Getting Portugal travel insurance is crucial to safeguard yourself against unforeseen costs in the event of a medical emergency during your trip. Although healthcare in Portugal is generally free or affordable for Portuguese citizens and legal residents, the same benefits do not extend to tourists. Without adequate health insurance coverage while traveling in Portugal, you may be required to cover all medical expenses personally.
Although you may want to buy travel insurance with higher coverage and additional benefits, this basic plan is mandatory for obtaining a Portuguese Schengen Visa. For example, you may want to get an insurance plan that fulfills the mandatory insurance certificate required for a Portuguese Schengen visa application or entry into Portugal and extends coverage to other destinations within the Schengen area and the EU.
Your travel insurance plan will vary depending on the type of insurance policy you require, how long you’ll stay, and how many people are included in the policy. You may want to include a safety net for unforeseen events, such as an emergency evacuation in case of natural disasters, unexpected expenses during a trip interruption, for example, travel delays, and the cover of emergency medical bills.
If you’re a resident outside the Schengen area, you’ll need travel insurance that will protect you in the event of medical emergencies and other potential problems during your time in Portugal.
Which insurance company you choose is ultimately up to you, but we’ve listed some companies that may be useful for you.
Europ Assistance or Mondial Care are comprehensive websites where you can find travel health insurance or travel medical insurance for reasonable prices.
Other insurers to consult before you visit Portugal are:
Medical coverage is an important factor in your travel insurance.
It should cover all kinds of emergency medical treatment, including expenses for doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, prescription medications, and other necessary medical services that incur medical fees.
Please be mindful that travel insurance typically does not cover medical treatment for pre-existing conditions, except in certain cases, and it does not cover medical expenses if you travel to Portugal specifically for medical treatment.
You have a layover in another country before reaching Portugal, but bad weather conditions cause a flight delay, leaving you stranded overnight. Consequently, you incur unforeseen expenses on food, transportation, and accommodation.
If your travel insurance options include flight delays, then you’ll be able to claim for all costs you incurred. Keep all receipts and submit them when making a travel insurance claim. Your insurance provider will then reimburse the costs according to the conditions outlined in your policy.
Travelers who are not insured with the SNS can opt for private health insurance. Private health insurance provides coverage for visits to private clinics, consultations with specialists, and any services not included in the public healthcare scheme.
For non-EU tourists, travel insurance offers the best method of health coverage during their stay in Portugal. With travel insurance, if they require emergency medical care in Portugal, they can simply submit their bills and invoices to the travel insurance provider for reimbursement.
EU and British nationals may also consider obtaining travel insurance if they desire the option to receive medical treatment at private health institutions in Portugal. Both private and public hospitals in Portugal are of high quality, with the notable advantage of shorter waiting times at private hospitals.
Portugal Travel Insurance Requirements
Do I need travel insurance for Portugal?
Depending on where you’re from, you’ll need travel insurance, including medical insurance. As an EU citizen, if you require medical treatment while in Portugal, it will either be free or incur minimal costs. Travelers who need to apply for a visa to visit Portugal are required to have travel insurance. Visa officers will request evidence of at least €30,000 in health insurance coverage for Portugal and the entire Schengen Area. On the other hand, those who do not require a visa for Portugal are not obligated to obtain travel insurance, although it’s strongly recommended to do so.Do UK citizens need travel insurance for Portugal?
UK citizens who have an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) are entitled to the same healthcare privileges as Portuguese citizens at all public hospitals and clinics in the country. Treatment at private hospitals would incur costs that would have to be paid for privately. Whilst the EHIC card covers travel medical insurance, it does not provide coverage for trip interruptions, flight delays, evacuation, or repatriation. To obtain additional coverage for these situations, it’s advisable to purchase travel insurance.Travel insurance Portugal from USA
While travel insurance isn't a requirement for U.S. citizens traveling to Portugal, it's often recommended. Travel insurance can provide coverage for various unexpected situations such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and other unforeseen events. It's a way to mitigate financial risks associated with travel. Before purchasing travel insurance, it's advisable to carefully review the policy to understand what is covered and any exclusions. Additionally, consider factors such as your health, the activities you plan to participate in, and the length of your stay when determining if travel insurance is necessary for your trip to Portugal.Which nationals are required to purchase travel insurance when visiting Portugal?
