Health insurance abroad is essential for any expat. In addition to expat healthcare insurance rates, insurance providers or online insurance comparison sites can provide life assurance quotes and auto insurance rates to provide you with overseas coverage. However, remember that cheap insurance may not represent the best value for money if you need to make a claim - as an expat you may require specialist expatriate insurance cover abroad.

As a resident of Italy, you will need various kinds of insurance. These are outlined below, along with the names of a few big insurance companies:

Health insurance - this is compulsory for all foreign residents in Italy, as proof of health cover must be shown to the local authorities (Questura) before you can obtain a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno). You can buy a health insurance policy from the Post Office when you arrive in Italy - the Italian government has designed a policy with Inassitalia for foreign students to cover all medical expenses in case of illness, so presumably the company also offers other policies.

Home insurance - three of the biggest insurers are Axa, Generali and Winterthur. These companies have offices in most small towns so they are accessible - you can discuss your needs in person. The consensus seems to be that insurance in Italy is much cheaper than, for example, the UK. House insurance is normally a condition of your mortgage agreement, so check if you are buying property. Of course, insuring your home against mishaps is always worthwhile!

Life insurance - if you are buying property in Italy, this is likely to be a condition of your mortgage.