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Travel insurance for Italy

Explore la dolce vita

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Article at a glance

  • Travel insurance is mandatory if you're Australian and applying for a Schengen visa.
  • Medical costs in Italy can be high for non-EU visitors; travel insurance may help cover hospital stays, emergency care, and repatriation.
  • Travel insurance may also cover trip cancellations caused by insured events, stolen baggage, and disruptions due to strikes.
  • Australian travellers, including those travelling for work/volunteering, staying for more than 90 days should check visa requirements and policy limits.
  • Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand what’s included and excluded.

From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the canals of Venice, Italy is a dream destination. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins in Rome, skiing in Northern Italy, or on a family holiday in Tuscany, Italy offers adventure, history, and culture in equal measure.

While the food, culture, and art of Italy may be enticing, unexpected events like medical emergencies, travel delays, or stolen luggage can quickly turn your dream Italian getaway into a stressful situation. Before you get on your flight, consider how travel insurance for Italy can help if your adventure doesn’t go to plan.

What's covered

Depending on the plan you choose our trip insurance for Italy can cover you (up to benefit limits) for:

We offer two travel insurance plans: Standard and Explorer. Each policy offers different levels of coverage and benefits. Consider the PDS and whether this product is right for you.

Why should I consider travel insurance for Italy?

World Nomads travel insurance could come in handy for:

  • Medical emergencies: If you trip on cobblestones in Florence and fracture your ankle, medical travel insurance may help cover these expenses.
  • Stolen belongings: Pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas such as Rome’s Termini Station. Our policies may help with replacing stolen items, including passports, tech and personal belongings. Depreciation applies, see the PDS for details.
  • Trip cancellation: If your trip is cancelled due to covered reasons like illness or natural disasters, you may be able to recover non-refundable costs.
  • Luggage delays: If your bags are delayed en-route to Naples and you're left without clothes or essentials, we may reimburse necessary purchases.
  • Adventure activities: Planning on hiking the Cinque Terre? World Nomads can cover more than 220 activities, so get out there and have fun in the sun!

The above features are a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the plans described. Please refer to the PDS for complete details of cover and exclusions.

Traveller’s tip: you can buy travel insurance when you book your trip or while you're already travelling around Italy. Waiting periods may apply.

What to look out for when traveling to Italy

Travel during the shoulder seasons

Visiting Italy in the shoulder seasons of Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May) means you can avoid large crowds and generally get cheaper flights and accommodation.

If you do go in the peak season, it can 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, and Tropea in Calabria.

Traveller’s tip: check out our travel alerts to stay up to date on any travel restrictions or changes for Italy.

Pickpockets and other scammers

Always be vigilant with your personal items, especially on public transport and busy tourist sites such as The Colosseum.

If your gear is stolen - report the theft to the relevant authority, get a report, and submit your claim online along with copies of relevant receipts.

24/7 Emergency assistance

If something goes wrong, we’re here to help with 24/7 Emergency Assistance. We can help you find care nearby, communicate with doctors, and set up payments to medical facilities if your claim is accepted.

Top travel tips for Italy

  • Travel documents for travel to Italy: The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) states that you should have a valid passport with at least six months’ validity. For example, you can’t enter some countries if you have less than 6 months validity on your passport from the date you intend to leave that country. This may apply when you’re transiting or stopping over in the country.
  • Australia has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Italy. You may be able to get treated in public medical facilities if you show your Medicare card and Australian passport. You should still consider travel insurance for medical emergencies abroad as there may be differences in what's covered. Check what is covered under the RHCA and travel insurance as there may be differences in cover available under each.
  • How to stay connected during a holiday in Italy: local SIM cards or eSIMs offer great value; most cities also have solid Wi-Fi.
  • Must-know cultural tips for holidays in Italy: learn a few Italian phrases, be respectful in churches, and remember that many shops close at midday for riposo.
  • The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area is expected to start in October 2025.
  • Stay informed with Smartraveller for country-specific alerts.

Looking for more travel inspiration for Italy?

Get more travel inspiration for Italy:

This is not a full list of what's covered and not covered. Other terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions may apply so please read your PDS carefully. If you’re not sure if something is covered or how to claim, contact us and we’ll let you know.

FAQ for a trip to Italy

Here are our most frequently asked questions about travel insurance for Italy. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team

  • Do I need a Schengen Visa for Italy?

    Australians can travel to Italy and other Schengen countries without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You may be asked to provide evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation according to travel advice websites. For more information on what Australians should know before going to Italy and the Schengen area go to the Smartraveller website.

  • What if my baggage or tech gear is stolen in Italy?
    Our travel insurance plans may cover personal belongings that are stolen or accidentally damaged, including phones, laptops, and cameras—but be aware of the terms and conditions, limitations and exclusions including depreciation, as well as item limits and sub-limits. You also have the option to add high value items when you get a quote.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalized?
  • Travel companion unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Overseas

Take the pain out of medical costs.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need medication?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transport

We'll get you to hospital lickety-split

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Hurt abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medevac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Standard Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Overseas Medical Expenses
  • Emergency dental treatment
  • 24 hour assistance
  • Emergency medical transport & repatriation
  • Cancellation costs
  • Trip interruption costs
  • Compassionate emergency visit home
  • Resumption of trip
  • Theft or accidental damage to baggage and personal items
  • Baggage delay over 12 hours
  • Funeral expenses overseas or repatriation of remains
  • Personal liability
This is a general summary for Australian residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the policy documents for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is 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?

Phone: +61 2 8263 0470 or Phone: +61 2 8292 1470 (reverse charges via an operator from anywhere in the world)

Contact the team