Traveling in Italy and need a medical prescription? Whether you are in Italy for a holiday, business trip or temporary stay, running out of regular medication or developing a new health problem can be stressful. In suitable cases, an online consultation with a doctor in Italy may help you understand your options without immediately arranging an in-person appointment.

One thing matters: a prescription is not guaranteed. A doctor can prescribe medication only after an appropriate clinical assessment and when the treatment and prescription format are allowed under Italian rules.

Who might need a prescription while visiting Italy?

This can happen to visitors from the United States, the United Kingdom, EU countries or elsewhere. You may have forgotten your regular medicine, stayed longer than planned or developed a symptom that needs medical attention. If possible, have your medication packaging, a previous prescription, or the generic drug name, strength and usual dose ready.

How does an online doctor consultation work in Italy?

  1. Describe your situation: tell the team where you are staying, what you need help with, your symptoms and any medication history.
  2. Confirm whether an online visit is suitable: the team explains the service and the cost before confirming it.
  3. Speak to a doctor: the doctor reviews your symptoms, medical history, medicines and any relevant documents.
  4. Receive advice and, if appropriate, a prescription: the doctor decides whether a medicine can be prescribed and which legally valid format applies. Dispensing remains subject to the pharmacy's rules.

Doc On Call provides online doctor consultations throughout Italy, wherever you are staying in the country. A prescription can be issued only when clinically appropriate and legally permitted.

Can I book a private online consultation without an Italian health card?

Visitors can ask about a private medical consultation even if they do not have an Italian health card. However, the information needed to identify a patient and issue a particular digital prescription varies. Do not assume that every electronic prescription can be issued in the same way for someone without an Italian tax code or Italian health registration. Explain your circumstances before booking.

Will my prescription from home work at an Italian pharmacy?

A prescription from another EU member state may generally be recognised in Italy, provided the relevant legal requirements are met and the medicine is available. Prescriptions from non-EU countries should not be assumed to be accepted by Italian pharmacies. Drug brand names may differ: the active ingredient is often the best starting point when discussing an equivalent with a doctor.

Are all medicines available through an online prescription?

No. Certain controlled medicines, including some psychotropic or narcotic drugs, are subject to special prescribing rules. Some conditions require an in-person examination. An online consultation does not guarantee prescriptions for controlled medicines, and a pharmacist may be unable to dispense a drug even when you have paperwork from abroad.

How much does an online medical visit cost?

Review the current prices and terms on the prices page, or contact the team before booking. You are paying for medical assessment, not for a guaranteed prescription.

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Frequently asked questions

Can a tourist get a prescription in Italy?

A tourist may request a private medical assessment. Whether a prescription can be issued depends on the doctor's judgment, the medication and the applicable prescribing requirements.

Can I use telemedicine from my hotel in Italy?

Yes, a consultation may be arranged from a hotel or holiday accommodation when a remote medical assessment is appropriate.

Can an Italian doctor prescribe my usual medicine from abroad?

The doctor can review the active ingredient, dose, medical history and Italian availability, but cannot promise a particular medication in advance.

Will every Italian pharmacy accept a digital prescription?

No. Acceptance depends on the type and validity of the prescription, the patient details and the legal requirements for the medicine.

Official sources

General medical information only. For a medical emergency in Italy, call 112. Individual treatment requires clinical assessment.