EU citizens can take advantage of Italy's health services under the
same terms as the residents of the country, but you'll need form E111,
available from any main post office. The Australian Medicare system also
has a reciprocal health-care arrangement with Italy.
Vaccinations are not required, and Italy doesn't present any more health
worries than anywhere else in Europe; the worst that's likely to happen
to you is suffering from the extreme heat in summer or from an upset
stomach (shellfish is the usual culprit). The water is perfectly safe to
drink and you'll find public fountains (usually button- or tap-operated)
in squares and city streets everywhere, though look out for acqua non
potabile signs, indicating that the water is unsafe to drink. It's worth
taking insect repellent, as even inland towns, most notoriously Milan,
suffer from a persistent mosquito problem, especially in summer.
Pharmacies
An Italian pharmacist ( farmacia ) is well qualified to give you advice
on minor ailments and to dispense prescriptions (most speak good English
too), and there's generally one open all night in the bigger towns and
cities. A rota system operates, and you should find the address of the
one currently open on any farmacia door or listed in the local paper.
Condoms ( profilático ) are available over the counter from all
pharmacists and most supermarkets; some pharmacists have late-night
dispensers too. The pill ( la píllola ) is available by prescription
only.
Doctors and hospitals
If you need treatment , go to a doctor ( médico ); every town and
village has one. Ask at a pharmacy, or consult the local Yellow Pages (under
Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale or Unità Sanitaria Locale ). The Italian
Yellow Pages also list some specialist practitioners in such fields as
acupuncture and homeopathy, the latter much more common in Italy than in
some countries. If you're eligible, take your E111 with you to the
doctor's: this should enable you to get free treatment and prescriptions
for medicines at the local rate - about ten percent of the price of the
medicine. For repeat medication, take any empty bottles or capsules with
you to the doctor's - the brand names often differ.
If you are seriously ill or involved in an accident , go straight to the
nearest hospital and go straight to Pronto Soccorso (casualty), or phone
113 and ask for ospedale or ambulanza . Throughout the Guide, you'll
find listings for pharmacists, hospitals and emergency services in all
the major cities. Major train stations and airports also often have
first-aid stations with qualified doctors on hand.
Incidentally, try to avoid going to the dentist ( dentista ) while
you're in Italy. These aren't covered by the mutua or health service,
and for the smallest problem you'll pay through the teeth. Take local
advice, or consult the local Yellow Pages.
If you don't have a spare pair of glasses, take a copy of your
prescription so that an optician ( óttico ) can make you up a new pair
should you lose or damage them.
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