Best Travel Insurance for Expats in Italy

Nadia Dardón

Immigration Content Writer

Last update 21 October, 2025

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Moving to Italy isn’t just a relocation, it’s a cultural awakening. From sipping espresso in Rome’s cobblestone piazzas to exploring the rolling hills of Tuscany or the coastline of Amalfi, life here moves at a beautifully slower, more intentional pace. It’s no wonder Italy continues to attract expats, retirees, and digital nomads from all over the world.

But amid all the pasta, art, and la dolce vita, one thing you can’t overlook is travel insurance. Whether you’re settling in Milan for work, studying in Florence, or freelancing from Sicily, the right insurance plan ensures that you’re protected from unexpected medical bills, travel disruptions, or emergencies abroad.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about travel insurance for expats in Italy, why it’s essential, what to look for, and how to choose a plan that fits your lifestyle.

Why Travel Insurance is Essential in Italy

Italy is famous for its rich culture, world-class cuisine, and beautiful way of life, but even in the land of la dolce vita, things don’t always go as planned. That’s where travel insurance comes in. Whether you’re living in Italy temporarily or putting down roots for the long term, reliable coverage can protect you from stress, unexpected bills, and complicated situations.

1. Healthcare and Medical Emergencies

Italy’s public healthcare system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, or SSN) offers high-quality care, but it’s primarily intended for legal residents. As an expat or newcomer, you may not immediately qualify for free or subsidized services.

While private hospitals and clinics are widely available, costs can add up quickly without insurance. A comprehensive travel insurance policy ensures you can access medical care when you need it, without the worry of large out-of-pocket expenses.

2. Unexpected Travel Disruptions

Even after settling in Italy, travel often remains a big part of life, whether you’re visiting family abroad, renewing a visa, or exploring Europe. Flight cancellations, delays, and lost luggage can strike at any time. With travel insurance, you’re covered for these disruptions and the financial setbacks they can cause, letting you travel worry-free.

3. Theft or Loss of Belongings

Italy is generally safe, but popular destinations like Rome, Florence, and Venice attract tourists, and with them, occasional petty theft. If your laptop, phone, or important documents are lost or stolen, insurance can help you recover the cost and get back on your feet quickly, keeping your work and daily life on track.

4. Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation

Serious medical emergencies can sometimes require specialized treatment or transportation to another country. Evacuation or repatriation can be incredibly expensive if paid out-of-pocket. Comprehensive travel insurance ensures you won’t face massive costs in a worst-case scenario and gives you peace of mind that help is always within reach.

5. Legal and Liability Protection

Living abroad can bring unexpected challenges, from apartment disputes to accidental damage or injury involving others. Some travel insurance policies include legal assistance and personal liability coverage, providing added protection and support if things get complicated.

In short, travel insurance isn’t just for tourists in Italy; it’s an essential safeguard for anyone living, working, or exploring this beautiful country long-term.

Special Considerations for Expats & Remote Workers in Italy

Italy has long been a dream destination for expats, retirees, and digital nomads, and it’s easy to see why. With its rich culture, incredible food, diverse regions, and vibrant cities, it’s a place where work and life blend beautifully. But while settling in might feel effortless, your insurance needs can be more complex than those of a short-term traveler.

1. Long-Term Stays and Residency

Expats in Italy often stay for extended periods, ranging from months to years. Many traditional travel insurance plans cap coverage at 30, 90, or 180 days, which may not be enough if you plan to stay longer.

Make sure your policy allows for extended or renewable coverage that satisfies Italy’s residency or visa requirements, such as the Elective Residency Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, or Startup visa.

2. Balancing Public and Private Healthcare

Once you become a legal resident, you can access Italy’s public healthcare system, the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN). While the SSN provides excellent care, it may not always offer quick appointments or English-speaking providers.

Many expats choose to combine it with private insurance for faster service and broader access. A flexible travel or expat plan that complements public healthcare gives you the best of both worlds.

3. Remote Work and Equipment Coverage

If you’re a remote worker or freelancer, your work gear (laptops, cameras, tablets) is essential. Unfortunately, many standard insurance policies don’t cover professional equipment or work-related electronics. Look for a plan specifically designed for digital nomads or expats that includes this coverage, or add an extra policy rider to protect your valuable tools.

4. Frequent Travel Within Europe

One of the best parts of living in Italy is how easy it is to explore Europe. Whether you’re taking a quick train to France, a ferry to Greece, or a flight to Spain, you’ll want Europe-wide or global coverage that travels with you. This ensures that you remain protected wherever your next weekend adventure takes you.

5. Lifestyle and Adventure Activities

Italy offers a diverse lifestyle, skiing in the Dolomites, hiking through Tuscany, sailing along the Amalfi Coast, or diving off Sardinia. Make sure your insurance covers the activities you plan to enjoy. Some policies exclude certain sports or outdoor adventures, so check the details before you go off exploring.

6. Evolving Residency and Tax Status

As you move from being a visitor to an Italian resident, your legal and tax obligations change, and so might your insurance eligibility. Some travel insurance policies expire or lose validity once you gain residency status. When that happens, you’ll need to switch to a long-term expat or international health insurance plan that’s designed to support permanent or semi-permanent stays in Italy.

Benefits of a Good Insurance Plan for Italy

The best insurance plan isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about giving you the freedom to enjoy life in Italy without worrying about what happens if things go wrong. A well-chosen policy should fit your lifestyle, travel habits, and long-term goals.

