Health And Wellness In Rome Made Simple

Prioritize your health and wellness in Rome with this must-read guide! Find top healthcare, fitness, and self-care tips to enjoy the city to the fullest.

Introduction To Health And Wellness In Rome

The Eternal City isn’t just about ancient ruins, pasta, and charming cobblestone streets. It’s also an incredible place to prioritize your well-being. You know the question: “Do you live to work, or work to live?”. In Rome and across Italy, working as a way to enjoy life is the only way to go.

Whether you’re just visiting on a vacation or settling in for a much longer stay, taking care of your health and wellness in Rome is easier, and can be more enjoyable, than you might think. From world class healthcare to stunning parks perfect for a morning jog, Rome blends modern wellness with la dolce vita. 

In this guide, we’ll explore everything from finding a dentist to self-care tips, so you can stay healthy while soaking in all the beauty of the city.

Healthcare In Rome: What You Need To Know

If you’re in Rome and need some unexpected medical attention, don’t panic. Italy has a fantastic healthcare system, and whether you’re a visitor or an expat, you’ll find plenty of options for medical care. Unlike the US, even visitors to the country can take advantage of the healthcare system, including the very reasonable cost.

As an example, we have family members who make sure to plan for some dental care when they come to Rome. The quality is at least as good as in the US, but costs are considerably lower. We have found that total costs for dental care in Italy for most procedures is actually less than out of pocket costs in the US with dental insurance.

Finding A Doctor And Dentist In Rome

Need a check-up or an emergency dental visit? Rome has plenty of English-speaking professionals to help. Many private clinics cater to foreigners, making it easy to find top-notch care without the language barrier.

For some guidance on finding a Dentist, check out: “Finding A Dentist In Rome, Italy Shouldn’t Be Stressful”.

Using Pharmacies In Rome

Pharmacies (Farmacie) can be lifesavers in Rome. You don’t always need a doctor’s visit for minor ailments. You can just walk into a pharmacy, and the staff will help you find the right medication. You can even find 24-hour pharmacies all around Rome.

Pharmacies in Italy are a little different than in the US, and you might want to be aware of some of the big ones. First, there aren’t huge chains, like CVS in the US. You just need to keep an eye out for the neon-lit green cross.

Third, don’t expect that they speak English in Italian pharmacies. You might get lucky, but plan for the worst by bringing pictures of all your prescriptions with you for an easier time of it. If more information about pharmacies is needed, check out: “Using Pharmacies In Italy Is Simple With This Guide”.

Finally, be aware that the Termini train station can offer a couple of different pharmacies. These can be invaluable to the traveler coming into Rome with some massive jetlag or simply a headache. For more information: “Rome’s Train Station Has Pharmacies To Keep You Healthy”

How To Get A Tessera Sanitaria (Healthcare Card)

This isn’t an option for the short-term visitor coming to Rome. If, however, you’re planning to stay in Italy for the long haul, you will want to consider getting a Tessera Sanitaria. This is the National Health System (SSN) card, which gives you access to Italy’s public healthcare system.

Foreigners who regularly stay in Italy for a period of more than three months and who are not entitled to compulsory registration are required to insure themselves against the risk of illness, accident and maternity, by taking out a private insurance policy with voluntary registration with the health system (SSN) through the payment of an annual flat-rate contribution.

For more information on getting your Tessera Sanitaria, check out this article: “How To Get A Tessera Sanitaria In Italy – Requirements Guide”. For a more general description of getting healthcare in Italy, checkout: “My Experience With Italian Healthcare Has Been Eye-opening”.

Staying Active And Fit In Rome

Between all the pasta, pizza and gelato that you will be enjoying as a tourist in Rome, you might be wondering how to stay fit and minimize the impact of all of this delicious food. Luckily, the city offers plenty of ways to keep moving.

In most cases, not snacking between meals and walking everywhere can do the trick, but that isn’t always an option. You might need a change to run, climb or bike your way to a healthy vacation in Rome.

Best Running And Outdoor Exercise Spots

While there is beauty found all over the world, I would argue that Rome is filled with the most breathtaking parks and scenic running paths that you will ever find. Between ruins like the Auralian Walls and the ancient Roman Aqueducts or more “modern” locales like the Marble Stadium, the options are almost endless.

