Health Insurance for Portugal, What You Need to Know
If you are considering to move to Portugal, you might have encountered terms such as visa insurance, expat insurance, and Schengen travel insurance. These terms can be confusing, so don't worry if you are having trouble understanding them.
While planning to relocate to Portugal, you should be aware that there is a lot of paperwork involved. One area that can be particularly confusing is the health insurance requirement. This post aims to explain the difference between health insurance for a visa purpose, frequently referred to as "visa insurance” and typical travel insurance.
What is the purpose of the “visa insurance”?
When you apply for a visa to move to Portugal, you must demonstrate that you have medical insurance that meets the requirements of the Schengen Area. This policy, commonly known as visa insurance, is valid throughout the Schengen Area but specifically tailored to your relocation to Portugal.
The key point to keep in mind is that Visa insurance is not the same as regular travel insurance.
If you intend to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days, you will need a visa. Some foreign visitors can stay in Portugal (or any other Schengen Area country) for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. However, if you intend to stay longer, you must obtain a visa, and proof of insurance is one of the necessary documents.
To whom does this requirement pertain? It pertains to expatriates who intend to retire, reside, work, study, or travel within Portugal for a period exceeding 90 days.
When is the right time to make the arrangements for your visa insurance? Here's a timeline that might help you:
- Once you have made the decision to move to Portugal and start getting ready to apply for your visa, make sure to do some research and purchase visa insurance that is specifically designed for Portugal.
- When you apply for a special residence visa issued by a Portuguese Consulate (also known as 4-month visa) to establish residency before leaving your home country, you need to show proof of insurance.
- After you enter Portugal with your 4-month visa, you must become a resident. At this point, your visa insurance will become active.
- Once you have attended your SEF - Immigration and Borders Service appointment in Portugal and obtained your residence permit, you will be eligible to apply for insurance in Portugal. Depending on your situation, you could opt for the national healthcare system (SNS – Sistema Nacional de Saúde), a private Portuguese insurer, or both. You can read more about this in our post about Private Health Insurance in Portugal.
To clarify the distinction between visa insurance and travel insurance: Visa insurance pertains to a private medical insurance policy that addresses the transition from being a resident of one country to becoming a resident of another. Conversely, travel insurance is predominantly tailored for shorter trips, such as holidays, and does not typically cover healthcare expenses, unless it is an emergency.
What should your visa insurance encompass? When applying for a D7 Visa or any other D-category Visa for Portugal, your visa insurance must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum medical coverage of €30,000
- Coverage in the Schengen Area
- Explicit acknowledgment of coverage in Portugal
- A policy duration of at least four months to one year
- Repatriation coverage
- Emergency evacuation coverage
Factors like age and pre-existing conditions can influence the cost and availability of your visa insurance. While some insurers may be hesitant to provide coverage for applicants aged 65 or older or those with pre-existing conditions, it is feasible to find policies that cover your needs. It is important to compare different options and ask potential insurers the right questions to guarantee your policy offers the necessary coverage.
Bear in mind that the cost of your visa insurance may vary depending on your specific circumstances. If your policy initially seems expensive, remember that once you are in Portugal, you can enrol in the public healthcare system or purchase alternative private medical insurance, or even a combination of both, to cater to your requirements.
Understanding the visa insurance requirements for Portugal is crucial for a smooth relocation process. Ultimately, having the right insurance coverage provides peace of mind and allows you to fully enjoy Portugal and everything it has to offer.
