Private hospitals and clinics in Italy are very good, but are expensive if you do not have medical insurance. The public health system is instead managed provincially by ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) and can provide information on how to find the nearest hospital, clinic or any other medical service you might require. First Aid Service (Pronto Soccorso) with a doctor on hand is found at airports, ports, railway stations and hospitals. If you need an ambulance, you can call 118 from anywhere in Italy.
Citizens of EU countries are covered for emergency medical treatment in Italy on presentation of an E111 form.
IMPORTANT CHANGES TO E111 FORM
I f you are planning to travel in Europe during 2005 and are a UK resident, you should apply for a new E111 form. Those issued before 19th August 2004 are only valid until 31 December 2004. Each individual traveller now needs their own E111 form, including children. However, if you're a family you only need to complete one application form for you, your partner and your children. Your new E111 form will be valid until 31st December 2005. Later in 2005 the UK will be adopting the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which will be issued to those who have applied for the new E111 form and tick the box to receive the new card. You can get your free E111 form and Health Advice for Travellers' Booklet at any Post Office Branch (www.postoffice.co.uk 08457 22 33 44).
Treatment in private hospitals or clinics is not covered.
Most travel insurance includes medical cover. Check with your travel agency when booking the travel insurance for your holiday.
VACCINATION CERTIFICATE & WATER
No vaccinations are required to enter Italy or to re-enter the UK. Tap water is drinkable in Italy. Water from drinking fountains is safe unless there is a sign "Acqua non potabile". You might see this sign inside trains, camping sites, etc.