Rome, the Eternal City, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and unforgettable cuisine. But, even in a city as magical as Rome, you could get sick (or injured).
To help you stay prepared, we’ve compiled the ultimate survival guide to managing your health during your Roman holiday. From navigating the Italian healthcare system to finding local pharmacies and multi-lingual doctors, this guide has all you need to turn a travel health hiccup into a manageable experience.
Understanding the Healthcare System in Rome
The healthcare system in Rome is the same as the rest of Italy’s healthcare.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Public Healthcare (SSN): Rome’s public healthcare facilities are reliable but often crowded, especially in central areas. Emergency care at public hospitals is usually free but comes with long wait times.
- Private Healthcare: Many private clinics and hospitals cater to tourists, offering English-speaking staff, faster service, and shorter queues.
Our Expert Tip: Save yourself some time and download the Air Doctor app to browse nearby clinics and online doctors to quickly book a consult during your trip. This is a popular choice among digital nomads, expats, and travelers since we have a global network of over 20,000 multi-lingual doctors, including specialists, and 24/7 multi-lingual customer support services.
Emergency Numbers and How to Access Services
It’s always smart to have local emergency numbers saved on your phone during your travels. Here’s what you need to know:
- Dial 112 for general emergencies or 118 for medical assistance.
- In Rome, ambulances are equipped with basic medical support, and response times are faster in the city center compared to the outskirts.
Our Expert Tip: Multi-lingual operators are available at 112, and if there’s a language barrier, apps like Google Translate can help.
Language Barriers: Communicating Your Needs in Rome
While many private hospitals in Rome may have English-speaking staff, public facilities might not.
To bridge the gap:
- Use apps like Air Doctor to find English-speaking doctors nearby.
- Learn a few key phrases, like:
- “I feel sick.” – Mi sento male.
- “I need a doctor.” – Ho bisogno di un medico.
Our Expert Tip: Carry a physical phrasebook or download an offline translation app, as Wi-Fi might not always be available in clinics.
Pharmacies in Rome: Locations, Hours, and Other Tips
Pharmacies (or farmacie) are easy to find in Rome, and marked by a green cross.
Most are pharmacies in Rome are open from:
- 9 AM to 12:30 PM
- Again from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
- For emergencies, after-hours pharmacies (farmacie di turno) are available.
Our Expert Tip: If you’re near the city center, there are usually a few 24-hour pharmacies open if you need medication on short notice.
Prescriptions: What You Need to Know
Here’s what you should know when it comes to getting prescriptions or advice for your health needs in Rome:
- Pharmacists in Italy often recommend medications for minor issues without a doctor’s prescription.
- Apps like Air Doctor can connect you with a doctor who can issue local prescriptions if the pharmacist isn’t able to. With our easy-to-use app you can access video consultations and valid, local prescriptions in 91 countries and 21 languages.
Our Expert Tip: Keep a copy of your prescriptions, and learn the English and Latin names for medications, as brand names may differ.
For more tips on prescriptions abroad, take a look at our guide on prescriptions while traveling, and our guide to filling prescriptions abroad.
How to Avoid Getting Sick in Rome
Stay healthy and enjoy your trip by following these important health tips for avoiding common travel illnesses.
- Stay Hydrated: Tap water is safe to drink in Rome, and public fountains (nasoni) offer free, fresh water.
- Watch Your Diet: Avoid eating at street stalls or overly touristy areas where food may sit out for long periods.
- Protect Against the Heat: In summer, temperatures in Rome can soar. Wear sunscreen and avoid outdoor activities during peak hours. European heatwaves are no joke!
Our Expert Tip: Eat like a local and opt for fresh produce from local markets like Campo de’ Fiori and make some easy meals for nutritious, more cost-effective food options.
Special Considerations for Pregnant Travelers and Those with Pre-Existing Conditions
If you’re pregnant or have a pre-existing condition, there are a few extra things to consider to ensure a safe and healthy trip.
- Pregnant travelers should research clinics offering prenatal care, such as Rome Health.
- If you have a chronic condition, keep extra medication in your hand luggage.
Our Expert Tip: Check with your airline for carrying extra liquids or equipment, and store emergency contacts in both Italian and English.
Apps to Help You Find Medical Services in Rome
These apps will be your best friend when it comes to accessing medical services during your stay in Rome.
- Air Doctor: We connect you to a global network of multi-lingual doctors for video, clinic, or at-home (hotel) consultations.
- Salute Lazio: This regional app offers information about hospitals, clinics, and emergency services.
Our Expert Tip: Download these apps before arriving to avoid roaming charges and ensure offline usability.
What to Do If You Have Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can help you navigate medical services while abroad.
Here’s what to do if you need to use it:
- Many insurance companies partner with local providers.
- Contact your insurer for a referral to their recommended clinic or hospital.
- Keep receipts and documents for claims/reimbursement.
Our Expert Tip: Ensure your policy covers both public and private healthcare, as private clinics are often more convenient.
Embassies, Clinics, and Other Local Resources
In case of a serious issue, your embassy and local clinics are valuable resources to have on hand.
- Your local embassy in Italy can assist you with medical referrals, contacting family, and navigating legal requirements for extended stays.
- International clinics like Rome American Hospital specialize specifically in caring for tourists.
Our Expert Tip: Make sure you save your embassy’s contact information and address in your phone before your trip.
What to Do If You Get Sick in Rome
Getting sick in Rome can be daunting, but it’s manageable if you know what to do.
Here’s a quick summary of the above:
- Start with a Pharmacy (Farmacia): If your symptoms are mild, head to a nearby pharmacy, marked by a green cross. Pharmacists in Rome are knowledgeable and can recommend over-the-counter remedies.
- See a Doctor: For more serious concerns, use apps like Air Doctor to find English-speaking doctors available for in-person or virtual consultations. Alternatively, visit a private clinic for faster service.
- Know Emergency Numbers: Dial 118 for medical emergencies or 112 for general assistance. Multilingual operators are usually available, but it’s wise to have key phrases like “Ho bisogno di un medico” (“I need a doctor”) on hand.
- Contact Your Travel Insurance: Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible. They can guide you to partnered clinics or help with payment arrangements.
- Visit the Embassy if Necessary: For severe issues, your embassy can provide guidance, contact family, or recommend reliable medical services.
By keeping all of this info in mind, and preparing for the unexpected, you can enjoy all that Rome has to offer with peace of mind. From the Colosseum to the Vatican, let the Eternal City take your breath away – but not because of stress or sickness!
About the Air Doctor App
With the Air Doctor app in your pocket, you can access medical advice, get prescriptions, and receive expert medical guidance while you’re in Rome (and anywhere else you travel).
Air Doctor offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- A global network of over 20,000 multi-lingual doctors and specialists
- Choice of clinic, at-home (hotel), and video consultations
- Active in 78 countries
- Cross-border prescription services
- Video consults and valid, local scripts in up to 21 languages & 91 countries
- 24/7 multi-lingual support
- Transparent pricing and reviews
- Most common medical specialties, including pediatricians
If you’re looking for reliable, accessible, and global medical assistance, Air Doctor is the perfect choice for you. Download the app before your next trip to ensure peace of mind and access to quality healthcare, wherever your travels take you.
