Health
There are no poisonous animals such as scorpions, poisonous snakes and the like in Sardinia.
The most “dangerous” animals are mosquitoes, which can be a real nuisance, especially in the evening hours. Take mosquito repellent with you that you know you can tolerate.
Malaria was defeated in the 1950s and there are no other particular diseases to worry about.
Tap water meets EU standards, but is so heavily chlorinated, especially in the dry summer months, that it is not suitable for drinking.
Mineral water is available everywhere. The drinking water from the public wells (fontanas) also tastes very good and can be drunk without hesitation.
For minor health problems, you will also get good advice in the pharmacies (farmacia). This is often the quickest solution.
Over-the-counter medicines are usually cheaper in Italy than in other countries . If you need to take prescription medication, it is best to bring a supply from home. This will help you avoid unnecessary and inconvenient visits to the doctor.
On the subject of “health”, also observe the existing smoking ban in all public places. Otherwise you could face severe penalties.
Visit a doctor
Falling ill on holiday is always a nuisance.
In the meantime, there is the EU health insurance card EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), which simplifies the bureaucratic process. You have to request the card from your health insurance company in good time before you go on holiday.
Normally, you first have to go to the “Unità Sanitaria Locale” (USL) with this card to get an Italian health insurance certificate. You can then go to a doctor who accepts this certificate. However, there are also doctors who are not affiliated to the USL and will charge you for the treatment.
Quick help for small problems
However, it is also easier.
We had the best experience with the “Guardia medica turistica“.
Here, the European Health Insurance Card was immediately recognised. The doctors were very friendly and competent.
Sometimes a small fee is charged (in our case it was 15 EUR).
The Guardia medica turistica has surgeries in many holiday resorts during the tourist season.
However, only minor injuries and illnesses are treated here.
The EU health insurance card is also recognised in hospitals.
With other doctors, you usually have to expect longer waiting times. If you pay a bill in cash, you can usually submit it to your health insurance fund. The amount of reimbursement varies from health insurance fund to health insurance fund.
Doctors who only bill privately are often the quickest to treat you.
With private health insurance abroad, additional benefits (e.g. repatriation in case of illness) are covered that are not covered by statutory health insurance.
Such insurance is usually included with membership of automobile clubs.
If you do not speak perfect Italian, take a small phrase book with you to the doctor to describe your symptoms in detail.