Skip to content

Health and Safety

Your health and safety are important to us. Please carefully review the information below and the Study Abroad Handbook.

While studying abroad, we want to make sure you stay healthy, especially during this extraordinary time. If you have medical or dental needs, be sure to visit your primary care physician and dentist before you leave. Also, if you currently take prescription medications, we strongly advise you to bring a sufficient supply of medications to cover the entire duration of your stay abroad.

Accessible Accordion

This page contains general national, local and UWRC-specific information about COVID-19 in Italy, in Rome and on campus. The UWRC has implemented numerous COVID-19 protocols to ensure the health and safety of students and faculty, and these protocols have changed over time as local and UW rules have evolved. The information provided here is designed to give an overview of restrictions/changes imposed by the government and other authorities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and all related changes to UWRC’s standard policies and practices.

Information on this page is subject to change.

Vaccination Status

The COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement at the UW ended Summer 2023. Additionally, the Italian government previously mandated the Green Pass (or equivalent, e.g., US CDC vaccination card) for all university students, faculty, and staff. As of May 1, 2022, the Green Pass (or equivalent) is no longer required for regular activities in Italy, including eating indoors at restaurants, accessing entertainment venues, such as cinemas, theatres and sports stadiums, and accessing gyms and pools. FFP2 mask are still required in certain venues such as hospitals and other medical facilities.

Current Conditions in Italy

This information was updated on December 30, 2022.

As of October 1, 2022, masks are no longer required on public transportation including buses, trams, coaches, subways, planes, trains and ferries. FFP2 masks are still required to enter hospitals and other medical facilities. As of August 11, 2023, individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are no longer required to self-isolate.

UWRC COVID-19 Safety Protocols

The UWRC follows public health guidance and regulations from the Italian Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, University and Research, in consultation with local health professionals to promote a safe, healthy environment. We have developed COVID-19-specific safety precautions to mitigate the risk of transmission on campus and to respond to possible and actual COVID-19 cases. While restrictions in Italy were first significantly lifted effective August 11, 2023 and have become progressively less restrictive, a number of precautions remain in place to help reduce the risk of transmission. The list below includes safety precautions and best practices that may be in place during your program. Any changes and additional details will be provided to students closer to departure as protocols are dictated by the local conditions and regulations in place at the time the program is operating.

  • FFP2 Masks: FFP2 masks are strongly recommended for anyone feeling unwell or who has a known exposure to an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.
  • Hand Sanitization: Use of hand sanitizer gel (≥60% alcohol) is strongly recommended upon entry onto campus and after class. Think “Gel in/Gel out”. You must also use the gel—or better yet, wash your hands with soap and hot water for 20 seconds—if you use the restroom.
  • Good Manners: If you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow (NOT your hand). Do not touch your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands.
  • Sick? Stay Home: If you are exhibiting any symptoms such as fever, coughing, sneezing, or congestion, have any chronic respiratory conditions stay home, take a test, and call your Program Director or the UWRC Resident Director immediately if you test positive.
  • Medical Care: Access to English-speaking medical support, including mental health support, is available 24/7. Local English-speaking doctor are available to work with students and public health authorities as appropriate regarding COVID-19-related symptoms, testing and medical care.

Quarantine and Isolation

As of August 11, 2023, anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will no longer be required to stay in full isolation. However, it is still recommended to observe the same precautions for preventing transmission (see above UWRC COVID-19 Safety Protocols). If you have come into “close contact” (less than 6 feet away from an infected person for 15 minutes or more within a 24-hour period) with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, you are not required to quarantine but should self-monitor for the emergence of symptoms compatible with those of COVID-19 in the days immediately following contact. If you have tested positive or are a close contact it is strongly recommended that you avoid contact with immunocompromised individuals.

COVID-19 Testing Information

COVID-19 tests are still available at some pharmacies throughout Italy. Home test kits are also available for purchase at pharmacies and grocery stores, and are between €6 to €8 per kit. The UWRC recommends bringing at least two rapid tests with you to Rome.

For a rapid antigen test, many pharmacies near the UWRC offer rapid swab tests on a walk-in basis. The fee should be approximately €22. Results will be available approximately in approximately 20 minutes.

For a PCR (molecular) test, there are numerous labs in Rome that offer these tests with a 6 – 8 hour turnaround, but some only provide a 24 hour turnaround. Appointments should be booked in advance, but walk-ins are often available. The test is generally €55. Expedited delivery and results in English may be at an additional cost.

