Photo © Poike/IStock

Travel insurance for Italy

Explore la dolce vita

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

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.

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. 

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:

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. Always make sure you read the policy wording carefully.

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.

If you’re not a resident of a Schengen visa country, you will need to get a valid Schengen visa to move freely in the 27 EU member states. Before you can get your visa, you'll need valid travel insurance.

Going off season 

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.

What to do if your gear is stolen

  • If the worst happens, and you realize your personal effects have been stolen or damaged, you may be eligible for coverage on the loss, subject to claim assessment.
  • As soon as you’ve noticed your bags have been stolen or damaged, 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.
  • 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. 

When it comes to theft, prevention is best, check out our top 5 safety tips for Italy article before you go.

Planning on an adventure?

If you’re planning on skiing down the snow-dusted slopes in the Dolomites or cycling through cinematic Tuscany, World Nomads has you covered with cover for more than 150 adventure activities and sports.

Additional premiums may apply, depending on your Country of Residence. Your choice of a Standard or Explorer plan may also determine what activities are covered. 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.

24/7 Help if you fall sick or get injured

In a medical emergency, say an injury or equipment failure that leaves you on your derrière, it’s comforting to know you can contact World Nomads for 24/7 Emergency Assistance. They 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 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:

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.

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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

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 team

Get an instant travel insurance quote

Simple and flexible travel insurance designed by travelers, for travelers. See why over 3 million travelers have chosen World Nomads for more than 20 years.