Best English-Speaking Doctors in Rome (Clinics for Tourists & Expats)
I have lived in Rome for quite a while now, and sadly, I have had to use the healthcare system here a couple of times. Ranging from minor health concerns to more serious issues, I have visited both the emergency room and a private clinic. When it comes to your health, it is very important that there is as little of a language barrier as possible. That is why, in this blog post, I will tell you all about English-speaking healthcare clinics in Rome. Of course, I hope you won't need any of them, but if you do, you'll know exactly where to go if you ever need a doctor while you're in Rome.
Emergency Number in Italy
The emergency number in Italy is the European emergency number 112. By calling this number, you can reach the police, an ambulance, or the fire brigade.
You should only call 112 in life-threatening emergencies, such as a heart attack, a serious accident, or if someone is having difficulty breathing. An ambulance will take you to the nearest emergency department, known in Italy as the Pronto Soccorso.
What is the Pronto Soccorso?
The Pronto Soccorso is the emergency room in Italy. If you have an urgent medical condition that does not require a private clinic, you can go here. Every public hospital in Rome has a Pronto Soccorso, and I will list some of the most centrally located hospitals below.
Upon entering the emergency room, you will receive treatment based on the urgency of your condition, meaning that you may have to wait if your health issue is not considered an emergency.
You might think, "I don't mind waiting," but I visited the Pronto Soccorso quite recently, and I had to wait for over 7 hours before receiving treatment.
It is also important to note that while the doctors will probably speak good English, most of the hospital staff will not.
Hospitals where you can find a Pronto Soccorso:
Ospedale Fatebenefratelli (located on Isola Tiberina, between Trastevere and the Centro Storico)
Policlinico Gemelli
Ospedale San Camillo
Ospedale Sant'Eugenio
If you are European, you can use your EHIC card at the Pronto Soccorso, and that will be sufficient.
English Speaking Health Clinics in Rome
If your situation is (thankfully) not so urgent that you need an ambulance or the emergency room (or you simply don't want to wait 7 hours), there are several amazing private clinics in Rome with wonderful English-speaking staff.
From what I have understood during my time in Rome, many Italians also use private clinics, as waiting times for appointments at public hospitals can be very long.
If you are an international student like me, it can be useful to know about an English-speaking clinic for all your medical needs. It is also good to know that these clinics can help you obtain a medical certificate, for example, the one you need to join a gym or other sports clubs in Italy.
FirstMed
Okay, let's start with my absolute favourite: FirstMed. For those who don't know, I am actually Dutch, so you know I love efficiency. While responding to emails seems optional for some Italian companies, I knew FirstMed was going to be my go-to clinic when they responded to my email within just three minutes of sending it. I have yet to come across a kinder, faster, and more professional clinic in Rome than FirstMed, and I recommend them to everyone.
FirstMed is located just one minute from Policlinico metro station, making it very easy to reach. (Tip: If you need some more information about Rome's public transportation system, I have written an extensive guide about it here.)
At the clinic, they offer multiple services, such as GP appointments, cardiology, gynaecology, laboratory tests, various medical certificates, and much more. It is also good to know that students can receive a discount at FirstMed, and they offer a yearly health plan as well.
To conclude, I just want to say that although you would rather not have to visit a health clinic at all, I have always left FirstMed with a positive feeling. The staff are incredibly kind, and they have always made me feel at home.
To contact FirstMed, you can use the email address or phone number listed on their website.
Aventino Medical Group
Next on the list is Aventino Medical Group. While I have never been here myself, I have heard good things from other people around me, and their Google reviews are actually amazing, which is why I am including them here.
Aventino Medical Group is located close to Circo Massimo, which makes it a perfect location if you are a tourist in Rome and in need of medical care.
Like FirstMed, Aventino Medical Group offers multilingual care in Italian, English, and even French. You can quickly book an appointment through their website, and they offer same-day appointments for urgent medical needs.
Besides urgent care, they offer a wide range of specialties, including neurology and psychiatry.
MedinAction
If you find yourself sick in Rome and don't want to visit a clinic, MedinAction is a company that allows you to book a house call with an English-speaking doctor. While it's called a house call, they can also send a doctor to your hotel, for example.
Besides a doctor's visit, you can also book an online appointment with a doctor. I have also heard great reviews about this company, and while it is not really an English-speaking clinic but rather a concierge medical service, I think it is a very valuable option if you ever need medical care in Rome.
Frequently Asked Questions About English-Speaking Doctors in Rome
Can Tourists See a Doctor in Rome?
Yes, you can definitely see a doctor while in Rome. You can visit both public hospitals and private clinics. After experiencing both, I can honestly say that if your condition is not life-threatening and you prefer shorter waiting times, a private English-speaking clinic like the ones mentioned above might be the better option.
Do Doctors in Rome Speak English?
It is a little difficult to say, since it obviously depends on the hospital. However, in my experience, doctors generally speak sufficient English, while the hospital staff often do not. If you want to make sure you are able to communicate clearly, I would definitely recommend visiting one of the English-speaking clinics.
How Much Does a Private Doctor's Appointment Cost in Rome?
The cost depends on the clinic and the type of appointment, but a consultation with a private GP usually starts at around €80–€150. Specialist appointments are generally more expensive.
Can I Use My EHIC Card in Italy?
Yes. If you are an EU citizen with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can use it to access medically necessary healthcare during your stay in Italy, including treatment at the Pronto Soccorso. Make sure to bring your card with you when visiting a public hospital.
Should I Go to the Pronto Soccorso or a Private Clinic?
If you have a life-threatening emergency or a serious injury, call 112 or go to the nearest Pronto Soccorso. If your condition is less urgent or you would like to be seen more quickly by an English-speaking doctor, a private clinic is usually the better option, in my opinion.
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you find the right doctor in Rome. Hopefully, you won't need to use this guide again anytime soon! If you are reading this because you are feeling unwell, I wish you a speedy recovery and hope you feel like yourself again very soon.
Sending much love,
Juliette
