Expat Guide: Moving to Portugal

Moving to Portugal as an expatriate is an exciting opportunity, filled with the promise of exploring vibrant culture, scenic landscapes, and a relaxed lifestyle. But amidst all the excitement, it's crucial to address a key aspect of your relocation - healthcare insurance. Here's an in-depth look into expat healthcare insurance in Portugal, helping you prepare for a smooth transition to life in this beautiful country.

Healthcare in Portugal
Portugal offers a high-standard public healthcare system, accessible to all residents, including expatriates. However, the system can sometimes involve long wait times for treatments and services. As an expat, you have the option to rely solely on the public system or supplement it with private healthcare insurance for more comprehensive and prompt care. The public healthcare system is managed by Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), the Portuguese national healthcare system.

Public Healthcare for Expats In Portugal

Once you're a legal resident in Portugal, you're eligible to access the public healthcare system. It's funded by taxes and provides a range of services at low or no cost. Registration with the local health center is necessary to access these services.

Private Healthcare Insurance for Expats in Portugal

Many expats opt for private insurance for quicker access to specialists and treatments, and for services not fully covered by the public system, like dental care. Private healthcare offers shorter waiting times and a broader choice of facilities and practitioners, including English-speaking professionals

• Coverage Needs: Assess your health needs. Do you need basic coverage or a more comprehensive plan that includes dental, vision, and other specific treatments?

• Policy Flexibility: Look for policies that offer flexibility, especially if you plan to travel or move frequently.

• Cost Structure: Understand the premium costs, deductibles, co-pays, and any caps on coverage.

• Pre-existing Conditions: Check how the policy covers pre-existing conditions, as some might exclude them or offer limited coverage.

Health Insurance for Visa and Residency Portugal

When planning to relocate to Portugal, expats must carefully consider their healthcare insurance requirements, as these are closely tied to the visa application process. Portugal offers a high-quality healthcare system, and having adequate health insurance is not only a prerequisite for ensuring access to medical services but also a mandatory requirement for obtaining certain types of visas.

For non-EU nationals aiming to reside in Portugal, the most common visa types are the D7 Visa (commonly known as the retirement or passive income visa) and the Golden Visa (investment visa). Both visas require applicants to demonstrate comprehensive health insurance coverage that is valid in Portugal and provides coverage comparable to the Portuguese National Health Service.

• D7 Visa: Ideal for retirees or individuals with a stable passive income, the D7 visa mandates applicants to show proof of private health insurance that covers all health expenses in Portugal. This insurance must be valid for one year and renewable. It should cover expenses for medical services, hospitalization, and possibly repatriation in case of severe health issues. The official government website for visas, can be found here

• Golden Visa: Aimed at non-EU investors, this visa also requires proof of comprehensive health insurance for the applicant and any family members relocating to Portugal. The insurance should cover the entire period of stay and be renewable annually.

In both cases, it's crucial to ensure that the chosen health insurance policy is recognized by Portuguese authorities and provides coverage at least equivalent to the public healthcare system. Some expats might opt for international health insurance policies that offer broader coverage and flexibility, especially if they plan to travel frequently between Portugal and their home country.

Applicants should consult with insurance providers or legal advisors specializing in Portuguese immigration to ensure their health insurance meets the necessary requirements for their specific visa application.

Private Medical Insurers in Portugal

For a list of international private healthcare insurers for expats, please visit the Expat Insure suppliers page and get a quote.

Navigating the Transition to Portugese Healthcare

Once you arrive in Portugal and have your healthcare in place, familiarize yourself with how to access medical services. This includes registering with a local health center for public healthcare and understanding how to make claims if you have private insurance.

- Local Registration: Register at your local health center as soon as possible if you’re relying on public healthcare.

- Language Barrier: If you don’t speak Portuguese, consider a healthcare provider that offers services in English.

- Emergency Services: In case of emergencies, dial 112 for immediate assistance.

- Pharmacy Access: Pharmacies (farmácias) are widely available for prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. The association of pharmacies in Portugal is also useful

Healthcare is a crucial factor to consider when moving to Portugal. Whether you choose public, private, or a combination of both, understanding the healthcare system and having the right insurance will ensure peace of mind as you start your new life. Remember, each person's healthcare needs are different, so take the time to evaluate your options and choose the plan that best suits your lifestyle in Portugal.