Viaggiare e migrare non sono la stessa cosa. E allora perchè continuiamo ad associare la medicina delle migrazioni con quella dei viaggi?

Not rarely, the health issues regarding travellers and immigrants are overlapped, both at national (Italy) and international level. The fact is that, in general, 'mobility' is the only common connecting factor between the two groups. The article examines critically all the existing differences (socio-economical background, aims, temporality, resources available at arrival, prevalent health risks and correlated prevention methods and tools, health coverage possibilities, etc.). The authors conclude that the health dimensions of the two considered groups need a distinct scientific approach, different competence and distinguished health care services.