Cigna Global Health Insurance in Portugal

Cigna Global in Portugal

Cigna Global is a popular choice for expats moving to Portugal, particularly those on D7 (passive income/retirement) or D8 (digital nomad) visas. The combination of worldwide coverage, good Portuguese network, and straightforward claims process makes it work well for Portugal's expat population.

The trade-off is price. Cigna Global costs more than Portuguese insurers like Multicare or Allianz Portugal. For expats who travel frequently, may relocate, or want English-language support, the premium is often worth it.

D7 & D8 Visa Compliance

Portugal's visa process has two stages with different insurance requirements. Cigna Global works for both.

Stage 1: Consulate Application

When applying for your D7 or D8 visa at the Portuguese consulate, you need:

• Minimum €30,000 coverage (Schengen requirement)
• Valid in Portugal/Schengen Area
• At least 1 year duration (some consulates now require this)

Cigna Global Gold and Platinum plans exceed these requirements. Silver may work but confirm with your consulate.

Stage 2: AIMA Residency Appointment

After arriving in Portugal, you'll attend an AIMA appointment to convert your visa to a residence permit. At this stage, travel insurance is explicitly rejected. You need:

• Long-term private health insurance (not travel insurance)
• At least 12 months coverage
• Renewable policy
• Inpatient and outpatient coverage

Visa Type Summary

• D7 Visa (Passive Income) — Gold or Platinum recommended for full compliance
• D8 Visa (Digital Nomad) — Same requirements; Gold is popular choice
• Golden Visa — Cigna Global works, though less common
• Student Visa — Silver or Gold depending on university requirements

Network Coverage in Portugal

Cigna Global has a solid network in Portugal, with direct billing available at major private hospitals in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.

Key Network Points

• Lisbon: Strong coverage including Hospital da Luz (one of Portugal's best private hospitals) and CUF network
• Porto: Good network in Portugal's second city
• Algarve: Coverage in the expat-heavy southern region, though network is smaller than Lisbon
• Smaller cities: Reimbursement model works for any licensed provider

Cigna's network in Portugal is smaller than local insurers like Multicare, but covers the major private hospital groups. For routine care, you can see any provider and submit for reimbursement.

Plans and Pricing

Cigna Global offers three tiers for Portugal-based expats:

Prices for worldwide coverage excluding USA. Adding US coverage increases costs by 60-100%.

Which Plan for Portugal?

• Silver: Hospital only. May work for consulate stage but confirm. Consider if you're healthy and want to minimize cost while maintaining major coverage.
• Gold: The practical choice for most expats. Meets all visa requirements and covers outpatient care. This is what most Portugal expats choose.
• Platinum: Enhanced benefits including better wellness coverage. Good for families or those who want top-tier coverage.

Deductible Strategy

Cigna offers deductible options up to $5,000. Given that routine healthcare in Portugal is affordable (GP visit €30-50, specialist €60-100), a higher deductible can make sense:

• €0 deductible: Pay standard premium
• €500 deductible: Save ~15% on premium
• €2,500 deductible: Save ~30% on premium

Many expats choose a moderate deductible, paying for routine care out of pocket and using insurance for major expenses.

vs Portuguese Insurers

How does Cigna Global compare to Portuguese insurance companies like Multicare or Allianz Portugal?

Choose Cigna Global If:

• You travel outside Portugal regularly
• You might relocate to another country
• English-language support is important
• You want a simple claims app and portal
• You have pre-existing conditions (Cigna's options may be more flexible)

Choose a Portuguese Insurer If:

• Budget is your primary concern
• You're staying in Portugal long-term
• You want the most extensive local network
• You're comfortable with Portuguese-language processes
• You plan to transition to SNS and just need short-term coverage

See all Portugal insurance options →

Using Your Insurance in Portugal

Direct Billing (Cashless)

At network hospitals in Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve, present your Cigna membership card for cashless treatment. Cigna coordinates payment directly with the hospital.

Reimbursement

For non-network providers (or network providers without direct billing arrangements):

1. Pay the provider (keep the factura/receipt)
2. Submit via Cigna's app or online portal
3. Typical processing: 5-7 business days
4. Reimbursement to your bank account (IBAN)

Portuguese providers issue detailed receipts (facturas) that Cigna accepts without translation.

Cigna Wellbeing App

The Cigna app lets you:

• Find network providers in Portugal
• Submit claims with photo upload
• Track claim status
• Access your digital membership card
• Use telehealth services

Emergency Care

For emergencies, go to the nearest hospital. Cigna covers emergency care at any facility. Contact Cigna's 24/7 line for assistance with hospital admission or medical evacuation if needed.

Who Should Choose Cigna in Portugal

Common Questions

Is Cigna Global accepted at AIMA?

Yes. Cigna Global Gold and Platinum plans are accepted at AIMA appointments because they're long-term health insurance (not travel insurance) with 12-month renewable terms and inpatient/outpatient coverage.

Can I use Cigna Global and SNS together?

Yes. Once you have your SNS number (Número de Utente), you can use public healthcare for routine care and keep Cigna for private hospitals, faster access, or coverage outside Portugal. Many expats maintain both.

What happens to my coverage if I leave Portugal?

Nothing changes. Cigna Global is worldwide coverage. If you move to Spain, France, or anywhere else, your policy continues with the same benefits. No new underwriting required.

Does Cigna cover pre-existing conditions in Portugal?

Cigna offers two underwriting options: Moratorium (pre-existing conditions covered after 2 years claim-free) or Full Medical Underwriting (reviewed case by case). Your conditions don't disappear, but there are paths to coverage.

How does Cigna compare to SafetyWing for digital nomads?

SafetyWing is travel insurance designed for nomads; Cigna Global is comprehensive health insurance. SafetyWing is cheaper but won't be accepted at AIMA for residency. If you're getting a D8 visa and planning to actually reside in Portugal, you need Cigna-style coverage, not travel insurance.