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PhrasesTravel ProblemsHo bisogno di un medico.
A1

Ho bisogno di un medico.

I need a doctor.

Pronunciation

'Medico' — ME-di-co. Stress on the first syllable; hard 'c' before 'o'.

When to use it

Say this in an emergency or when feeling unwell at a hotel, on a tour, or in a public place. Hotel staff can call a doctor who makes house visits (medico a domicilio).

What it means

'Ho bisogno di' (I need) + noun is the standard Italian need expression. It is more formal than 'mi serve' but equally natural. 'Un medico' (a doctor) — 'medico' is the professional; 'dottore' is the courtesy title used for anyone with a university degree.

Variations

Chiamate un'ambulanza!

Call an ambulance!

Emergency: the number is 118.

Mi sento molto male.

I feel very unwell.

Describe your condition to get appropriate help.

C'è un medico qui?

Is there a doctor here?

Ask in public spaces during a sudden emergency.

Mini Dialogue

— Ho bisogno di un medico. Ho forti dolori allo stomaco. — Chiamo subito. Ha allergie a farmaci? — No, nessuna. — Il medico arriva entro mezz'ora.

— I need a doctor. I have severe stomach pains. — I'll call right away. Do you have any drug allergies? — No, none. — The doctor will arrive within half an hour.

Cultural Note

Italy's SSN (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) provides emergency healthcare free to all, including tourists. EU citizens with an EHIC card pay nothing for treatment in public facilities. Non-EU visitors receive treatment but may be billed — travel insurance is strongly recommended.