Parks are another great option in Rome. The Villa Borghese Gardens and Villa Doria Pamphili are local favorites, and if you’re up for a challenge with a different view, running along the Tiber River is a great workout.

If you are looking for some other great running spots in Rome, check out this article: “The Best Spots For Running In Rome Are Easy To Find”.

Playing Pickleball And Other Sports In Rome

Believe it or not, pickleball is making its way to Italy! If you’re into a sport that is exploding in popularity in the US, there are courts where you can play with locals and fellow expats. Don’t confuse Pickleball with Padel, which is much more popular, but a bit different.

For some recommendations on how to proceed, check out these suggestions: “Pickleball In Italy Is Waiting For You And Here Is Where”.

Beyond that, you can find opportunities to try all the popular sports, like Tennis, Golf and Cycling. While not all of these sports will be available just outside the Colosseum, a bus or metro and a little planning should be all you need to get your sweat on!

Mental Well-Being And Self-Care In Rome

Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. Italy’s somewhat slower pace of life makes it a great place to unwind and recharge. Knowing your options for “self-care” around the city can make a great vacation even more amazing.

Self-Care Tips For A Stress-Free Rome Experience

If you have any questions about Self-Care, check out this blog post: “These Self-Care Tips For Rome Will Make Travel Amazing”.

Combatting Insomnia In Rome

Struggling with sleep once you arrive and try to start your well-planned vacation? If it is simple jetlag or a more severe case of insomnia, there are things you can consider if you don’t adjust to the Rome timezone.

Immediately trying to adjust to the timezone by trying to sleep at the correct local time, as well as leaving curtains open so that the sun can help adjust your circadian rhythms is the easiest place to start.

If that doesn’t work, early morning walks through Rome’s historic streets can work wonders. There’s something magical about the city before the crowds arrive and getting a little early morning exercise might improve your sleep and help get you on the right cycle.

To see what you can enjoy with an early morning stroll through the historical center of Rome, check this out: “Enjoying Early Morning Rome Can Help With Your Insomnia”.

The Italian Lifestyle And Longevity

So all of this comes down to a simple question: “Ever wonder why Italians seem to live better?” Their secret isn’t just great food and wine, it’s their lifestyle. This includes their diet, what they prioritize in life, putting quality above quantity (think food industry) and a general lust for life.

Why Italians Live Longer Than Americans

From the Mediterranean diet to their strong social connections, Italians have a way of life that naturally supports longevity. These are documented differences between the two cultures that can’t be ignored.

For more information on life expectancy, “Why Is The Life Expectancy In Italy Higher Than In The US?” is a great article you should check out.

Living La Dolce Vita

Italians know how to enjoy life without stressing about it. If you’re in Rome, slowing down, eating fresh seasonal foods and enjoying good company are all part of the magic. Living La Dolce Vita as a lifestyle is an opportunity to disconnect from those things that take attention away from what is important in your life that you love.

Not unrelated to La Dolce Vita is La Dolce Far Niente. Again, a literal translation of this phrase is The Sweetness of Doing Nothing. It is one of my favorite Italian phrases because it describes an ability to appreciate the enjoyment that can come from doing nothing at all.

This isn’t sloth or laziness. It is an effort to not let life pass you by and separate from the stress that life can bring. This concept of enjoying doing nothing isn’t limited to retirees or the filthy rich, but can and should be experienced by everyone.

If you are interested in living the sweet life, check out: “Living La Dolce Vita Is Easier Than You Might Think!”.

North vs. South: Cultural And Health Differences

Italy isn’t one-size-fits-all. The lifestyle in Northern Italy differs quite a bit from the South, from eating habits to daily routines. These can include economic opportunities as well as something as important as quality of healthcare.

This was a deciding factor on where we lived in Italy. We love the south, but we have heard that healthcare is much better the further north you travel in the country. As we are approaching retirement age, health services are of growing importance. Our belief in the variable levels of quality have been confirmed by everyone, with no exceptions.

There are plenty of other interesting differences between living in northern vs. southern Italy. To learn more, take read on this post: “The North Vs South Italy Cultural Differences Are Important”.

Why Is Health And Wellness Important?

Taking care of your health and wellness in Rome doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re here for a short stay or planning to move, Rome offers everything you need to stay healthy and happy.