Florence, the heart of the Renaissance, is an incredible place to exploreโuntil illness disrupts your plans. Whether itโs a minor cold, food-related discomfort, or something more serious, knowing how to navigate the cityโs healthcare system can make all the difference.
This guide walks you through what to do if you fall sick in Florence, from finding pharmacies to contacting a doctor, so you can get back to enjoying its stunning art, architecture, and cuisine.
Accessing Healthcare in Florence
Italyโs healthcare system is highly regarded, and Florence has excellent medical facilities.
Hereโs how to access care while visiting:
- Public Hospitals: These offer quality treatment at reasonable costs but often come with longer wait times for non-urgent cases.
- Private Clinics: If you prefer faster service and English-speaking staff, private clinics are your best option.
Our Expert Tip: Use the Air Doctor app to quickly find and book English-speaking doctors in Florence.
Important Emergency Numbers
If you require urgent medical attention, keep these numbers handy:
- 112 โ General emergency line (works across Europe).
- 118 โ Direct line for medical emergencies and ambulance services.
- 055 69381 โ Florenceโs main public hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi.
Our Expert Tip: Hotel staff can assist in making emergency calls or directing you to the nearest hospital.
Overcoming the Language Barrier
While Florence welcomes millions of international visitors, not all healthcare professionals speak fluent English. Knowing a few key phrases can help:
- โI donโt feel well.โ โ Non mi sento bene.
- โWhere is the nearest pharmacy?โ โ Dovโรจ la farmacia piรน vicina?
Using a translation app or writing your symptoms down beforehand can make communication easier.
Our Expert Tip: Many private clinics cater to tourists, so ask for English-speaking staff when booking an appointment.
Where to Find Pharmacies in Florence
Pharmacies (farmacie) are scattered throughout Florence and can be identified by a green cross sign. They provide over-the-counter medications and basic health advice.
- Regular Hours: Most are open from 9 AM to 7 PM, Monday to Saturday.
- Late-Night Options: Check for a farmacia di turno (on-duty pharmacy) if you need medicine outside standard hours.
Our Expert Tip: If you need a last-minute script, you can book an appointment with Air Doctor for valid, local prescriptions.
Staying Healthy While Exploring Florence
To avoid getting sick while sightseeing, keep these tips in mind:
- Stay Hydrated: Florenceโs tap water is safe to drinkโrefill your bottle at public fountains.
- Eat Smart: Enjoy local cuisine, but be mindful of street food hygiene and overindulging in rich dishes.
- Prepare for Heat: Summers can be hot, so wear sunscreen, stay in the shade, and take breaks indoors at museums like the Uffizi Gallery.
Our Expert Tip: If you feel fatigued, take a break in one of Florenceโs quiet gardens, like Bardini Gardens, to recover.
Special Considerations for Travelers with Medical Conditions
If you have a pre-existing condition or are traveling while pregnant, plan ahead:
- Carry Medications: Keep prescriptions in their original packaging with a doctorโs note if possible.
- Know the Nearest Hospital: Careggi Hospital is Florenceโs top public medical facility, and International Medical Center Florence is a great private option.
Our Expert Tip: If you need a consultation for a chronic condition, private clinics often provide faster service with English-speaking staff.
Travel Apps to Assist with Healthcare in Florence
A few useful apps can make managing your health easier:
- Air Doctor โ Find English-speaking doctors in Florence.
- Doctolib โ Book medical appointments in Italy.
- Google Translate โ Helpful for quick translations at pharmacies or clinics.
Our Expert Tip: Test these apps before your trip so youโre comfortable using them in case of an emergency.
Why Travel Insurance Matters
Having travel insurance is crucial for covering unexpected medical costs in Florence. Hereโs what to check before your trip:
- Coverage for Private Clinics: Some policies only cover public hospitals, which may have long wait times.
- Emergency Assistance: Make sure your insurance includes 24/7 medical support.
- Keep Digital Copies: Save your policy details and emergency contacts on your phone.
Our Expert Tip: Contact your insurance provider before seeking medical care to confirm the best place for treatment under your policy.
Embassy Assistance and Medical Support
If you need help replacing lost prescriptions or arranging medical care, your countryโs embassy can assist. Florence also has reputable hospitals and private clinics available for tourists.
Our Expert Tip: Before your trip, note down your embassyโs contact details in case of a medical emergency.
What to Do If You Get Sick in Florence
Need a quick recap? Hereโs what you should know:
- Visit a Pharmacy for minor health concerns.
- Use Air Doctor to find an English-speaking doctor.
- Call 118 for medical emergencies or visit Careggi Hospital for public care.
- Check your travel insurance to ensure proper medical coverage.
- Reach out to your embassy if you need further assistance.
By preparing in advance, you can handle any health issues that arise and focus on enjoying Florenceโs breathtaking sights and culture.
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 youโre in Florence (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 85 countries
- 24/7 multi-lingual support
- Transparent pricing and reviews
- Most common medical specialties, including pediatricians
If youโre 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.
