Do I need Travel Insurance to visit Italy?

Body Italy has some of the most popular tourist spots in Europe, thanks to its blend of breathtaking historical sites- ranging from Ancient Rome through the Renaissance to the modern Vatican- its incredible food, beautiful scenery, diverse sporting activities, and cultural cachet. It is no wonder the home of pizza and Vivaldi attracts millions of visitors every year.

Whether you’re visiting the Roman ruins, Florence, Naples, the Alps, or looking for chic outfits in Milan, AXA’s Schengen Travel Insurance offers extensive protection for those travelling to Italy, covering medical expenses up to €100,000 in Italy and other Schengen Area countries. It also allows you to obtain the compulsory travel insurance certificate required with your Schengen visa application.

• Who needs travel insurance to visit Italy?
• Who needs a Schengen visa to enter Italy?
• Why choose AXA Schengen Travel Insurance for Italy?
• What does AXA Schengen Travel Insurance for Italy offer?
• Which AXA Schengen Travel Insurance offer is best for me?
• Useful Information to prepare my Italian trips 

Who needs travel insurance to visit Italy?

Travel insurance is compulsory for those who need a Schengen visa to enter Italy. Italy is one of the countries belonging to the Schengen area. Depending on your nationality and your country of origin, you might need a Schengen visa to enter Italy and/or to visit any other member state. When applying for your Schengen visa, you will need to provide proof that you have subscribed to the proper travel insurance. Travel insurance is thus mandatory to obtain a Schengen visa.
What is a Schengen visa you ask? Find out here: https://www.axa-schengen.com/en/schengen-visa-countries

If you don’t need a Schengen Visa, travel insurance is optional but still strongly recommended as medical costs can skyrocket for foreigners, including for consultations, prescriptions, hospitalisation, etc.

Who needs a Schengen Visa (and thus travel insurance) to enter Italy?

If you come from a country which hasn’t signed a visa waiver agreement with the European Union, you will need a Schengen Visa to visit Italy or any other Schengen country. This concerns several countries from the Maghreb, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Russia, India, and others. This concerns the citizens of over a hundred countries. Check this list to find out if this applies to you.

Nationals from those countries need to follow the proper application procedure to obtain a Schengen Visa. They will need to provide different documents among which a certificate proving that they have subscribed to a valid travel insurance.

What are the travel insurance requirements to obtain my Schengen visa to visit Italy?

To be granted a Schengen visa to enter Italy (or anywhere else in the Schengen zone), your travel insurance must meet the following criteria:

• Guarantees minimum coverage of at least €30,000 in medical expenses
• Covers any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation
• Covers you in all member states of the Schengen Area (not just Italy)
• Provides coverage during the entire duration of your trip and stay in Italy (and/or the rest of Schengen area)
• It must be accepted by all the countries and member states of the Schengen Area.

What if I don’t need a Schengen visa (and, therefore, travel insurance) to visit Italy?

Obviously Schengen nationals travelling to Italy don’t need to apply for a Schengen visa and thus to mandatory travel insurance.
As long as their stay doesn’t exceed 90 days, the same applies to travellers who come from countries such as the US, the UK, Canada and Australia which have signed visa-free travel agreements with the Schengen area.

However, travel insurance is not a whimsical option you can carelessly choose to discard. When travelling abroad, you and your loved ones are more vulnerable to unexpected life hazards. Being in a foreign country, unfamiliar with the Italian language and the use and customs of Michelangelo’s home country, you can quickly become entangled in situations, which could have been avoided. Breaking an arm during a hike in the Italian Alps, indigestion after overindulging on the incredible Sicilian cuisine, heart palpitations while admiring Florence’s breathtaking architecture, the cost of medical expenses can skyrocket. You can also be faced with less damaging but still annoying situations which can quickly spiral into something more serious: misplaced luggage when you land in Milan, a car incident on the streets of Rome, a disagreement with a shop owner. When you are looking for the perfect holiday or simply trying to carry out a business trip, you do not want to handle any extra hassle.

Whether or not travel insurance is compulsory in your situation, embassies and consulates of all countries strongly recommend that you subscribe to comprehensive travel insurance when travelling abroad.

Why choose AXA Schengen Travel Insurance for Italy?

When you choose AXA Schengen Travel Insurance to protect you and your loved ones during your trip to Italy, you are sure you will benefit from:

• Over 20 years of longstanding international reputation and expertise,
• On-site experience and thorough knowledge of local cultures all over the world.
• An international network of legal and medical specialists,
• An extensive coverage of medical expenses including hospitalisation, repatriation and Covid-related issues.
• Experts available 24/7 to assist you remotely and on-site in all types of situations.
• Cost-efficient and affordable coverage, offering the best travel insurance value for travellers visiting Italy.
• Easier visa application procedures: all AXA Schengen Travel Insurance policies are approved by consulates and embassies.
• Online services such as quotes, subscriptions and travel insurance certificates. Peace of mind is only a few clicks away.

What does AXA Schengen Travel Insurance for Italy offer?

