Why Healthcare in Italy Is Different During Christmas

The Christmas season in Italy is beautiful, but it also comes with reduced medical services, limited clinic hours, and pharmacies operating under special holiday shifts.
If you're a tourist, expat, or digital nomad, it’s important to know how to access reliable medical help when many facilities are closed.

This guide explains everything you need to navigate healthcare in Italy during the holidays, with clear steps and English-friendly options.

1. How Italian Healthcare Works During the Holidays

During Christmas and New Year, Italy observes several public holidays:

• 24 December – Christmas Eve (reduced hours)

• 25 December – Christmas Day (full closure except emergencies)

• 26 December – St. Stephen’s Day

• 31 December – New Year’s Eve (reduced hours)

• 1 January – New Year’s Day (full closure except emergencies)

On these days:

• Public clinics (ASL) are closed

• Most GPs and specialists are unavailable

• Pharmacies follow a holiday rotation

• Waiting rooms and ERs are more crowded than usual

This makes telemedicine and concierge medical services extremely useful for travelers.

2. What to Do If You Need Urgent Medical Assistance

Italy has two main emergency services.

112 — National Emergency Number

For accidents, chest pain, breathing problems, or anything life-threatening.
Operates 24/7, with English-speaking operators in major cities.

Emergency Room (Pronto Soccorso)

Available in every hospital, even during holidays, but expect long waiting times for non-urgent issues.

When to go to the ER

• Severe fever unresponsive to medication

• Trauma, fractures, or bleeding

• Loss of consciousness

• Severe allergic reactions

• Chest pain or breathing difficulty

For all non-urgent cases, telemedicine is usually faster and more practical.

3. The Fastest Option: Telemedicine in English (Even on Christmas Day)

During the Christmas period, seeing a doctor in person can be challenging or time-consuming.
Telemedicine is the most reliable option for:

• Fever, flu, and colds

• Gastrointestinal issues

• Prescription renewals

• Minor infections

• Travel-related health concerns

• Guidance on where to go in your area

Your health-concierge service can provide:

• Same-day online medical consultations

• English-speaking doctors

• Digital prescriptions valid in Italy

• Directions to the nearest open pharmacy or emergency point

This is exactly what many tourists and expats look for when everything is closed.

4. How to Find an Open Pharmacy During Christmas

Italian pharmacies follow a holiday rotation system called “farmacie di turno.”

Even on Christmas Day, some pharmacies remain open, but finding them can be difficult without guidance.

How to locate an open pharmacy

• Check signs outside any pharmacy listing the nearest open one

• Use official regional websites

• Ask your hotel reception

• Use concierge services

• Ask emergency operators for the nearest open pharmacy

  5. Tips for Tourists and Expats Visiting Italy During the Holidays

Bring your essential medications

Pharmacies may not always carry your exact international brand.

Use telemedicine as the first step

It saves time and avoids issues with closures or language barriers.

Save emergency and pharmacy numbers before traveling

Being prepared is key, especially in smaller towns.

If you are in Sicily, Naples, or Southern Italy

Holiday closures may be longer, so plan accordingly.

6. How Our Health Concierge Service Helps You During Christmas

Whether you are spending Christmas in Sicily, Palermo, Naples, or any other part of Italy, our service offers:

• Same-day online consultations

• English-speaking medical professionals

• Fast digital prescriptions

• Guidance to nearby open pharmacies or clinics

• Personalized medical support during your entire stay

This removes the stress of navigating the Italian system during a period with many closures.

Final Thoughts

Christmas in Italy should be a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
With preparation and the right support, getting medical help during the holidays becomes simple and stress-free.

If you need medical assistance during your stay, or want to prepare in advance, our Health Concierge is available throughout the holiday season.