Island, Italy
Healthcare in Sicily: hospitals, costs and insurance
Healthcare in Sicily
Public hospitals are crowded but treat everyone. Remote areas may be far from care; call 112 or 118.
Hospitals for foreigners in Sicily
| Hospital | Good to know |
|---|---|
| ARNAS Civico (Palermo) | Major public hospital with emergency department |
| Ospedale Cannizzaro (Catania) | Large public hospital with emergency room |
Key facts
- Doctor's visit: €60–110 ($68–124) at a private clinic without insurance.
- In Italy: Good public hospitals; emergency rooms (pronto soccorso) treat everyone, with fees for non-urgent cases. EHIC holders get public care; others need insurance. Private clinics in big cities.
- Pharmacies: Green-cross farmacie everywhere; a rota 'farmacia di turno' covers nights. Many medicines need a prescription.
- Health spending: US$3,398 per person a year (2024); 4.2 doctors per 1,000 people (2022), World Bank.
- Emergency: Police 113 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 115 · All emergencies 112.
Travel and health insurance
Required for entry: Schengen visa applicants need travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 cover.
| Insurer | Good for |
|---|---|
| SafetyWing Nomad Insurance | Monthly subscription for nomads and long trips; cancel anytime. |
| Genki | Health insurance for nomads, from a European insurer. |
| World Nomads | Trip insurance that covers many adventure activities. |
| Heymondo | Single-trip, annual and long-stay plans with a medical app. |
| IMG Global | Travel medical and long-term international health plans. |
Quick answers
What is the best hospital in Sicily for foreigners?
ARNAS Civico (Palermo): Major public hospital with emergency department
How much does a doctor's visit cost in Sicily?
About €60–110 ($68–124) at a private clinic.
Do I need travel insurance for Italy?
Schengen visa applicants need travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 cover.
More about Sicily
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Sources
- World Bank: health expenditure per capita
- CDC Travelers' Health: Italy
- Palermo Airport (GESAP)
- Catania Airport (SAC)
- Trenitalia
- ARNAS Civico Palermo
SoloSquare has no commercial relationship with the insurers listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.