insurance
3. WorldTrips
4. Safety Wing
5. VisitorsCoverage
6. TravelInsurance.com
7. AARDY
8. InsureMyTrip

 

 

My final advice: Seriously, it’s crucial to purchase travel insurance before your trip! In case you forgot and are already traveling, don’t delay and buy it as soon as possible. And if you already have a policy but need to extend it (which both WorldNomads and WorldTrips allow), be sure to do so before your current policy expires!