A reciprocal health agreement within the rest of the EU, Iceland,
Liechtenstein and Norway allows reduced-cost dental and medical
(including hospital) treatment on presentation of form E111;
a fee must be paid, plus part of the cost of any prescribed medicines.
Insurance is advised for specialist treatment. Italy is well endowed
with health spas, some famous since the Roman era.
The most important and best-equipped health resorts in Italy are
Abano Terme and Montegrotto Terme (Veneto), Acqui
Terme (Piedmont), Chianciano Terme and
Montecatini Terme (Tuscany), Fiuggi
(Lazio), Porretta Terme and Salsomaggiore
Terme (Emilia-Romagna), Sciacca Terme
(Sicily) and Sirmione (Lombardy). At Merano
(Alto Adige), it is possible to have a special grape-diet treatment.
More information on health spas in Italy is available from La
Federterme (Italian Federation of Thermal Industries and Curative
Mineral Waters).
Other risks
Leishmaniasis (cutaneous and visceral), sandfly fever, typhus and
West Nile virus, though rare, may occur along the Mediterranean
coast. Echinococcosis and brucellosis also occur, although rarely.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival
should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice immediately.
Food & drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink. Bottled water is
also available. The inscription ‘Acqua Non Potabile’
means water is not drinkable. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products
are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and
vegetables are considered safe to eat.
