Health On-site

MedinAction

When living in a foreign country and in an unfamiliar city where you don’t speak the language, having to set up a doctor’s appointment can be frustrating and nerve-wracking. But don’t worry:  it’s much easier than you think.  MedinAction is an on-demand, English-speaking medical service that delivers a qualified doctor to a patient’s home, office or hotel, 24/7.

MedinAction has an agreement with CISI Insurance, so you won't need to pay anything out of pocket to receive care. MedinAction will bill your CISI insurance directly for the full amount.

Making an Appointment

Phone: +39 375 572 4686

CIS Abroad students can book an appointment anytime with a physician through the MedinAction website, ​via the mobile app, WhatsApp, Facebook, phone, or SMS. You will have the opportunity to describe your symptoms to MedinAction to determine if you need an appointment during the booking process.

Nearest Hospital:  

Santa Maria Nuova Hospital
Phone: +39 055 69381
Address: Piazza Santa Maria Nuova, 1, 50122 Firenze

Other English Speaking Doctors in Florence

Dr. Stephen Kerr
Piazza del Mercato Nuovo 1 (between Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Repubblica)
Visits by Appointment: Weekdays except 3-5pm
Walk-ins: Weekdays between 3pm and 5pm
Website: http://www.dr-kerr.com/  
Weekends: 
Phone: 0039 055 288 055
Cell phone: 0039 335 836 1682

Medical Services Clinic
Via Roma 4
Mo-Fri: 11am-12pm | 1pm-3pm | 5pm-6pm
Sat: 11am-12pm | 1pm-3pm
24 hours on call for emergencies and house visits
Phone: 0039 055 475 411 
Website: http://www.medicalservice.firenze.it/services.html 

Mental Health Resources

You can visit a local mental health professional in person at a private clinic, or book a session with a CIS Abroad international counselor -- whichever you are more comfortable with.

Let's Talk Program

Our “Let’s Talk” service provides easy access to informal confidential consultations with a counselor who knows students, and understands the unique pressures that students face when traveling, studying or interning abroad. You can book an appointment by clicking here.

If you would like to learn more about the CIS Abroad Let's Talk Program see more info here.

Other Mental Health Local Services

Dr. Anna Choub (psychiatrist) 
Cell: +39 339 568 7775  / Email: achoub@yahoo.com

Dr. Mary Ann Bellini (therapist) 
Phone: +39 055 680721 

Narcotics and ADHD Medications in Italy

Many drugs used for ADD or ADHD are considered narcotics, such as Vyvanse, Klonopin, and Focalin. If you must bring this medication with you to Italy, we recommend the following:

1. Bring a signed and date stamped note from your doctor (on letterhead) that states the following:

   • The name of the medicine (including the medicine’s generic name) and that the medicine is not a narcotic.

   • The patient (full name) is carrying X amount of the medicine (boxes, grams, etc.) to last X number of months/weeks.

   • The medicine is necessary for the patient’s health (name the condition), and that the patient cannot go without it during their stay in Europe.

   • Upon arrival, have your site director translate it.

2. Keep the letter on you, but only tell those on a need-to-know basis (maybe just your roommate) to reduce the risk of theft while traveling.

3. Keep the medications in their original bottles/packaging, clearly labeled.

4. Note that sharing or mixing these medicines with alcohol may be considered a crime, so make note of that when taking.

Food Allergies

One handy tool for translating your allergies into Italian language is found at https://allergytranslation.com/product/italian/. 

If you’d rather not pay for a card like this, you can try other translating tools. If you’re ever not 100% sure about how to translate your allergy or if the food itself contains your allergen, either contact our staff or avoid the food in question.

Pay particular attention in Italy if you have a nut allergy and gelato! Many sales people don't know the specific ingredients to flavors or can't guarantee there hasn't been cross-contamination. Buyers beware!

Cannabinoids or Medical Marijuana

While legal in some states and countries, cannabinoids should not be carried anywhere internationally. Please be advised that they are illegal in many countries and there can be serious consequences for the importation of cannabis on CIS Abroad programs.  To protect all students when traveling to, from, and during their CIS Abroad experience CIS Abroad retains a policy of adhering to US Federal legislation regarding cannabis.  Therefore, cannabis is considered illegal and the use, purchase, or possession of cannabis on CIS Abroad programs would be considered a violation of the CIS Abroad code of conduct. 

If you currently use these products for your health and wellness, Italy does offer some medical grade marijuana products with prescription but they are not as strong as most of the US options. In Italy, these products are not for smoking but typically come in the form of a tea or oil. 

We strongly suggest you consult with your medical provider to find alternative medications to cannabinoids. 

Wellness Resources

Students staying at The Social Hub have access to a gym, as well as free yoga and pilates classes. The exact programs offered and schedule changes from term-to-term, so check with the front desk to learn more. There is also a gym and spa at FUA's campus.