COVID-19 Tests for Returning to the U.S. from Italy

As of June 12, 2022, the CDC no longer requires air travelers to show a negative COVID-19 test result, or documentation of recovery from COVID-19, prior to boarding a flight to the United States.

Italian law requires that all non-Italian students living in Italy have medical insurance, regardless of duration of stay. Under Italian law, emergency medical treatment is provided to Italian nationals and foreign nationals alike, regardless of insurance coverage. That said, treatment received in an Italian emergency department may subject to a fee. If follow-up care is required, the hospital will ask for proof of insurance.

Starting January 1, 2024, UW students will be automatically enrolled in UW’s new UW Student Abroad Insurance and International SOS materials will be deployed into your travel registration portal. In lieu of purchasing and enrolling in insurance, you will be required to activate and download International SOS. Your student account will be charged for insurance/International SOS based on the duration of your program.

How It Works

UW Student Abroad Insurance has two parts:

  1. International SOS: provides assistance to UW travelers in emergency medical and security situations.
  2. Cigna: provides the insurance coverage and processes insurance claims.

International SOS is designed to be used for any medical, mental health, or security incident abroad. To access services:

  • You must download the ISOS Assistance app on your phone before arriving to Rome. This will allow you to contact an ISOS Assistance Center, if needed. You will also receive alerts about significant safety/health events in and around Rome.
  • Two of our most recommended service providers, including MedinAction for at home care and Salvator Mundi hospital, are both in-network under Cigna Insurance. This means that you can present your 2024 UW Cigna Insurance Card prior to receiving medical services, and should be able to avoid out of pocket expenses as services by these provided should be billed directly to the insurance. You can also request a guarantee of payment from International SOS to provide upon arrival to the medical visit to ensure payment from your insurance.
  • If you do need to pay out of pocket and submit a claim, you can do so via the Cigna website.

If You Need Help

  1. For serious, time-sensitive emergencies, call the local “911” equivalent.
  2. ISOS is who you call when you need help with a medical or security emergency. They can help identify a medical provider, make an appointment, and manage the billing process in collaboration with Cigna. Contact ISOS by phone at +1 215 942 8226 or use the chat function in your Assistance app.

Please note that ISOS may inform UW Global Travel Health and Safety about requests for assistance. UW Global Travel Health and Safety is here to be an additional support and liaison between ISOS, impacted UW travelers, and UW.

Your health and well-being are very important and essential to a successful program. While studying abroad, we want to make sure you stay healthy, especially during this extraordinary time. If you have medical or dental needs, be sure to visit your primary care physician and dentist before you leave. Also, if you currently take prescription medications, we strongly advise you to bring a sufficient supply of medications to cover the entire duration of your stay abroad.

See the Emergencies page for emergency protocol

Identity, Wellness & Self-care

Studying abroad can be exciting and transformational, but it can also be really intense. You may have different experiences and interactions based on aspects of your identity – both those that are visible and those that aren’t. The resources on this page encourage you to reflect on some of the different aspects that make up our identities, learn about host country norms that may impact your experience, and access tools to engage critically with your own identity development. We also include tips on how to take care of yourself on study abroad and in general.

Many of the resources below are specific to Rome and Italy. You can also visit the UW Study Abroad Identity Matters page for more information and broader materials. Contact us if you are have any questions or would like additional resources to help you navigate your identity while studying abroad.

Mental Health Resources

The last few years have been tough for all of us. Taking care of your mental health is a priority and especially important on a study abroad program. Everything is new and different. Sometimes you need additional support. Below are resources you can access from abroad. You can also come to Lauren or Shawn if you are seeking help.

Student Abroad Health Insurance

The UW Student Abroad Health Insurance plan offers assistance in locating English speaking mental health providers in Rome. They can also connect you with a tele-medicine appointment for virtual support. Visit the UW Student Abroad Insurance webpage for information. If you have questions about the Student Health Insurance, email travelemergency@uw.edu.

Husky HelpLine

UW offers students access to same-day, confidential mental health and crisis intervention support, 24/7 and in multiple languages through the Husky HelpLine. Visit the UW Mental Health website for more information.

Certain prescription and/or non-prescription medications might not be available, or may be very costly in Italy. In addition, some prescription medications contain components that are illegal in Italy and cannot be prescribed, or can be prescribed only by certain doctors. If you currently take prescription medications, bring a sufficient supply of medications to cover the entire duration of your stay abroad, and keep all medications in their original labeled container. Please also note:

  • If you experience asthma or allergy-related conditions, bring extra allergy or asthma medicine.
  • Vitamins are expensive and often only available in small quantities in Italy.
  • Medications and vitamins shipped by mail to Italy without an Italian prescription may be confiscated at Customs.
  • The UW Student Abroad Insurance plan does not cover prescriptions for on-going medications. Pre-existing conditions are covered only if they were well-managed and then unexpectedly manifest during the course of the program.
  • If you wear corrective lenses, consult with your eye care professional. Bring an extra pair of eyeglasses and/or extra contact lenses.

