Health insurance in Portugal

In this section, depending on your place of origin, we will give you all the information about the medical coverage you need to travel to Portugal.

European Citizens

The citizens of the 27 states belonging to the European Union together with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, can receive health care by presenting the European Health Insurance Card in the event of accident or illness. This free card is quickly issued in your country of residence and will allow you to access the Portuguese health services free or at a reduced price.

What is included in the European Health Card?

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid for two years and covers healthcare services whenever deemed necessary from a medical point of view; however, long term care or treatment in private centres are not covered.

Important! If you need medical attention go to the local health centre. The emergency services of hospitals should be used for serious situations such as severe trauma, food poisoning, burns, heart attacks, thrombosis, and respiratory problems, etc.

Keep in mind that in no way is the EHIC an alternative to travel insurance, as it does not cover other circumstances that may occur such as:

• Loss of flights or connections.
• Family emergencies or unforeseen work issues which force you to return as soon as possible.
• Damage and loss of luggage.
• Rescue or repatriation.

Therefore, if you prefer to travel with greater peace of mind and avoid any unforeseen circumstances, we advise you to take out health insurance.

Non-EU citizens

To travel to Portugal or any country that is part of the Schengen area, medical insurance is a requirement along with your passport.

If you need a visa, get one and take out travel insurance and you will have almost everything you need for your trip.

The health insurance has to cover certain conditions. It must:

• be effective for transit throughout the Schengen territory
• be valid during the entire stay
• have a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros for medical expenses, hospitalisation and urgent repatriation

In the event that you are going to visit several countries, make sure you have coverage in all of them, and also make sure if you plan to practice any activity that involves some type of risk that this is covered.

We would like to recommend two insurance companies specialised in the tourism sector: IATI and ERV.