It is recommended to have your personal health checked if possible before departing for a long trip abroad, particularly if you have or anticipate any specific health problems. There are many good doctors, dentists and pharmacies in Rome, but the cost and the manner of service may be different from what you have come to expect. Should problems arise while in Rome, there is an international hospital with English-speaking doctors, but it does not have an emergency room, and patients must be admitted by their attending physician. There are many public hospitals, but these do not typically have English-speaking staff.

 

Private health care, while expensive, is on par with the best medical care in the United States. In most cases health services must be paid for with cash, after which you can apply to your insurer at home in the United States for reimbursement using your receipts. Be sure to check with your health insurance provider here before leaving that they will provide this type of compensation for medical costs incurred while abroad. On the other hand, the Italian health insurance that you are required to purchase upon your arrival in Rome provides coverage for health care within the public health system only, and will likely be used only in case of emergency hospitalization. Nonetheless, the faculty in Rome will attempt to advise any student in need of health care about the options where possible. In the event of a serious illness, however, a student may be advised to return to the United States.

 

Pharmacies are plenty in number and have all the familiar items, albeit in Italian brands with Italian names. Unfortunately, it is only possible to get a prescription filled that has been issued by an Italian doctor. It is advisable, therefore, to fill any prescriptions you know you will need before your departure. Be sure to bring an adequate supply for the duration of your stay, and learn the generic title, as brand names differ in Italy. If you will require continued prescription refills, ask your doctor for another prescription for the generic form of the medication, and bring both it and a photocopy with you. Arrangements can then be made with a physician in Rome for a prescription that can be filled in a local pharmacy.