Health Insurance for Expats in Portugal

Overview

Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations for expats, digital nomads, and retirees. The country offers a high quality of life, affordable cost of living, and a welcoming attitude toward foreigners.

The healthcare system in Portugal is well-regarded, ranking 23rd globally on Numbeo's Health Care Index. Whether you need insurance for a visa application, want private coverage while waiting for public access, or plan to rely on private care long-term, this guide covers your options.

Portugal's Healthcare System (SNS)

Portugal has a public healthcare system called the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS). It provides universal coverage to residents and is largely funded through taxes.

Who Qualifies for Public Healthcare

• Portuguese citizens
• Legal residents with a residence permit
• EU/EEA citizens with an EHIC or who register with Social Security
• UK citizens with a GHIC (post-Brexit)

How to Access SNS as an Expat

Once you have your residence permit, you can register for SNS access by following these steps:

1. Register with Portuguese Social Security (Segurança Social)
2. Get your tax number (Número de Contribuinte) from the tax office
3. Register at your local health center (Centro de Saúde)
4. Receive your user number (Número de Utente)

This process can take several weeks. Until you have your SNS number, you need private insurance for both visa compliance and actual healthcare access.

SNS Costs

Good news: Portugal abolished most user fees for public healthcare in 2022. Public healthcare is now nearly free for registered users. Before this change, general consultations cost around €5 and emergency visits around €20.

Insurance for Visas

Portugal's visa insurance requirements have two stages. What you need depends on where you are in the process.

Stage 1: Visa Application (at the Consulate)

When applying for a D7 (passive income/retirement) or D8 (digital nomad) visa at your local Portuguese consulate, you need travel insurance with:

• Minimum €30,000 coverage (€50,000 recommended)
• Valid in the Schengen Area
• Medical emergency and repatriation coverage
• Valid for at least 1 year (some consulates now require this)

Stage 2: AIMA Residency Appointment (in Portugal)

After arriving in Portugal, you'll attend an AIMA appointment to convert your visa to a residence permit. At this stage, travel insurance is no longer accepted. You need:

• Long-term private health insurance (not travel insurance)
• At least 12 months of coverage
• Must be renewable
• Coverage for inpatient and outpatient care

D7 Visa (Passive Income/Retirement)

The D7 visa is popular with retirees and people with passive income (rental income, investments, pensions). Insurance requirements follow the two-stage process above.

D8 Visa (Digital Nomad)

The D8 visa is for remote workers employed by companies outside Portugal. You need to show:

• Income of at least €3,480/month (4x Portuguese minimum wage in 2025)
• Bank savings of at least €10,440 (12x minimum wage)
• International health insurance with €30,000 minimum coverage

Recommended Plans

Here are insurance options that work well for expats in Portugal, from affordable local plans to comprehensive international coverage.

Local Portuguese Plans

Multicare (Fidelidade) is Portugal's largest health insurance provider. They offer affordable plans starting around €26/month with tiered coverage options. Good for expats who plan to stay in Portugal long-term and don't travel internationally often.

Allianz Portugal offers plans ranging from basic (hospitalizations and consultations) to comprehensive (oncology, maternity, specialist care). Their network includes top hospitals in Lisbon and Porto.

International Plans

International insurers offer worldwide coverage that's portable if you relocate. They're ideal for D7/D8 visa holders who travel frequently.

• Cigna Global — Popular choice, good network, strong claims process
• Allianz Care — EU-based, high-deductible options for up to 60% savings
• BUPA Global — Premium coverage, best for mental health and pre-existing conditions
• IMG Global — Budget-friendly, 50% deductible waiver outside US

What to Look For

When choosing health insurance for Portugal, consider:

• Visa compliance: Make sure the plan meets requirements for your specific visa type and stage
• Coverage duration: AIMA requires at least 12 months with renewal option
• Network in Portugal: Check for hospitals and doctors in your area (Lisbon, Porto, Algarve)
• Waiting periods: Some plans have waiting periods before certain coverage kicks in
• Pre-existing conditions: Understand what's covered and what's excluded
• Travel coverage: If you'll travel outside Portugal, consider an international plan

Expected Costs

Health insurance costs in Portugal depend on your age, coverage level, and whether you choose a local or international provider.

Estimated monthly costs:

• Local basic plans: €20-50/month
• Local comprehensive plans: €50-100/month
• International plans: €90-250+/month

Annual costs typically range from €300-800 for local plans and €1,000-3,000+ for international plans. Older applicants and those wanting maternity coverage pay more.

Common Questions

Do I need private insurance if I can access SNS?

For visa applications, yes. You need private insurance until you receive your residence permit. After that, you can rely on SNS, though many expats keep private coverage for faster access to specialists and private hospitals.

How long does it take to get an SNS number?

Several weeks after receiving your residence permit. You need to register with Social Security and your local health center first. Keep your private insurance active until you have confirmed SNS access.

Is travel insurance enough for the visa?

For the initial visa application at the consulate, travel insurance may be accepted (check your specific consulate). However, for your AIMA residency appointment in Portugal, you need long-term private health insurance, not travel insurance.

Can I use my EU health card (EHIC) in Portugal?

EU/EEA citizens can use their EHIC for temporary stays and emergency care. However, if you're becoming a resident, you should register with the Portuguese system. UK citizens can use their GHIC under similar terms.

What about dental and vision coverage?

Basic SNS coverage doesn't include dental (except emergencies) or vision. Most private plans offer these as add-ons. Multicare has a specific dental plan, and international providers typically include dental in higher-tier plans.