Service Description
When you're vacationing in the Ceresio5Valli destination, knowing who to contact in the event of a medical emergency is essential for a worry-free stay. The 15 municipalities of Lake Ceresio are served by a network of emergency healthcare services that provide assistance to both residents and tourists.
Emergency numbers
In case of serious health emergency (accidents, sudden illness, danger to life), immediately call the 112 — Single European Emergency Number. The call is free from any phone, even without credit or a SIM card.
| Number | Service | When to call |
|---|---|---|
| 112 | Single Emergency Number (NUE) | Serious emergencies, life-threatening |
| 118 | Health Emergency | Emergency medical assistance |
| 116 117 | Continuity of Care (formerly Medical Guard) | Non-urgent but non-deferrable health problems |
| 800 638 638 | Booking visits and exams (landline) | SSN Reservations |
| 02 999 599 | Booking visits and exams (mobile phone) | SSN Reservations |
Medical Guard — Continuity of Care (116 117)
The Continuity of Care service (formerly the Emergency Medical Service) is the point of contact for health problems that arise when your GP is unavailable and cannot wait until your GP reopens. It is not an emergency service: for serious emergencies, always call 112.
How to access: Call the single number 116 117 (Free). An operator will assess the situation and direct the call to the appropriate location. Real-time telephone interpretation for foreign tourists.
Opening hours:
- Weekdays: 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM the following day
- Saturday, Sunday and holidays: 24 hours a day
- Weekday pre-holidays: 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Reference offices:
- Menaggio — Via Carlo Camozzi, 2. Open 24 hours a day, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays; on days before holidays, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- Intelvi Valley Center — Open 24 hours a day, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays; Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM; and days before holidays from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
What can the doctor on call do: Telephone consultation, outpatient visit (by appointment at 116 117), home visit, urgent medication prescription (max 3 days), medical certificate (max 3 days), proposal for hospitalization.
Costs: Free for residents of Lombardy. Non-resident tourists: fee for the visit.
Tourist Medical Guard
During the summer (June–September), a Tourist Medical Emergency service is available for non-resident visitors. Updated information is available at local tourist offices and on the ATS Insubria website.
Emergency room
The reference Emergency Room for the entire Ceresio5Valli area is that of Erba-Renaldi Hospital in Menaggio, active 24 hours a day.
📍 Via Virginia Casartelli, 7 — 22017 Menaggio (CO)
📞 Switchboard: 0344 34100
🏥 ASST Lariana — www.asst-lariana.it
It has an emergency room with triage, internal medicine, rehabilitation, day surgery, and specialized outpatient services. For serious emergencies, transfer to Sant Anna Hospital in San Fermo della Battaglia (Como) is required.
How to reach the hospital:
- From Porlezza: ~20 minutes via SS340
- From Valsolda: ~25 minutes via SS340
- From Carlazzo/San Bartolomeo: ~25 minutes
- By bus: ASF lines towards Menaggio
Local pharmacies
Pharmacies have regular hours and rotate night/holiday shifts. To find a pharmacy on duty: call 116 117, consult the website of the Association of Pharmacists of the Province of Como, or check the notices posted at pharmacies.
Useful tips for tourists
- TEAM card: European citizens should always carry the European Health Insurance Card (back of the Health Card for residents in Italy)
- Non-EU tourists: travel health insurance recommended
- In the mountains: In case of an accident, call 112 and communicate the GPS position
- Useful app: Download “Where ARE U” by AREU Lombardia to automatically send your location to 112
- Personal medications: Always carry a sufficient supply and a doctor's prescription
🌐 Languages spoken
📍 Where to Find Us
Erba-Renaldi Hospital, Via V. Casartelli 7, 22017 Menaggio (CO)
