Directory A–Z - Sicily - page 628

WATER
While tap water is reliable and safe throughout the country, most Sicilians prefer to drink acqua minerale (bottled
mineral water). It will be either frizzante (sparkling) or naturale (still) and you will be asked in restaurants and
bars which you prefer. If you want a glass of tap water, ask for acqua dal rubinetto .
Insurance
Medical Insurance
If you're an EU citizen, an EHIC covers you for free or reduced-cost public medical care but not for emergency repatri-
ation. It is available from health centres in your home country. Citizens from countries outside the EU should find out if
there is a reciprocal arrangement for free medical care between their country and Italy (Australia, for example, has such
an agreement; carry your Medicare card with you).
US citizens should check whether their health-insurance plan offers coverage for hospital or medical costs abroad -
many don't. The US Medicare service provides no coverage outside the US. If you do need health insurance, make sure
you get a policy that covers you for the worst possible scenario, such as an accident requiring an emergency flight home.
Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas
health expenditures abroad.
Travel Insurance
A travel-insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is highly recommended. It may also cover you for
cancellation of and delays in your travel arrangements. Worldwide travel insurance is available at
www.lonelyplanet.com/travel_services . You can buy, extend and claim online anytime - even if you're already on the
road.
Paying for your ticket with a credit card can often provide limited travel accident insurance, and you may be able to
reclaim the payment if the operator doesn't deliver.
Note that some policies specifically exclude 'dangerous activities', which can include scuba diving, motorcycling and
even trekking.
Internet Access
Public wi-fi hot spots are increasing in cafes and bars, and many hotels and B&Bs now offer free wi-fi. In accommoda-
tion listings the internet icon is used only when there is a computer available for guest use; wi-fi access is indicated with
an icon, though wi-fi is only mentioned in reviews when charges apply.
If you're bringing your own kit, you shouldn't have too many problems hooking up in your room, or at least in the
hotel reception or other communal areas. You might need a power transformer (to convert from 110V to 220V if your
notebook isn't set up for dual voltage), an RJ-11 phone jack that works with your modem and a plug adapter.