Here are some of the key benefits you should expect from a reliable expat or travel insurance plan in Italy:

1. Comprehensive Medical Coverage

A strong policy covers both emergency and routine medical expenses, from doctor visits and hospital stays to prescriptions and even dental or maternity care (depending on your plan). This ensures that you can access high-quality healthcare whether you’re at a public hospital under the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) or a private clinic.

2. Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation

If you experience a serious medical emergency that requires specialized treatment, your insurance should include medical evacuation to another country or back home. Repatriation coverage also ensures that, in the event of a critical illness or death, all transportation and logistical costs are covered, protecting both you and your loved ones from unexpected expenses.

3. Coverage for Personal Belongings and Work Equipment

Whether you’re a digital nomad working from Rome or a retiree traveling through Tuscany, theft and damage can happen anywhere. Good insurance reimburses you for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings, and some plans even extend protection to professional tools and electronics, such as laptops or cameras.

4. Trip Interruption and Cancellation Protection

Life is unpredictable. Flight cancellations, visa changes, or family emergencies can force you to alter your plans at the last minute. Comprehensive travel insurance helps you recover the cost of canceled flights, unused reservations, or other non-refundable expenses so you don’t lose money when plans change.

5. Personal Liability Coverage

Accidents happen, whether it’s a mishap at your rental apartment or an accidental injury to someone else. Personal liability coverage protects you if you’re found legally responsible for property damage or injury, covering both legal fees and potential settlements.

6. 24/7 Multilingual Assistance

Living in Italy is wonderful, but navigating emergencies in another language can be stressful. The best insurance providers offer 24/7 multilingual assistance, helping you find a doctor, file a claim, or get help in your preferred language, anytime, anywhere.

7. Flexible and Renewable Terms

Expats and long-term travelers need flexibility. Many modern plans offer renewable annual coverage, month-to-month options, or even worldwide protection, ensuring your insurance follows you as you travel within Europe or beyond.

8. Optional Add-Ons for Your Lifestyle

A great insurance plan adapts to your life in Italy. Look for optional add-ons for adventure sports, mental health care, wellness benefits, or extended European travel. Customizable coverage means you only pay for what truly fits your lifestyle, whether that’s skiing in the Alps or exploring vineyards in Umbria.

Travel Insurance with Citizen Remote

At Citizen Remote, we understand that moving to Italy isn’t just about changing your address, it’s about embracing a new way of life. Whether you’re sipping cappuccino in Rome’s cobblestone piazzas, working remotely from a Tuscan villa, or soaking in the seaside charm of Sicily, your insurance should keep up with your adventures. Our platform is designed to support expats and remote professionals with everything they need to feel secure, connected, and confident in Italy.

Global Coverage — Including Portugal and Beyond: Our travel insurance plans offer worldwide protection, giving you the confidence to explore without limits. Whether you’re based in Italy full-time or often traveling across Europe, you’ll have coverage wherever life takes you. From a medical appointment in Milan to an emergency flight home, your insurance travels with you every step of the way.
Tailored Plans for Expats and Remote Workers: We know that standard travel insurance doesn’t always fit the needs of people living abroad long-term. That’s why we provide plans designed specifically for expats and digital nomads, with coverage for extended stays, work-related travel, and personal belongings like laptops and cameras. These policies adapt to your lifestyle so you can focus on enjoying Italy’s culture, cuisine, and creativity, worry-free.
Customizable Coverage with WorldTrips: Through our partnership with WorldTrips, you can personalize your plan to match your needs. Adjust your deductible, set your coverage limits, and choose the protections that matter most, from medical care and emergency evacuation to trip interruption coverage. This flexibility allows you to get exactly what you need without paying for unnecessary extras, making it both practical and affordable.
Visa and Residency Support: Italy offers several visa options for expats and remote professionals, including the Digital Nomad Visa, Elective Residency Visa, and Self-Employment Visa, and most require valid insurance coverage. Citizen Remote helps you meet these requirements easily by connecting you with compliant plans. Our platform also provides resources to simplify your move, from visa guidance to settling in your new Italian community.
Comprehensive Lifestyle Support: We’re more than just an insurance provider. Citizen Remote offers a full range of services to help you thrive in Italy. From accommodation assistance and local community connections to eSIMs for seamless connectivity and local guides to help you navigate daily life, we make sure your transition is as smooth as possible.

Whether you’re relocating for work, romance, or the Italian sunshine, Citizen Remote ensures you’re fully supported every step of the way, so you can enjoy Italy’s beauty, culture, and charm with complete peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Italy with Confidence and Peace of Mind

Living in Italy is a dream come true for many expats and remote workers, from the rolling vineyards of Tuscany and the sparkling Amalfi Coast to the bustling streets of Rome and Milan. But as with any big life change, preparation is key. Having the right travel insurance ensures that unexpected medical costs, travel disruptions, or emergencies never get in the way of your new Italian adventure.

The right policy isn’t just about protection, it’s about freedom. Freedom to explore new cities, work from breathtaking locations, and fully embrace Italy’s rich culture and lifestyle without worry.

At Citizen Remote, we make that easier. With flexible, globally recognized coverage, 24/7 support, and resources built for the modern expat lifestyle, you can focus on what truly matters: living your best life in Italy, confidently, securely, and without compromise.

Get a Free Quote with Citizen Remote and see how much peace of mind costs for your next adventure!

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