What To Do If You Get Sick In Florence

Whether you’re exploring Renaissance masterpieces or devouring a cone of pistachio gelato, Florence is a dream destination. But what happens when your dream trip hits a snag — like a stomach bug, sprained ankle, or sore throat?

Being sick in Florence can feel stressful, especially if you’re far from home and unsure where to get help. But take a breath — because getting medical care in Florence is easier than you might expect.

This guide is here to help you through it, step by step. From finding English-speaking doctors to understanding pharmacies, travel insurance, emergency numbers, and staying healthy while traveling — this is your complete, traveler-friendly guide to feeling better fast.

Understanding Florence’s Healthcare System

Italy has a fantastic public healthcare system, but navigating it as a tourist can be confusing — especially if you don’t speak Italian or you’re feeling unwell.

Public vs. Private Healthcare

• Public care: You can access it with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC or GHIC). Public hospitals and clinics are high quality, but often have longer wait times, and not all staff speak English.
• Private care: Fast, easy to book, and often English-friendly. Many travelers prefer private clinics for convenience, especially when time is limited and you’re feeling unwell.

Emergency Medical Care in Florence

If you’re in an emergency, don’t hesitate — help is available.

Emergency Numbers in Italy

• 112 – European emergency number (ambulance, police, fire)
• 118 – Direct medical emergencies
• 113 – Police
• 115 – Fire

How to Call an Ambulance

• Dial 112 or 118
• Say: “Ho bisogno di un’ambulanza” (I need an ambulance)
• Share your location — a street name, landmark, or piazza
• Ask: “Parla inglese?” (Do you speak English?)

Florence has fast emergency response, but for non-urgent care, a private doctor may be quicker.

Should I Go to a Hospital or a Clinic?

• Go to the hospital (Pronto Soccorso) for serious issues — chest pain, severe injuries, allergic reactions, or high fever
• Go to a private clinic for things like flu symptoms, stomach bugs, UTIs, infections, or minor injuries

Pharmacies & Medication in Florence

Florence has a farmacia on almost every corner. For minor symptoms or first aid, it’s your first stop.

What Pharmacists Can Help With

• Colds, flu, or coughs
• Fevers or body aches
• Tummy troubles or food-related issues
• Allergies, bites, or sunburn
• Mild infections and rashes
• First-aid supplies
• Antibiotics (with a prescription)

Pharmacists are well-trained and often speak English, especially near tourist hubs.

How to Find a 24-Hour Pharmacy

Need meds late at night? There’s always a farmacia di turno (on-call pharmacy).

Ask your hotel or search Google for:

• “Farmacia di turno Firenze”
• Or check the notice on any closed pharmacy window — it will list the closest open one.

What To Do If You Have Travel Insurance

If you’re covered by travel insurance, you’re in a great position — but you’ll need a few things to claim back costs.

What Your Insurance May Cover

• Doctor appointments (online or in person)
• Prescription meds
• Emergency care or hospital stays
• Diagnostic tests or scans
• Ambulance transport

What You’ll Need for a Claim

• A medical report or diagnosis
• Receipts for everything: clinic visits, pharmacy meds, etc.
• Your insurance provider’s contact info
• Proof of your trip (boarding pass or hotel confirmation)

Tip: Take clear pictures of every document, just in case you lose anything.

Language Barriers

Florence is tourist-friendly, but not every healthcare provider speaks English fluently — especially in public hospitals or local clinics.

Useful Phrases

• “Mi sento male.” – I feel sick
• “Ho bisogno di un dottore.” – I need a doctor
• “Ho la febbre.” – I have a fever
• “Sono allergico a…” – I’m allergic to…
• “C’è un medico che parla inglese?” – Is there a doctor who speaks English?

How to Avoid Getting Sick in Florence

A little prevention can go a long way.

Common Travel Illnesses in Florence

• Stomach issues from rich or unfamiliar foods
• Dehydration and fatigue from walking and heat
• Jet lag
• Sunburn
• Colds from flight germs or weather changes

Is Tap Water Safe?

Yes! Florence’s tap water is safe and clean. You can also refill your bottle at the charming public fountains found throughout the city.

Food & Hygiene Tips

• Eat at popular, busy restaurants with strong reviews
• Wash or peel fruits from open-air markets
• Use hand sanitizer after riding buses or touching railings
• Be mindful of seafood and dairy, especially in hot weather

Tips for Pregnant Travelers & People with Health Conditions

Florence is a walkable, beautiful city — but if you’re traveling while pregnant or managing a medical condition, a few smart steps can help you stay safe and comfortable.

Before You Travel

• Bring extra medication in original packaging
• Carry a copy of your medical history or summary
• Learn the location of the nearest private clinic
• Avoid long midday walks in summer — it gets hot!

Finding an English-Speaking Doctor in Florence

Let’s be honest — when you’re sick abroad, the last thing you want is to waste time googling clinics, wondering if someone speaks English, or sitting in a waiting room for hours.

Air Doctor lets you:

• Book verified local doctors
• Choose between in-person or video consults
• Filter by language and specialty
• Pay upfront with insurance-friendly receipts

Getting Help Beyond Healthcare

Need more than medical care? Your embassy or consulate can help with:

• Lost medication or documents
• Contacting family or your insurer
• Language barriers at hospitals
• Finding a trusted clinic nearby

It’s a good idea to save their number in your phone before your trip.

Recap: What To Do If You Get Sick in Florence

• Call 112 in case of an emergency
• For non-emergencies, visit a private clinic or use Air Doctor
• Head to a farmacia for mild issues or over-the-counter meds
• Save all receipts and reports for travel insurance
• Speak slowly or use basic Italian phrases — or avoid the stress and book someone who speaks English
• Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and pace yourself on long days
• Plan ahead if you’re pregnant or have a condition
• Contact your embassy for added support if needed

About the Air Doctor App

With the Air Doctor app in your pocket, you can access medical care and receive expert medical guidance anywhere 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

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