Getting sick on holiday is stressful, especially when you are far from home and do not speak Italian. Fortunately, Sardinia has public medical services for visitors, including seasonal clinics known as Guardia Medica Turistica. But finding the right service—and knowing when to use it—matters.

Foreign tourists can seek medical care in Sardinia. Tourist medical clinics are available in several popular holiday areas during the summer, but their locations and hours change by season and local health authority. For non-emergency medical guidance, call 116117 where the service operates. For a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 112.

What is Guardia Medica Turistica?

Guardia Medica Turistica is a seasonal public medical service designed primarily for people who are not resident in the area, including holidaymakers. It is intended for health problems that need a doctor's assessment but are not immediately life-threatening.

The ASL Gallura describes its summer clinics as a way to provide lower-intensity care and reduce unnecessary pressure on hospital emergency departments. The ASL Sassari likewise describes clinics offering basic healthcare to non-resident visitors.

Can American and other foreign tourists use it?

Yes, foreign visitors can request medical assistance. However, access to care is not the same as entitlement to free care. The amount you pay and any reimbursement depend on your country of insurance, residency status, the type of treatment and the applicable rules.

According to the Italian Ministry of Health, non-EU tourists staying temporarily in Italy can receive healthcare services subject to applicable regional charges, unless another entitlement applies. Travellers from the United States should not assume that Medicare or their domestic US health plan will cover Italian medical bills. Check your policy and consider travel medical insurance before departure.

Where can I find a tourist medical clinic in Sardinia?

Seasonal locations vary. In the 2026 summer season, ASL Sassari announced tourist medical clinics in Alghero, Stintino, Castelsardo and Platamona. ASL Gallura listed services in Olbia, Palau, Santa Teresa Gallura, Golfo Aranci, San Teodoro, Budoni, Cannigione, Badesi, Isola Rossa, Loiri Porto San Paolo and Vignola Mare.

These are documented examples from 2026, not a guarantee that the same clinics or opening hours will operate in a later season or during winter. Before travelling to a clinic, check the current local ASL notice or call 116117 for guidance.

Is there a Guardia Medica Turistica in Alghero?

Yes, during the 2026 season ASL Sassari announced an Alghero tourist medical clinic at the Ospedale Civile di Alghero, near the emergency department, at Via Don Minzoni / Via Fleming. Its announced July dates and hours were limited and varied by day.

Do not interpret the hospital location as meaning the tourist clinic is open around the clock. Check the current ASL Sassari announcement or contact 116117 before going.

What about Olbia and Costa Smeralda?

For the 2026 summer season, ASL Gallura listed a tourist medical clinic at Olbia's Giovanni Paolo II Hospital, as well as sites in other destinations including Cannigione, Palau, Santa Teresa Gallura, Golfo Aranci and San Teodoro. The ASL's published general hours were 10:00–17:00, with specific exceptions and notices at individual locations.

Visitors staying on the Costa Smeralda should check which clinic is operating closest to their accommodation rather than assuming a clinic exists in every resort or beach village.

Is the tourist medical service available 24 hours a day?

Not necessarily. Some general tourism information describes broad or round-the-clock access to medical assistance, but the actual tourist-clinic opening hours published by local ASLs can be limited to specific daytime shifts. For example, several ASL Gallura summer 2026 clinics were listed with daytime opening hours, while ASL Sassari published individual dates for Alghero.

For non-urgent care outside those hours, ask about the ordinary Continuità Assistenziale service (formerly commonly called Guardia Medica). For immediate danger or severe symptoms, call 112 instead of waiting for a tourist clinic to open.

What is 116117, and can tourists call it?

116117 is Italy's harmonised number for access to non-urgent medical services. The Ministry of Health describes it as free and available around the clock in participating regions, including Sardinia, with operators able to respond in Italian and English.

The Sardinian emergency health authority AREUS states that the service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in activated districts. It can provide guidance and route callers to the appropriate medical service. Regional implementation has been phased in, so verify local availability and follow the operator's instructions.

116117 is not an emergency number. Do not use it instead of 112 for a life-threatening problem.

When should I call 112?

Call 112 for serious emergencies, such as severe breathing difficulty, suspected stroke, major trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness or other potentially life-threatening situations. Explain your location as clearly as possible and follow the operator's instructions.

In remote parts of Sardinia, giving a precise location can be challenging. Share your GPS location or a nearby landmark if you can, and do not drive yourself to a distant clinic when emergency assistance is needed.

What can a tourist medical clinic do?

Depending on the service and clinical assessment, a tourist doctor may provide a medical examination, assess non-emergency symptoms, issue prescriptions, request diagnostic tests or specialist appointments and provide medical certificates. ASL Sassari states that its tourist-clinic doctors can also recommend hospital admission when appropriate and may provide home visits in certain circumstances.

These clinics are not substitutes for emergency departments, intensive care, advanced imaging or specialist hospital treatment. If the doctor believes you need a higher level of care, you may be referred to a hospital.

How much does a visit cost?

Tourist medical visits may require payment. The tariff is set under applicable regional rules and can vary by service type. ASL Sassari explicitly states that its tourist-clinic services are charged according to the Sardinian regional tariff schedule, while ASL Gallura notes charges for non-residents.

