Health
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.

Italy guide

Getting there
When to go
Where to go
Italy general info
Italy
Average costs
Credit and debit cards
Cost, money, banks
The euro
Insurance, health cover
Embassies, consulates
Red tapes, visas
Banks and exchange
Travelers with disabilities
North-South divide

Festivals:
Ø Religious, traditional
Ø Diary festivals
Ø Food festivals
Ø Arts Festivals
Ø Ferragosto

Italy food and drink
Ø Italian cuisine
Ø Italian pizza
Ø Lunch and dinner
Ø Drinking

Getting around
Ø Trains
Ø Flights
Ø Driving
Ø Cycling, motorbiking
Ø Ferries, hydrofoils
Ø Hitchhiking

Google maps

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