AXA Schengen Travel Insurance for Italy offers:

• Quick, comprehensive and affordable options 
• Complete coverage meeting all the necessary requirements to obtain your Schengen visa
• Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses
• Up to 180 days of coverage
• 24/7 medical assistance in case of an emergency
• Zero deductible (which will allow you to avoid some upfront and early expenses with your claim)
• No age restrictions
• Insurance coverage not only in Italy but also in all the Schengen territories and all the European Union countries + the United Kingdom if you’re planning a multi-country Eurotrip (depending on the chosen option)
• Online subscription and immediate certificate delivery. You can download and print your certificate immediately after subscribing to one of the AXA Schengen Travel Insurance offers. 
• An easier Schengen Visa application process as it is accepted by all embassies and consulates 
• Under certain circumstances and in most cases, the refund of your AXA Schengen Travel Insurance if your Schengen visa application is denied. You’ll just need to provide the appropriate documentation (i.e. an official explanation as to why your visa was refused by the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application centre).

What is the best AXA Schengen Travel Insurance offer for me?

Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, for a special holiday or several times a year, depending on the nature of your trip and the risk ratio linked to your activities, AXA Schengen Travel Insurance offers three comprehensive options to best suit your needs:

The Low Cost option: offers basic coverage. Perfect if your budget is tight but you still need your basic medical expenses to be covered (up to €30,000 in Italy and the rest of the Schengen area + the European microstates of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City) as well as coverage in case of hospitalisation or repatriation. It meets all the Schengen visa application requirements.

The Europe Travel option:  is perfect for those who are eager to discover as many European countries as possible.
It offers a more extensive travel insurance coverage: up to €100,000 in medical expenses.
A major bonus, Europe Travel covers your needs not only in Italy and all the Schengen countries but also in all the EU countries, the European microstates of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City, as well as the UK. Additionally to medical expenses, it includes among other things, coverage in case of lost documents and/or valuables, for search and rescue costs, assistance to insured parties travelling alone (hotel for a friend or relative) and so on. Europe Travel meets all the Schengen Visa application requirements.

The Multi-Trip option: for a full year’s coverage. It is THE travel insurance for those who are planning -for business or pleasure- to visit Italy and the Schengen area on a regular basis throughout the year. It offers the same comprehensive coverage as Europe Travel. It is ideal for multiple-entry visa holders.

AXA Travel Insurance offers

Useful Information to prepare my Italian travels

• Safety: Crime levels are generally low but there are higher levels of bag-snatching and pick-pocketing in the big city centres, such as Rome. Be alert on public transport and in crowded areas, particularly in and around Termini station in Rome where incidents of street muggings have been reported as well is the case at other main stations. You should also be vigilant on trains to and from airports (especially Fiumicino airport), in cruise ports as well as on the Circumvesuviana train between Naples and Sorrento. Use a hotel safe for valuables when it is possible.
   
• Public transport: While Italy may be the home of famous car manufacturers such as Ferrari and Maserati, anyone who has had to drive and park in one of the country's cities may not be too eager to relive the experience. The public transport network in Italy is quite good. It includes trains, buses, and ferry services around the coast and is definitely worth considering if you are looking for a slightly less stressful holiday experience. Check out the Italian transport network to organise your trip without having to get behind the wheel at least of a car! You can also rent a boat to discover Italy from another perspective.
   
• Opening hours: Typical opening hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. However, these can vary depending on the type of place you want to visit. Some grocery shops open earlier or have no lunch break. Some large shops are also open longer in the evening. Museums also have their own opening hours. Make sure to check before you set of!
   
• Driver’s licence: Visitors must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driver’s licence to legally drive in Italy. Driver’s licences issued in EU and EEA countries and the UK are accepted, as is documentation from many other countries. International driving permits are recognized, but not required.
   
• Restaurants: Visitors should be aware that opening hours at Italian restaurants are between 12 pm and 1 pm for lunch and many are closed between 2 pm and 3 pm. Italians don't eat lunch later than 2 pm. Restaurants are then closed for an afternoon/early evening break. Italian dinner or la cena, is usually served from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. 

While preparing your trip to Italy, you might find this additional information interesting:

• Going to Italy: Travel and safety advice
• How to get a Schengen visa to travel to Italy
• How to apply for a visa for Italy when you are a US citizen
• How to apply for a visa for Italy if you are an Indian resident
• How to apply for a visa for Italy from the UK

What should I do if I am injured or ill while in Italy or another Schengen country?

Don’t worry - AXA Schengen travel insurance is here to guide - help and protect you. In case of a medical emergency you must contact the AXA Schengen call center at the number provided on your insurance policy. Medical assistance professionals will answer your questions and advise you 24/7 to help you find the medical center best suited to your situation and the closest to your location.

What information must I give the AXA Schengen call centre?

You must provide the following information to the call centre:

• The number of your policy, which begins with “SCH”.
• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached and the details of the people that can be contacted locally.
• The dossier number given to you during your first call.

IMPORTANT: Remember to always keep bills/ invoices and enclose them with your file.

Which European countries are not members of the Schengen area?

The European Union and the Schengen Zone are not one and the same — and neither are the respective countries that comprise them. Naturally- the math here can get a little confusing. So if you’re planning a trip to the EU - the Schengen Zone - or both check this page.