Relying solely on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for a trip to Italy carries real risks: it covers neither medical repatriation, nor treatment at private clinics, nor the full cost of co-payments. Yupwego helps you find the cover that genuinely fills those gaps, tailored to the length and nature of your trip.
Get my quoteIs travel insurance compulsory in Italy?
Travel insurance is not required on entry to Italy for French nationals. Going without it, however, leaves you exposed to unexpected costs that the EHIC only partially covers: neither repatriation nor private clinics are included. A dedicated travel insurance policy is strongly recommended, even for a short stay.
Why take out travel insurance for Italy?
- The EHIC is not enough: The European Health Insurance Card gives you access to Italian public hospitals, but it does not cover medical repatriation or private clinics. Co-payments remain your responsibility and vary by region.
- Repatriation at your own expense without insurance: A medically assisted repatriation to France can cost tens of thousands of euros. The EHIC does not cover it: a Yupwego travel insurance policy takes care of the entire bill.
- Private care entirely at your own cost: Italian private clinics bill the full cost of treatment with no partial reimbursement. A straightforward consultation can exceed 150 € and rise quickly once tests are added.
- Theft and baggage loss: Italy’s most popular tourist areas are hotspots for pickpockets and bag snatchers. Baggage cover reimburses your belongings in the event of confirmed theft.
- Cancellation and travel disruptions: Strikes, illness, family emergencies: these events can wipe out the full cost of a trip you have already paid for. Cancellation cover recovers those non-refundable expenses.
What your Yupwego Italy travel insurance covers
For a trip to Italy, Yupwego recommends a minimum cover of 80,000 € to be properly protected against medical costs, repatriation and common travel mishaps.
- Medical expenses and hospitalisation: Yupwego pays the hospital directly, including at private clinics, so you never have to reach for your card.
- Medical repatriation: If your condition requires it, Yupwego arranges and funds your return to France, without you having to pay a single euro upfront.
- Personal liability: If you accidentally cause harm to a third party in Italy, your policy steps in according to the cover you have taken out.
- Baggage and stolen belongings: Theft or loss of your belongings during your trip: Yupwego reimburses up to the limits set out in your policy.
- Cancellation and trip interruption: Illness, bereavement, unexpected strikes: non-refundable costs are covered if your trip falls through.
Healthcare in Italy
Italy has a good-quality public health system, the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), accessible to French travellers through the EHIC at affiliated facilities. Bear in mind that a co-payment applies depending on the region and remains your responsibility even with the EHIC; a non-urgent A&E visit (white code) can be billed at around 50 €, with additional tests potentially pushing the bill to between 150 and 500 €. Private clinics bill the full cost of treatment with no partial reimbursement: travel insurance covering private facilities is essential if you want a choice of practitioner. No vaccinations are required to enter Italy; consult your doctor if you have chronic conditions or if your trip includes remote rural areas.
Entry requirements for Italy
French nationals can enter Italy with a valid national identity card or passport, with no visa needed for tourist stays of under 90 days. For non-EU nationals and non-Swiss nationals, a residence permit is required beyond 90 days. If your stay extends over several months, a long-stay travel insurance policy is better suited than a standard tourist contract; students and interns can opt for a youth, student and working holiday travel insurance. Families can benefit from dedicated plans through family travel insurance.
Car hire and road accidents in Italy
Hiring a car in Italy is a popular choice for exploring regions less well served by public transport. A French driving licence is valid throughout the EU: no international driving permit is needed. For material damage to the hired vehicle, travel insurance does not apply: take out a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) with the rental company and carry out a thorough inspection of the vehicle when you collect it. If you are injured in an accident, however, your Yupwego travel insurance covers your medical expenses and repatriation (personal injury), in accordance with your policy terms.