For more details about Health and Safety at the UW Rome Center, please visit:

There are several places to receive high quality medical and dental services while in Rome. The UWRC staff are available to assist you if you need to see a doctor.

Hospitals

Clinics

  • MedinAction
    English speaking doctors and dentists in numerous medical and dental specialties, offering at home services and online consultations 24×7.
    Appointments: 375.572.4686
    Website: www.medinaction.com
  • Doctors in Italy
    English speaking doctors and dentists in numerous medical and dental specialties.
    Appointments: 06.679.0695
    Address: Via Frattina, 48
    Website: www.doctorsinitaly.com
  • Aventino Medical Group
    Multidisciplinary outpatient clinic, Monday – Friday, 9 am – 7:30 pm, by appointment only.
    Appointments: 06.578.0738, 06.5728.8349
    Address: Via Sant’Alberto Magno, 5
    Email: info@aventinomedicalgroup.com
    Website: www.aventinomedicalgroup.com
  • Casa di Cura “Santo Volto”
    Diagnostic, medical and surgical services.
    Appointments: 06.5729.921
    Address: Piazza Tempio di Diana, 12
    Website: www.casadicurasantovolto.it
  • L’Ambulatorio di Vita di Donna
    For emergency contraception, women’s health care and pregnancy information.
    Appointments: 333.985.6046
    Address: Via della Lungara, 19
    Website: www.vitadidonna.it
  • Presidio Nuovo Regina Margherita
    Services for foreigners, including prescription refills.
    Appointments: 06.7730.6650
    Address: Via Emilio Morosini, 30
    Website: www.aslroma1.it/presidi-ospedalieri/presidio-nuovo-regina-margherita-7
    Please note: for refilling medication, bring with you the pill bottle/package or a scanned copy of your original prescription. In either case, make sure you have the correct medication and brand name, dosage, active ingredients, and Rx number.

If you need medical care for a minor sickness or injury, if possible, contact the CISI call center at 877-714-8179 or email mail@oncallinternational.com 24 hours in advance of when you’d like an appointment in order to establish a case number. UWRC Staff can help you arrange an appointment at a local clinic or hospital. For medical expenses anticipated to be under $100, you must pay out of pocket, and then contact CISI to submit a claim for reimbursement. For medical expenses anticipated to be over $100, CISI will issue a guarantee of payment and send payment directly to the medical provider.

  • CISI can also provide you with the names, addresses, telephone numbers and, if requested, office hours for physicians, hospitals, clinics, dentists and dental clinics in Rome or elsewhere in Italy.
  • CISI, in coordination with your primary insurance, can assist you with setup and confirmation of appointments with general practitioners, dentists, or medical and dental specialists. If requested, CISI can also provide assistance with ground and accommodation arrangements, post appointment communication and follow up with you.
  • If you need to go to an ER for a non-critical emergency, please note that payment can take a few hours to arrange, and you should wait for CISI to confirm you can proceed to the ER if possible.

You should do everything you would normally do in a large metropolitan city in order to ensure your safety.

Petty crime, especially pick-pocketing, is common in Rome. The best way to protect yourself against this is to only carry with you what is strictly necessary. Never carry large amounts of cash and avoid camera bags and expensive jewelry when possible. Pickpockets use clever ploys and often work as teams, in which one distracts you, either by being very friendly/helpful or by throwing/spilling something on your clothes, while the other picks your pocket or bag.

The squares outside the Rome Center (Campo de’ Fiori & Piazza del Biscione) and in Trastevere are gathering spots for large numbers of young people, especially in the summer. Occasionally there have been episodes of drinking related violence. You should be aware that this can take place and safeguard against possible problems by not walking alone at night and by avoiding contact with those congregating in the piazzas.

There are several kinds of police in Italy:

Terrorist activity in Europe over the past years has resulted in an intensification of security measures and police are frequently heavily armed. It is not uncommon in Italy to be asked by police to show identification. If asked, it is important to be polite and cooperative. Show a copy of your passport and your “declaration of presence” receipt.

Possession and use of illegal drugs are serious crimes for which the consequences in Italy are severe. Do not risk involvement in any illegal activity. Individuals arrested are subject to foreign laws, not U.S. laws, and may face imprisonment or deportation.