Travel insurance, and specifically travel health insurance, is more important than ever now that we live in Europe. I haven’t met a person yet that doesn’t plan on doing at least some travel when they moved to Portugal. When this topic came up in a friends group, I had no idea the extent of information I would find. I hope this post helps to summarize the considerations & options at your disposal.
Traveling within the EU & Shengen Area
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): As a resident of Portugal (whether Portuguese or an expat legally living there and enrolled in the social security or public health system), you are typically entitled to the free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card allows you to receive necessary state-provided medical care during a temporary stay in any European Union country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, under the same conditions and cost as the residents of that country.
- NOTE: You will need a Portuguese social security number to obtain an EHIC card.
- A request for the EHIC card can be obtained by visiting your local Citizen’s Shop or you can apply through Portugal’s Social Security portal here.
- Portuguese Private Insurance Coverage: Many private Portuguese health insurance plans do include some level of international travel or emergency medical coverage for short trips within Europe. This coverage often complements the EHIC or provides access to private care abroad. Check with your insurance company to determine if the coverage you have is sufficient for your needs.
- Travel Insurance Companies: Travel insurance companies cover items that the EHIC & your private portuguese insurance may not cover. For example, private doctors or clinics, medical flights or transporting you back to Portugal if you are seriously ill or lost luggage, trip cancellations, or legal liability. Some of the well know travel insurance companies in Europe are:
- Companies Located in Portugal
- Fidelidade
- Europ Assistance Portugal
- Tranquilidade (Generali)
- Multicare
- European Companies
- Globelink
- Allianz Travel
- World Nomads
- Ibex Insurance
- Companies Located in Portugal
Traveling to the United States & Worldwide
- Coverage is less common and often an optional add-on: Standard Portuguese private health insurance often provides limited or no coverage for countries outside of Europe, especially expensive countries like the United States.
- International Health Insurance (specifically for the United States) are pricey and really best suited for people who are not covered under Medicare AND spend enough time in the states that they need routine, maintenance & emergency coverage.
- Travel Insurance: If your private insurance only covers you in Portugal or has very limited international coverage, you should purchase a separate travel medical insurance policy for your trip abroad, especially when traveling to the US, where healthcare costs are extremely high. This is crucial for both emergency medical care and medical evacuation/repatriation. Here are the travel insurance companies that came up during a google search.
- Companies Located in Portugal
- Fidelidade
- Europ Assistance Portugal
- Tranquilidade (Generali)
- Millennium bcp / ActivoBank
- European Companies
- Globelink
- International Medical Group (IMG)
- World Nomads