Do not rely on a single old price quoted by a travel website: fees can change, and home visits or additional services may cost differently. Ask the clinic for the current charge, payment methods and a receipt before or after the visit as appropriate.

Does the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) help?

For eligible travellers insured in an EU or other participating country, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can provide access to medically necessary public healthcare during a temporary stay, subject to applicable rules and charges. However, the Italian Ministry of Health notes that tourist medical visits may be charged upfront and reimbursement may need to be requested from the competent insurer after returning home.

US citizens are not entitled to EHIC benefits merely because they are tourists. If you are an American traveller, review your travel medical insurance coverage and keep invoices and medical documentation.

What should I bring to the clinic?

Bring your passport or other identity document, health insurance or travel insurance information, and a list of medications and allergies. If you have an EHIC or other entitlement document, bring it too. Save your accommodation address and a local contact number.

It can also help to have photographs of medication packaging showing the generic active ingredients. If you need a medical certificate for your insurer or airline, ask the doctor whether one can be issued and whether there is a separate charge.

Will doctors speak English?

English-language support can vary from clinic to clinic and from one shift to another. The Ministry of Health states that 116117 operators can respond in Italian and English, making the number a useful starting point for visitors. At an individual clinic, do not assume every doctor or receptionist speaks fluent English.

If communication is difficult, show written symptoms, medication names or translated phrases on your phone. For emergencies, call 112 and explain that you need language assistance.

What if I get sick outside the summer season?

Seasonal Guardia Medica Turistica clinics may close after the holiday season. Ordinary Continuità Assistenziale services, pharmacies, local doctors and hospitals remain part of the wider healthcare system, although access and hours vary.

Call 116117 for non-emergency guidance in an activated area, or consult the relevant ASL website. For serious emergencies, call 112.

Can I ask for a doctor to visit my holiday apartment?

Some tourist medical services may arrange home visits when clinically appropriate, as described by ASL Sassari, but availability is not guaranteed. It depends on staffing, location, medical need and current operating arrangements. Ask the service directly; do not assume a doctor can visit a remote villa at any hour.

Is travel medical insurance recommended?

Yes, especially for travellers from outside the EU. The Italian Ministry of Health explains that visitors from countries without applicable reciprocal healthcare arrangements may be responsible for treatment costs. Check coverage for medical consultations, hospital treatment, ambulance transport, prescription medicines and medical repatriation, as well as exclusions and deductibles.

Keep receipts, discharge notes and any medical certificates for a possible insurance claim. If your insurer offers a 24-hour assistance line, save that number before departure.

Useful Italian medical phrases

  • Guardia Medica Turistica: tourist medical clinic
  • Continuità Assistenziale: out-of-hours primary care
  • Pronto Soccorso: hospital emergency department
  • Ho bisogno di un medico: I need a doctor
  • Non è un'emergenza: It is not an emergency
  • Mi sento male: I feel unwell
  • Ho la febbre: I have a fever
  • Ho dolore qui: I have pain here
  • Sono allergico/a a...: I am allergic to...
  • Parla inglese?: Do you speak English?
  • Quanto costa la visita?: How much does the consultation cost?
  • Mi serve una ricevuta: I need a receipt

Frequently asked questions

Can foreigners use Guardia Medica Turistica in Sardinia?

Yes. The service is designed for non-resident visitors, including foreign tourists. Fees and coverage depend on the applicable rules.

Is tourist medical care free in Sardinia?

Not necessarily. Tourist medical consultations may be charged, and insurance reimbursement depends on eligibility and policy terms.

Can I visit a tourist medical clinic without an appointment?

Access procedures vary by clinic and season. Call 116117 or the local ASL to check whether you should attend directly.

Is there a tourist doctor in Alghero?

ASL Sassari operated a seasonal clinic in Alghero in summer 2026. Check current dates and opening hours before visiting.

Is there a tourist medical clinic in Olbia?

ASL Gallura listed a seasonal clinic at Giovanni Paolo II Hospital in 2026. Confirm its current status with the ASL.

Is Guardia Medica Turistica open all night?

Not necessarily. Many published seasonal clinic schedules have limited daytime hours. Ask about ordinary out-of-hours medical care when tourist clinics are closed.

What number should I call for non-emergency medical help?

Call 116117 in an area where the service operates. It is a free non-emergency medical access number.

What is the emergency number in Sardinia?

Call 112 for a serious or life-threatening emergency.

Will the doctor speak English?

Language skills vary at individual clinics. The national 116117 service provides Italian- and English-language operator support.

Can a tourist doctor prescribe medicine?

Yes, when medically appropriate and permitted under the service's procedures. ASL Sassari lists prescriptions among the services its tourist doctors can provide.

Can a tourist doctor visit my hotel?

Sometimes, depending on clinical need, staffing and location. Ask the service whether home visits are available.

Should American tourists buy medical travel insurance?

It is strongly advisable to review coverage before travelling. US visitors should not assume that treatment in Italy will be free or covered by their domestic plan.

The bottom line

Sardinia offers accessible medical support for visitors, but Guardia Medica Turistica is seasonal, locally organised and intended for non-emergency care. Save two numbers before your trip: 116117 for non-urgent medical guidance and 112 for emergencies. Confirm current clinic hours, bring identification and insurance documents, and be prepared for possible consultation fees.

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