Navigating Health Insurance Requirements for Moving to Portugal

When applying for a visa to move to Portugal, you must demonstrate that you possess medical insurance that meets the Schengen Area's requirements. This policy, known as visa insurance, is valid throughout the Schengen Area but specifically tailored to your relocation to Portugal.

It is important to note that visa insurance is not the same as regular travel insurance. Therefore, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days in Portugal or any other Schengen Area country, you will need a visa. While some visitors can enjoy a visa-free stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, for longer stays, a visa is required, and having the appropriate insurance is one of the essential documents.

Who does this requirement apply to? The visa insurance requirement concerns expatriates who intend to retire, reside, work, study, or travel within Portugal for more than 90 days.

When should you start making arrangements for your visa insurance? Let us walk through a timeline that will guide you:

• Once you have made the decision to relocate to Portugal and begin preparing your visa application, it is crucial to do some research and obtain visa insurance tailored specifically for Portugal.
• When applying for a special residence visa issued by a Portuguese Consulate (also known as a 4-month visa) to establish residency before leaving your home country, you must provide proof of insurance.
• After entering Portugal with your 4-month visa, it is time to become a resident. This is when your visa insurance becomes active.
• Once you have attended your AIMA (Immigration and Borders Service) appointment in Portugal and obtained your residence permit, you will qualify to apply for insurance within Portugal. Depending on your circumstances, you may choose the national healthcare system (SNS – Sistema Nacional de Saúde), a private Portuguese insurer, or a combination of both. More details can be found in our post about Private Health Insurance in Portugal.

To clarify the distinction between visa insurance and travel insurance: Visa insurance specifically addresses the transition from being a resident of one country to becoming a resident of another. On the other hand, travel insurance is primarily designed for shorter trips, such as holidays, and typically does not cover healthcare expenses unless in an emergency.

What should your visa insurance include? When applying for the Portugal D7 Visa or any other D-category Visa for Portugal, your insurance must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum medical coverage of €30,000
• Coverage in the Schengen Area
• Explicit acknowledgment of coverage in Portugal
• Policy duration of at least four months to one year
• Repatriation coverage
• Emergency evacuation coverage

Factors such as age and pre-existing conditions can significantly impact the cost and availability of your visa insurance. While certain insurers may approach providing coverage to applicants aged 65 or older or those with pre-existing conditions with caution, viable policies tailored to your needs can be found. It is crucial to explore multiple options and pose relevant questions to potential insurers in order to ensure your policy offers comprehensive coverage.

Keep in mind that the expense of your visa insurance may fluctuate based on your individual circumstances. If your policy appears costly initially, bear in mind that once you arrive in Portugal, you can enrol in the public healthcare system or acquire alternative private medical insurance, or even opt for a combination of both, to suit your specific requirements.

Understanding the visa insurance prerequisites for Portugal is pivotal for a seamless relocation process. Ultimately, possessing the appropriate insurance coverage grants peace of mind and affords you the opportunity to fully savour all that Portugal has to offer.