The following table shows which nationals need to buy travel insurance before their Portugal trip, ideally at the same time as obtaining their Portugal Visa: [wptb id=3369]What type of travel insurance do I need for Portugal?
Portugal does not offer free medical treatment to visitors, and under European Union rules non-EU citizens must have travel medical insurance covering emergency medical, hospitalization, and repatriation (including the case of death). When traveling to Portugal or, even better, when applying for a Portuguese Schengen Visa, you should get travel insurance that fulfills the following requirements:- Provides a minimum coverage of €30,000 for emergency medical treatment, evacuation, and repatriation.
- Remains valid throughout your stay in Portugal and the entire Schengen Area
Although you may want to buy travel insurance with higher coverage and additional benefits, this basic plan is mandatory for obtaining a Portuguese Schengen Visa. For example, you may want to get an insurance plan that fulfills the mandatory insurance certificate required for a Portuguese Schengen visa application or entry into Portugal and extends coverage to other destinations within the Schengen area and the EU.
Your travel insurance plan will vary depending on the type of insurance policy you require, how long you’ll stay, and how many people are included in the policy. You may want to include a safety net for unforeseen events, such as an emergency evacuation in case of natural disasters, unexpected expenses during a trip interruption, for example, travel delays, and the cover of emergency medical bills.
Which is the best Portugal travel insurance?
To make sure you get the best travel insurance for Europe’s most Western country, it should fulfill the Schengen Visa requirements and come from a well-established and reputable travel insurance provider.Where can I buy travel insurance Portugal?
If you’re a resident outside the Schengen area, you’ll need travel insurance that will protect you in the event of medical emergencies and other potential problems during your time in Portugal.
Which insurance company you choose is ultimately up to you, but we’ve listed some companies that may be useful for you.
Europ Assistance or Mondial Care are comprehensive websites where you can find travel health insurance or travel medical insurance for reasonable prices.
Other insurers to consult before you visit Portugal are:
- Axa Schengen
- Allianz
- Mutuaide
What does travel insurance for Portugal cover?
This depends on your needs and requirements for travel insurance, but it’s important that you have insurance that is compatible with the Schengen Visa. The most basic travel insurance policy for Portugal should include coverage for the following:- Emergency evacuation and repatriation: This covers the costs associated with emergency evacuation to another location for medical treatment if it is not available in Portugal. It also covers the expenses involved in repatriating remains in case of death.
- Emergency medical assistance: Coverage for medical assistance if you become ill or injured during your trip, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and medications.
- Trip interruption, cancellation, or flight delay coverage: This type of insurance safeguards against financial losses resulting from interruptions to your travel plans, such as flight delays or having to cut your trip short due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Baggage Loss/Delay: Reimbursement for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage, as well as compensation for essential items if your baggage is delayed for a specified period.
Medical coverage
Medical coverage is an important factor in your travel insurance.
It should cover all kinds of emergency medical treatment, including expenses for doctor visits, hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, prescription medications, and other necessary medical services that incur medical fees.
Please be mindful that travel insurance typically does not cover medical treatment for pre-existing conditions, except in certain cases, and it does not cover medical expenses if you travel to Portugal specifically for medical treatment.
Medical coverageHow much does Portugal travel insurance cost?
This, too, depends on your personal circumstances and requirements. However, when compared to the cost of a trip to Portugal, travel insurance is quite affordable. A basic plan for a one-week trip can be as low as €20 per person or less. However, the price may vary depending on the extent of coverage you choose and the duration of your trip, leading to higher costs, such as €30 or €50, or even more.When is the best time to buy Portugal travel insurance?
We recommend that you buy a travel insurance plan as soon as you’ve booked and confirmed your trip to Portugal. To ensure coverage for potential trip interruptions, it is advised to buy the insurance at least two weeks before your departure. It’s important to be aware that medical coverage provided by the insurance only becomes effective once you have departed for Portugal. For those who apply for a Portugal visa, it is essential to buy travel insurance before submitting your visa application and to attach the health insurance certificate along with the rest of your required documents.How does Portugal travel insurance work?
