Jubilee 2025 – Safety and health

You can depend on some of Rome’s mail hospitals with emergency services, private clinics, and approved pharmacies to take care of any medical issues that may arise while you are there. You can go to the major hospitals with emergency departments in the event of a medical emergency, including:

• Policlinico Umberto I (Viale del Policlinico, 155);
• Ospedale San Camillo-Forlanini (Circonvallazione Gianicolense, 87);
• Azienda Ospedaliera San Giovanni-Addolorata (Via dell’Amba Aradam, 8);
• Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù (Piazza Sant’Onofrio, 4);
• Ospedale CTO Andrea Alesini (Via S. Namesio, 21).

The official Sanità Lazio website has comprehensive information about Lazio’s medical services.

In Rome, pharmacies by their distinctive green cross. Numerous pharmacies are open 24 hours a day, guaranteeing constant access to prescription drugs and health advice.  Use the official website or the dedicated portal to find the closest pharmacy and view its hours of operation.

Knowing that pharmacies offer the public vital health information on prevention, first aid, drug use, healthcare services, and local medical equipment, such as immunisation, blood tests, visits, and examinations, is also helpful. They are also permitted to offer further support in the form of free medical supplies for people with 100% impairment severe illness patient and food supplies for people with nephritis and celiac disease (a medical request and USL authorisation are required). Additional services include blood pressure checks, medical devices rental, self-diagnostic tests, etc.

Please note that the Continuity of Care Service (formerly Medical Guard) guarantees the continuity of non-urgent but non-deferrable care when General Practitioners’ surgeries are not active. The contact number for this service is: 116117

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is advised for all EU nationals. Access to urgent medical care is made possible by this card, guaranteeing the same degree of support as that given to Italian citizens. This means that all services provided by the National Health Service are either free or subject to a price (ticket), which varies depending on the location. Please be aware that, unless there is an exception or the emergency was brough on by a trauma or acute poisoning, a ticket of 25 euros will be charged even for non-urgent “white code” emergency services.

Before visiting Italy, if you live outside of the EU, it is best to check with your local insurance company to see if you need additional health insurance. Think about getting more health insurance if certain services are not covered. It’s crucial to verify whether you are already covered by insurance, such as through a credit card policy or membership in a sports, leisure or rescue organization. Although certain policies may only take effect after a specific amount of time, it is advised to obtain the insurance prior to departure in order to guarantee immediate coverage. To choose the most affordable and appropriate choice for your needs, always examine compare the options provided by insurance companies. After signing up for the coverage, save any pertinent documentation, including contact information for help and guidelines for any refund requests, in a safe place. You can deal with any unforeseen circumstances during your visit with assurance and security if you take these steps.

The 112 emergency number in Italy is a centralized system that enable you to rapidly and effectively contact a variety emergency services. Dialling 112 will connect you to the service that is best suited for your circumstance which may include:

• Emergency medical services, such as ambulance;
• Law enforcement such as the State Police and Carabinieri, for reporting dangerous situations, crimes, or threats to public safety;
• Firefighters for situations involving accidents, fires, or structural dangers.

For some circumstances, you can call the following numbers directly in addition to 112:

• 1500: a dedicated number for information on health. Support for non-urgent medical matters, like advice on healthcare services or information on national health emergencies, can be obtained here;
• 118: if you would rather speak with emergency medical personnel directly, this can be used in instead of 112 in medical situations;
• 06 570 600: The Municipality of Rome’s Operational Centre, which serves as a point of contact for reports or requests for non-medical assistance pertaining to the municipal area.

Like other tourist destinations Rome demands extra care to guarantee individual safety, particularly in congested and when using public transport. Here are some tips for having a safe trip and safeguarding your belongings.

Keeping personal property safe

• Bags and backpacks: to prevent them from being opened without your knowledge, use crossbody bags with zippers and always keep them in front of you;

• Cash and cards: use payment cards whenever you can and just have the bare minimum of cash on hand.  Store the remainder in a secure place, such as the hotel safe;
• Valuables: never leave your electronic device, wallet, or phone unattended, especially when you are sightseeing, using public transportation, or in hotel lobby areas.

How to avoid pickpocketing

• Congested areas: pay special attention to your personal belongings and be on the lookout for any suspicious activity in crowded areas like St. Peter’s Square, the Trevi Fountain, or the Colosseum;
• Public transport: for increased security, keep your backpack or bag in front of you when riding buses, tram or the subway, especially during peak hours;
• Main stations: Transit hubs such as Termini, Tiburtina, and Ottaviano are frequently packed. Watch your bag carefully luggage and be and be wary of individuals who offer uninvited assistance.

Additionally, to avoid scams or uncomfortable circumstances, do not accept tickets, transportation, or services from unapproved. When planning your trip or buying tickets, always rely on reputable or accredited companies.

It is crucial to arrange itineraries ahead of time for pilgrims traveling in groups, taking into account the sites that are more congested. To facilitate management and communication, the group should be divided into smaller subgroups each with a chosen head. Establishing obvious and easily identifiable meeting places close to popular attractions is also beneficial as it makes it easier to reunite the group in the event that they become separated.

It is advised that those with disabilities or limited mobility enquire beforehand about the availability of facilities like elevators, ramps, and modified public transportation, particularly during special events and Jubilee celebrations. Wheelchairs, electric scooters, and other mobility aids can also be rented in Rome. It is recommended to reserve these devices in advance, particularly during peak times. Additionally, there are designated parking spots or people with disabilities close to popular tourist destinations, although access to these spots requires a European Disability Card.

• Keep the European Health Insurance Card, or TEAM: the TEAM guarantee that EU citizens have the same access to urgent medical care as residents of Italy. Think about getting more health insurance if you live outside of the EU or if you want more extensive coverage;
• Keep your phone’s emergency numbers handy: learn the number 112 by heart, along with other helpful numbers such as like 118 (medical emergencies) and 1500 (health information);
• Maintain a list of useful contacts: includ your embassy or consulate contacts, emergency numbers, and health insurance information in your documents;
• Select approved pharmacies: pharmacies are distinguished by their bright green cross, and many of them are open around the-clock. Look up the closest one online and verify the hours of operation;
• Watch out for pickpockets: keep your bags and backpacks close to hand when travelling by public transportation and in tourist locations. Carry only what you need and don’t flaunt your stuff.