Do I need Travel Insurance To Go To Italy?

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, sporting activities, and cultural cachet. 

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 traveling to Italy - as it can cover medical expenses up to €100,000 in Italy and other Schengen Area countries. It also allows you to obtain the travel insurance certificate required with your visa application. 

What does AXA Schengen travel insurance for Italy cover?

Starting at €33 per week (approx. US$35) of your trip, our Schengen Travel insurance covers:

• Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses 
• Medical repatriation & transport 
• 24/7 medical assistance in English or French in case of urgency
• Up to 180 days of coverage
• All Schengen and European Union countries as well as the United Kingdom (depending on the chosen insurance)
• Insurance certificate issued immediately and approved by the embassies
• No age limit
• Zero deductible - which will allow you to avoid some upfront and early costs with your claim

Is travel insurance required for Italy?

Travel insurance is mandatory if you need a Schengen Visa for Italy. If you don’t need a visa, travel insurance is optional but strongly recommended as medical costs can be high for foreigners, especially as you will need to pay for any prescriptions.

Do you cover emergency medical costs related to coronavirus? 

We will cover your medical costs related to coronavirus provided you haven't traveled against World Health Organization advice, personal medical advice from your doctor, or any other government body’s advice in your home country or the country you are traveling to. Emergency and additional travel costs are also covered providing you have stuck to this advice. 

All issued electronic certificates purchased on the axa-schengen site include this disclaimer: “Medical fees related to COVID-19 are covered in the terms, conditions & exclusions established in the insurance policy”. This will satisfy any embassy rules that state you must get an insurance certificate with Covid protection. 

Will AXA Schengen travel insurance be accepted with my Italy visa application?

AXA has been delivering insurance certificates that meet Schengen countries’ requirements to obtain a visa for more than 10 years.  All you need to do is print the electronic form of the health insurance certificate and enclose it with your visa application. Each AXA Schengen insurance certificate is individualized and bears a number that is verifiable on our website.

What are the requirements for travel insurance for my Italy visa?

To obtain a Schengen Visa to Italy your insurance must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses
• It should cover all member states of the Schengen Area
• It should cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons.

I don’t need a Schengen Visa to visit Italy - can I still purchase your insurance to cover my possible health expenses?

Schengen travel insurance is not mandatory for some travelers, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be injured or get ill. A broken wrist or nasty infection can happen to anyone! We thus strongly recommend that you subscribe to our insurance for travelers visiting Europe to make sure your trip is as safe and peaceful as possible. Particularly if tackling dangerous sports or traversing Germany’s forests and mountains.

What are the main advantages of AXA Schengen insurance?

1. Compliant with European requirements for Schengen Visa. 10 years of existence
2. Immediate coverage. Your insurance covers you from the first day you need it
3. No age restriction, zero deductible
4. No price variation because of nationality or age
5. Refund if your Schengen Visa application is denied.

Why should you trust us?

• Medical files processed by AXA Schengen in 2021: 2292
• Medical calls processed by our agents in 2021: 3845

Which insurance plans to consider?

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

Don’t worry - AXA’s Schengen 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.

The following information must be given to the call center:

• 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, which is communicated at the time of the first call.

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

What should I know when preparing for my trip to Italy?

Security: Crime levels are generally low but there are higher levels of bag-snatching and pick-pocketing in the big city centers, such as Rome. Take care on public transport and in crowded areas, particularly in and around Termini station in Rome, where incidents of street muggings have been reported, and at other main stations. You should also be vigilant on trains to and from airports and cruise ports in Italy (especially Fiumicino airport), as well as the Circumvesuviana train between Naples and Sorrento, and use a hotel safe for valuables where 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 enthusiastic about having to relive the experience. The public transport network in Italy is quite good, and incorporates trains, buses, and ferry services around the coast, and is definitely worth considering if you are looking for a slightly less stressful holiday experience. Here is a look at the Italian transport network, and a few ideas on how to plan your travel without having to get behind the wheel of a car.

Opening hours: Typical opening hours with a break are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. However, these times are not regulated by law and there are variations. Some grocery shops open earlier or have no lunch break. Some large shops are also open longer in the evening.

Driving license: Visitors must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving license to legally drive in Italy. Driving licenses 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 12pm and 1pm for lunch and many are closed between 2pm and 3pm. Italians don't eat lunch later than 2pm. Restaurants are then closed for an afternoon/early evening break. Italian dinner or la cena, is usually served from 8:00 to 10:00pm.

Visa: Although many countries have visa-free travel with Italy and the Schengen Area, if you think you do need a visa to Italy you can find out more, here.