Italy Ambulance Number: 118
+39 · Emergency Medical Service
The ambulance emergency number in Italy is 118. Operated by Ministero della Salute. Free to call. Works from mobile phones.
Emergency Medical Service
Italy · Ambulance
📝 Ambulance and emergency medical services via 118. Also reachable via 112. Response is fast in urban areas. For non-urgent medical advice, call the medical guard 116117.
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🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Italy
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call Ambulance
- • Do not call 112 for non-urgent medical advice - call the medical guard 116117
- • Do not call 113 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station or Carabinieri barracks
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable by fines up to €1,000 under Italian law
- • Do not call 115 for controlled agricultural burns unless out of control
- • Do not use emergency lines for road conditions or tourist information
✈️ Travel Notes — Italy
Emergency response is generally fast in urban areas and major tourist destinations. Response in rural and mountainous areas may be slower. The 112 'Where ARE U' app is recommended for GPS location sharing. Medical care is of excellent standard. The Carabinieri and Polizia di Stato are both national police forces with different jurisdictions.
🛡️ Traveling to Italy? Protect Yourself
Emergency medical treatment and evacuation abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We recommend securing travel insurance before your trip.
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Ambulance Emergency Service in Italy — Complete Guide
When traveling to Italy or living there as an expat, knowing the correct ambulance number in Italy is critical for emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for ambulance services in Italy is 118, which is operated and monitored by Ministero della Salute. Ambulance and emergency medical services via 118. Also reachable via 112. Response is fast in urban areas. For non-urgent medical advice, call the medical guard 116117.
How to Dial 118 in Italy
To reach the Emergency Medical Service in Italy, dial 118 from any local fixed line, cellular phone, or public payphone. Dialing from mobile devices is fully supported across local mobile operators and international roaming SIM cards. A SIM card is typically required by mobile operators in Italy. If you lack a SIM card, dial the universal emergency number 112. Calls to this emergency service are 100% free of charge — no prepaid airtime credit or active subscription plan is required.
Calling from International Roaming or Abroad
If you are within Italy using an international roaming SIM card, you can dial 118 directly without any country code prefix. If you need to contact emergency dispatch in Italy from an international location, the country calling code is +39.
Language & Communication with Dispatchers
Emergency operators in Italy communicate primarily in it. If you do not speak it, remain calm and state your language immediately (e.g. "English, please"). Most national dispatch centers have access to telephonic interpretation services or English-speaking officers to ensure rapid dispatch.
What to Expect When You Dial 118
When you call the ambulance number in Italy, you will be connected to a trained dispatcher at Ministero della Salute. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When connected, clearly state:
- Your exact location (city, neighborhood, landmark, or GPS coordinates)
- The nature of the emergency (ambulance assistance)
- Number of individuals involved or needing immediate medical/police/fire assistance
- Your contact number for callback if disconnected
All Emergency Numbers in Italy
Please note that Italy utilizes dedicated emergency lines for different agencies. Besides the Ambulance (118), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: Single European Emergency Number (NUE) (112), State Police (Polizia di Stato) (113), Carabinieri (Military Police) (112), Emergency Medical Service (118), Fire Service (Vigili del Fuoco) (115). Additionally, the universal emergency contact number 112 is active across Italy and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Official Regulatory & Government Source
The emergency number 118 is verified against official directories published by Ministero della Salute. Last verified on 2026-01. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact our editorial team so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions — Ambulance in Italy
What is the Ambulance number in Italy? ▼
The Ambulance emergency number in Italy is 118. Ambulance and emergency medical services via 118. Also reachable via 112. Response is fast in urban areas. For non-urgent medical advice, call the medical guard 116117.
Does 118 work from mobile in Italy? ▼
Yes, 118 works from all mobile phones in Italy.
Can I call 118 without a SIM card? ▼
A SIM card is typically required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 118 free in Italy? ▼
Yes, calling 118 is free in Italy. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Ambulance in Italy? ▼
The Ambulance service in Italy is operated by Ministero della Salute. Source: https://www.salute.gov.it/
What is the difference between 112 and 113 in Italy? ▼
112 is now the unified emergency number (NUE). Historically 112 was Carabinieri and 113 was State Police. Both now connect through 112. Traditional numbers still work.
Can I call 112 from a mobile without a SIM card in Italy? ▼
Yes. GSM phones can dial 112 without a SIM card. Emergency calls are free.
Are emergency calls free in Italy? ▼
Yes. All emergency calls to 112, 113, 115, and 118 are free of charge.
Do emergency operators speak English in Italy? ▼
In major tourist areas, English-speaking operators are available. The 112 system can access interpretation services. In rural areas, Italian may be the only language.
What is the non-urgent medical number in Italy? ▼
116117 is the medical guard (Guardia Medica) for non-urgent medical needs when your GP is closed. Do not use for emergencies.