Navigating Healthcare in Rome: A Guide for Expats with English-Speaking Doctors
by ExpatEnelie
Moving abroad is exciting, that is until real life hits. I came to Italy from Alaska in 2021 for what was supposed to be a four-month study program in Florence. Four years later, I’m still here, now living and working in Rome.
When we plan our dolce vita, we think about pasta, museums filled with art, and new experiences — not necessarily how to find English-speaking doctors in Rome at 2 a.m. or how to get an X-ray through the Italian healthcare system. But those are the real expat moments that can test your confidence in living abroad.
In this post, I’m sharing my most memorable (and sometimes stressful) experiences with expat healthcare in Rome, so you can be better prepared to take care of yourself while living in the Eternal City.
The Unexpected Challenge: Bronchitis in Rome
After three years in Rome, I finally decided to visit the Vatican Museums one sweltering August day. The endless queue, crowded halls, and stuffy air were a true endurance test. Two days later, I was completely drained and felt like I had Dante’s Inferno in my chest.
I had no idea what to do or where to go. Luckily, an expat friend came to the rescue with a number for a home doctor in Rome. The doctor arrived quickly, diagnosed me with bronchitis, and prescribed antibiotics. My friend even ran to the farmacia for me.
That moment taught me something essential about expat life in Italy: when your family is 5,000 miles away, your “family” becomes the people you meet here. However, relying on friends and word-of-mouth in a crisis isn’t a sustainable healthcare plan, especially if you’re living here long-term.
A Nightmare Scenario: The Ear Infection and the Emergency Room
After a wonderful trip to Egypt, I came back to Rome with an unwelcome souvenir: a severe ear infection. I immediately booked an appointment at a private hospital with an ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist). The consultation lasted five minutes, had a high cost, and left me feeling uneasy.
Two days later, the pain became unbearable. At midnight, I rushed back to the same private hospital, only to be told to go to the public hospital instead. Sitting in that taxi at midnight, in agony, I was terrified. My Italian wasn’t good enough to explain my symptoms, and I didn’t know what to expect.
The public hospital was packed, but my case was serious enough that I was seen quickly. The staff worked tirelessly, but it was chaos. I had a bed in a room filled with 30 of the sickest people I had ever seen. One painful and messy IV attempt later, I finally received the right medication. The infection cleared after a week, but the experience left me shaken.
I realized that as an expat in Rome, I needed more than luck. I needed reliable, English-speaking healthcare in Rome that understood the expat experience — a place where I could get expert help when I needed it most.
That’s how I found FirstMed Rome Clinic.
Finding Reliable English-Speaking Healthcare in Rome
I’ll never forget walking into FirstMed Rome for the first time. After years of dealing with confusing public hospitals and dim private offices, it felt like stepping into a modern, welcoming clinic in Rome designed with expats in mind.
My visit wasn’t for anything dramatic this time, just a skin concern after a trip to India (and a little panic that it might be something worse). I sent a simple WhatsApp message and was seen the same day.
From the moment I walked in, everything was smooth — they confirmed my insurance, greeted me warmly in English, and made me feel completely at ease. The dermatologist quickly diagnosed me, but the real relief came from how supported I felt from start to finish.
“For the first time since moving abroad, I had peace of mind. I knew exactly where to go if something went wrong.”
What I Learned About Healthcare as an Expat in Rome
Living abroad isn’t just about adapting to a new culture; it’s also about learning how to take care of yourself far from home. Whether you’re studying, working, or building a life here long-term, don’t wait for a crisis to figure out your healthcare options in Rome.
- Find a trusted clinic early. Look for English-speaking doctors in Rome who understand expat needs.
- Save emergency numbers. Know who to call for urgent care or a home visit.
- Get to know your insurance. Many private clinics in Rome like FirstMed accept international plans.
- Build your community. Other expats are often your best resource for recommendations and support.
Taking care of your health in Rome shouldn’t be an afterthought — it’s the foundation that helps you truly enjoy your dolce vita.
Call to Action
If you’re new to Italy or still figuring out your healthcare options, I highly recommend reaching out to FirstMed Rome Clinic to learn more about their English-speaking medical services for expats. They can help you book appointments, handle insurance, and find peace of mind while living abroad.
About the Author
Aurora Till is an American expat from Alaska, living and working in Rome since 2021. What began as a short study program turned into a long-term stay after she fell in love with Italian life and culture. Passionate about travel, art, and sharing practical tips for expats, Aurora writes about navigating everyday life, from healthcare to hidden destinations, to help others make the most of their experience abroad. Follow her adventures on @AurorasAlaska.
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