Insurance

Insurance Requirements for Moving to Portugal

Securing appropriate insurance is a fundamental requirement for the Portuguese immigration process. For most foreign nationals, proof of health coverage is mandatory before submitting a visa application at a Portuguese consulate or VFS Global center. This insurance serves as a guarantee that the applicant will not become a financial burden on the Portuguese National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) during their initial period of residency.

The type of insurance required depends on the applicant's nationality, the duration of their stay, and the specific visa type (e.g., D7, D8, D2, or Digital Nomad visas). While Portugal offers universal healthcare to residents, access to the public system is generally only granted after the residency permit has been issued and a Número de Utente (user number) has been obtained.

Mandatory Health Insurance for Visa Applications

When applying for a National Visa (Long Stay), applicants must provide evidence of valid travel or private health insurance. The requirements are strictly enforced by the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Schengen and Long-term Visa Specifications

• Minimum Coverage: The policy must offer a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR ($31,800 USD, Oct 2025).
• Geographic Scope: The insurance must be valid for the entire Schengen Area, not just Portugal.
• Repatriation: The policy must cover medical repatriation and urgent medical expenses, including hospital emergency care.
• Validity: For D-type visas, the policy typically needs to cover the first 120 to 180 days of the stay, which is the period before the residency appointment occurs.

Estimated Costs of Pre-Arrival Insurance

Prices vary based on age and pre-existing conditions. For a standard expat-compliant policy valid for one year, expected costs are:

• Basic International Travel/Expat Plan: Approximately 300 EUR to 600 EUR per year ($318 to $636 USD, Oct 2025).
• Monthly Private Health Insurance (Local): If purchased in advance from a Portuguese provider, premiums for a healthy adult start around 30 EUR to 50 EUR per month ($32 to $53 USD, Oct 2025).

Types of Insurance to Consider Before Arrival

Beyond mandatory health coverage, several other insurance types are recommended or required depending on the individual’s circumstances and the nature of their move.

Private Medical Insurance

Many expats choose to maintain private health insurance even after gaining access to the public SNS. Private insurance allows for faster access to specialists and private hospitals (e.g., CUF, Luz, or Lusíadas networks). Popular providers in Portugal include Médis, Multicare, and AdvanceCare.

Professional and Liability Insurance

For those moving to Portugal under the D2 (Entrepreneur) or D8 (Digital Nomad/Remote Worker) visas, additional insurance may be relevant:

• Professional Liability: Mandatory for certain regulated professions in Portugal (lawyers, architects, etc.).
• Work Accident Insurance (Seguro de Acidentes de Trabalho): Mandatory for self-employed individuals (trabalhadores independentes) who are already generating income within the Portuguese system.

Bilateral Agreements and Exceptions

Residents of certain countries have access to simplified health insurance requirements due to reciprocal agreements with Portugal:

Example: Brazilian nationals may utilize the PB4 form (CDAM), which allows them to access the Portuguese public health system under the same conditions as locals, often satisfying visa requirements without a separate private policy.

• EU/EEA Citizens: Can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for temporary stays, but must register for the SNS upon becoming residents.
• Other Agreements: Portugal maintains various social security and health agreements with countries like Andorra, Cape Verde, Morocco, and Tunisia. Specific coverage details depend on individual situation.

Practical Steps for Foreigners

To ensure a smooth transition, follow these chronological steps regarding insurance:

1. Consult the Consulate: Verify the specific insurance requirements of the consulate where you are applying, as local interpretations of "valid health insurance" can vary.
2. Purchase Early: Ensure the policy start date aligns with your intended date of entry into Portugal.
3. Translate Documents: If the policy is not in English or Portuguese, a certified translation may be required for the visa folder.
4. Transition to Local Insurance: Once you receive your residency permit and NIF (Tax Identification Number), consider switching to a local Portuguese health plan to reduce monthly costs and ensure direct billing with local clinics.