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Finding an English speaking doctor in Venice

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A friend and I were staying in a rented flat in Venice for 2 weeks in April. While there my friend came down with a bad respiratory infection and needed to see a doctor. Our rental agent didn't know where we could find an English speaking doctor and I couldn't find any help on the internet. I ended up asking at the local pharmacy and was told to go to Traveler's First Aid on St Mark's Square - behind Cafe Florian. We were so happy find out about this new service in Venice. There was no wait, the doctor and nurse were very kind and helpful, and the cost was minimal ($35). My friend was examined and given prescriptions that soon had her feeling much better.

I wanted to post about this service so others would know it was available in Venice.

Ciao!
Dee

Posted by
795 posts

That is good to know for those who visit Venice but don't speak Italian. Pharmacies in the UK and Europe are great sources of info.

Posted by
11613 posts

Thanks, Dee. Very good to know, especially since many people fly into Venezia and have lungs full of God knows what from their flights.

Many pharmacies are run by doctors who can prescribe medicines, but language could be a problem in describing symptoms.

Posted by
2252 posts

Thank you for this post, Dee. My family and I will be in Venice for a few days mid June. Hopefully, we won't need it but always good to have the information at hand!

Posted by
15146 posts

Since I work in a hospital I can also tell you that a lot of meds that are classified as controlled substances by the DEA in the US (C-II to C-V) and require prescription, are sold in pharmacies without prescriptions in Italy. Italian pharmacists can give you some potent stuff without even bothering with doctors. Pharmacies are your friends when you travel there. Learn where they are near where you stay.

Posted by
32200 posts

Another option for finding English-speaking Physicians in many parts of the world is IAMAT, which was founded by an Italian Doctor. For a small annual donation, members are provided with a list of English-speaking Doctors worldwide who will provide treatment for minor issues for a set fee. It used to be US$75 but I'm not sure if that's still the case. While that fee is higher than charged at the medical clinic in Venice that was mentioned above, not every city will have a clinic like that so IAMAT could be a useful thing to have as well.

I had to use the services of IAMAT on a visit to Rome a few years ago, and it worked well.

Posted by
752 posts

italy.usembassy.gov
has links to English speaking doctors and hospitals, and emergency phone numbers.

Posted by
870 posts

This is good to know! We were in Florence, and in need of non-critical medical assistance, and the pharmacist was super helpful.

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