Health, vaccinations and medical care in Italy

Health, insurance and where to be treated

No malaria, no preventive antimalarials, and drinkable tap water - Italy's health risks are seasonal and insect-borne rather than endemic.

• Routine immunizations - have MMR and Tdap up to date before arrival. Hepatitis A and B are recommended for select travelers.
• Dengue, West Nile virus and chikungunya transmit locally in summer, carried by daytime-biting mosquitoes in urban and rural areas. Use repellents containing DEET, Icaridin or PMD.
• Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) is present in forested alpine areas of northeastern Italy - take tick precautions if you plan outdoor activities.

Tap water is safe and strictly monitored under EU public health standards.

• Rome has over 2,500 nasoni, the curved iron fountains running free spring water constantly; Milan has its traditional vedovelle.
• Watch for "Non Potabile" signs, common on old trains and in some rural agricultural zones.

For minor problems, go to a pharmacy - look for the glowing green cross. Pharmacists give over-the-counter clinical advice and dispense selected medications.

For an English-speaking consultation:

• Rome - Aventino Medical Group (Via Sant'Alberto Magno 5, +39 06 5780738), FirstMed Rome (Via Giovanni Battista Morgagni 30/H, +39 06 40 06 14 02), Salvator Mundi International Hospital (Viale delle Mura Gianicolensi 67, +39 06 588961).
• Milan - FirstMed Milan (Via Laghetto 3, +39 02 8112 7935), Milan Medical Center (Via Angelo Mauri 3, +39 02 4399 0401).

Carry comprehensive travel medical insurance covering local clinical fees, hospitalization and emergency medical evacuation.