What To Do If You Get Sick In Venice

Venice is a city like no other — gondolas gliding through quiet canals, charming piazzas, and sunsets that seem made for postcards. But what happens if your magical trip takes a turn and you suddenly feel… off?

Whether it’s a stomach bug after a seafood dinner, a cold from the plane, or a minor injury on one of the city’s many bridges, being sick in Venice can be tricky — especially when you’re surrounded by canals, cobblestones, and not a single road in sight.

If you’re not sure how to get medical help, where to go, or how to find someone who speaks English, you’re in the right place. This friendly, detailed guide walks you through everything you need to know about getting medical help in Venice — from hospitals and private clinics to pharmacies, language tips, and how to use travel insurance.

Understanding Venice’s Healthcare System

Italy has a great healthcare system, and Venice is no exception — it just works a little differently because of its geography.

Public vs. Private Healthcare

• Public hospitals and clinics are open to tourists. If you’re from the EU and have an EHIC or GHIC card, you may be entitled to care at a reduced cost. That said, wait times can be long, and staff may not speak fluent English.
• Private healthcare is faster and generally more comfortable for tourists. Many private doctors in Venice speak English and are used to working with international patients. You’ll need to pay upfront, but most services are covered by travel insurance.

Emergency Medical Care in Venice

If you have a serious emergency, don’t hesitate — help is available, even in a city without cars.

Emergency Numbers

• 112 – All-in-one emergency number in Europe (ambulance, fire, police)
• 118 – Direct medical emergencies
• 113 – Police
• 115 – Fire services

How to Call an Ambulance in Venice

• Dial 112 or 118
• Clearly state your location: a vaporetto stop, hotel name, or piazza
• Say: “Ho bisogno di un’ambulanza” (I need an ambulance)
• Ask: “Parla inglese?” (Do you speak English?)

Ambulance boats do exist — and yes, they’ll find you. But if the issue isn’t life-threatening, it may be quicker to walk or take a water taxi to a private clinic.

Hospital vs. Clinic?

• Go to a hospital emergency room (Pronto Soccorso) for serious symptoms: trouble breathing, chest pain, high fever, or major injuries.
• Use a private clinic for less serious concerns: flu symptoms, food poisoning, minor wounds, or infections.

Pharmacies & Medication in Venice

Venice has plenty of pharmacies (farmacie), and they’re a great first stop if you’re not feeling great.

What You Can Get at a Pharmacy

• Cold and flu medication
• Painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol
• Anti-nausea meds
• Digestive aids
• Allergy medication
• Skin creams and first-aid items
• Some antibiotics (with a prescription)

Most central pharmacies have English-speaking staff, especially near San Marco and Santa Lucia train station.

Finding a 24-Hour Pharmacy

Need help after hours? There’s always a farmacia di turno (on-call pharmacy). You can:

• Ask your hotel
• Google “farmacia di turno Venezia”
• Check signs on pharmacy doors — they usually list the nearest open one

What to Do if You Have Travel Insurance

Travel insurance makes getting help abroad way less stressful. Most plans cover:

• Doctor visits
• Hospital care
• Prescriptions
• Emergency transport
• Diagnostic tests

What You’ll Need for a Claim

To get reimbursed:

• Keep the doctor’s medical report
• Save all receipts (clinic fees, prescriptions, etc.)
• Have your policy number and provider details
• Save proof of travel (flight confirmation, hotel booking)

Pro tip: Snap photos of all documents and email them to yourself for safekeeping.

Language Barriers

Not everyone in healthcare settings will speak fluent English — especially in local clinics or public hospitals.

Handy Italian Phrases

• “Mi sento male.” – I feel sick
• “Ho la febbre.” – I have a fever
• “Ho bisogno di un dottore.” – I need a doctor
• “Sono allergico a…” – I’m allergic to…
• “Parla inglese?” – Do you speak English?

How to Avoid Getting Sick in Venice

Staying healthy means less time in bed and more time exploring canals and sipping spritz.

Common Issues for Travelers

• Jet lag and fatigue
• Upset stomachs from rich food or water changes
• Sunburn (yes, even in Venice!)
• Colds and sniffles from plane travel or changing weather
• Bug bites in warmer months

Is the Tap Water in Venice Safe?

Yes! Tap water in Venice is completely safe to drink. Public fountains (called fontane) are scattered throughout the city, and many hotels offer refill stations.

Food Safety Tips

• Stick to busy restaurants — fresh food turns over fast
• Wash or peel fruit from outdoor markets
• Avoid raw shellfish unless you trust the place
• Use hand sanitizer after handling money or riding the vaporetto

Healthcare Tips for Pregnant Travelers & Those With Pre-Existing Conditions

If you’re traveling with a chronic condition or are pregnant, here’s how to stay safe and supported:

• Pack all necessary medications, plus extras
• Bring a doctor’s summary (translated into Italian if possible)
• Know where your nearest private clinic is located
• Avoid long walks or humid midday outings if you’re at risk of fatigue

Finding an English-Speaking Doctor in Venice

When you’re sick in a foreign country, finding the right care can feel intimidating. That’s why Air Doctor connects travelers with trusted, English-speaking doctors in Venice — quickly and easily.

You can:

• Book in-person or video appointments
• Choose based on specialty, location, and language
• Pay online and get insurance-friendly receipts
• Get fast help, right when you need it

Getting Help Beyond Healthcare

Sometimes being sick while traveling means needing help with more than just your symptoms. Your embassy or consulate can help if:

• You’ve been hospitalized
• You lost medication or need a prescription refill
• You need to contact family or your insurer
• You’ve lost your passport or documents

Keep a copy of their contact info saved in your phone, just in case.

Recap: What to Do if You Get Sick in Venice

Before you go, here’s a quick recap of what to do if you get sick in Venice:

• In an emergency, call 112 or 118
• Use private doctors for faster, English-speaking help
• Visit pharmacies for minor issues
• Save medical reports and receipts for your insurance
• Use Air Doctor to skip the stress of translation and long waits
• Stay hydrated, eat smart, and take breaks
• Plan ahead if you’re pregnant or managing a condition
• Reach out to your embassy if you need extra help 

About the Air Doctor App

With the Air Doctor app in your pocket, you can access medical care and receive expert medical guidance in Venice (or 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 90 countries
• 24/7 multi-lingual support
• Transparent pricing and reviews
• Most common medical specialties, including cardiologists, gynecologists, and pediatricians

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