The exact way your insurance works depends on your insurer and the incident you may claim for. Below are some example scenarios that give you an idea of how some travel insurance plans work.Scenario one: A medical emergency whilst traveling in Portugal
You are exploring one of Portugal’s major cities and sprain your ankle. You get taken to a public hospital or clinic where a doctor or qualified health professional examines your ankle, runs tests, and prescribes medication. After receiving the invoice for your treatment, you can:- Pay the invoices and then claim from your insurer. You must keep copies of the invoices to be reimbursed.
- You show the hospital or clinic your insurance certificate or insurance card, and they will send the invoice to the insurer.
Scenario two: Flight or travel delays due to bad weather
You have a layover in another country before reaching Portugal, but bad weather conditions cause a flight delay, leaving you stranded overnight. Consequently, you incur unforeseen expenses on food, transportation, and accommodation.
If your travel insurance options include flight delays, then you’ll be able to claim for all costs you incurred. Keep all receipts and submit them when making a travel insurance claim. Your insurance provider will then reimburse the costs according to the conditions outlined in your policy.
Scenario two: Flight or travel delays due to bad weatherScenario three: An unexpected event forces you to cut your travels short
You’re having to cut your trip short, perhaps due to an unexpected event at home, and you’re leaving several reservations unused (e.g., hotel, events, etc.). Upon returning home, you can initiate a claim with your travel insurance provider, who will reimburse you for these losses. To process the claim successfully, it is essential to keep all the receipts and booking confirmations as evidence.Trip cancellation insurance
Similar to scenario three above, it may be the case that you’re forced to cancel the entire trip. In this case, trip cancellation insurance for Portugal provides financial protection and covers non-refundable expenses like flight tickets, hotel bookings, and tour reservations. By purchasing trip cancellation insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that you won't lose your money if unexpected events disrupt your travel arrangements to Portugal.How can I make a travel insurance claim?
Every travel insurance company has its own processes for making a claim, so it’s best to familiarise yourself with them beforehand. In case of a claim, you should get in touch with your travel insurance provider. They will guide you through their specific claims procedure, which typically involves filling out a claim form and submitting all the required documents. It is crucial to keep and provide all the relevant receipts and invoices, as they are essential for processing the claim.Healthcare in Portugal for Visitors and Expats
Portugal’s healthcare system is exceptional and considered one of the best in the world. It offers free services to Portuguese citizens and residents but does not extend the same benefits to tourists. Tourists with EU nationality can utilize their EHIC cards to access free or affordable treatment in public hospitals. However, non-EU tourists must have travel insurance to cover their medical expenses during their stay in Portugal.Public healthcare
Portugal’s public healthcare system, Serviço Nacional de Saúde, or SNS, covers legal residents of Portugal and is funded by employment-based taxation. As a result, visits to public hospitals and clinics are either free or incur minimal costs for these residents. This healthcare is also extended to short-term visitors from the EU, who can utilize the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) to access the same level of healthcare coverage as Portuguese citizens. Likewise, British tourists (after Brexit) are covered for healthcare costs at public health institutions in Portugal through the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card).Private healthcare
Travelers who are not insured with the SNS can opt for private health insurance. Private health insurance provides coverage for visits to private clinics, consultations with specialists, and any services not included in the public healthcare scheme.
For non-EU tourists, travel insurance offers the best method of health coverage during their stay in Portugal. With travel insurance, if they require emergency medical care in Portugal, they can simply submit their bills and invoices to the travel insurance provider for reimbursement.
EU and British nationals may also consider obtaining travel insurance if they desire the option to receive medical treatment at private health institutions in Portugal. Both private and public hospitals in Portugal are of high quality, with the notable advantage of shorter waiting times at private hospitals.
Portugal Safety Tips
Although Portugal is a safe country and many travelers from many countries visit each year without any issues, it’s worth considering the following tips when visiting this beautiful place in Western Europe: Keep your belongings and bags close and in sight, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots Wear cross-body bags across your chest, and front-carry backpacks in busy locations Be vigilant against scams by verifying prices and asking taxi drivers to use a meter. Alternatively, use the excellent public transportation that is available in most major cities Stay away from unsafe and remote areas by researching and seeking advice from locals or hotel staffAdditional safety tips
- Protect yourself from the sun by staying hydrated, wearing hats, and using SPF when sightseeing or sunbathing
- Stay out of direct sunlight during the hottest time of the day
- Beware of food poisoning by being cautious with street food, raw fruits, vegetables, and dairy products
- Check with hotel/ accommodation staff before drinking tap water
