What are the best travel insurances for Portugal in 2025?
- The best travel insurance for Portugal
- Is it currently safe to travel to Portugal?
- Travel Insurance Requirement for a Visa to Portugal
- Why take out travel insurance for Portugal?
- The Coverage Included in Travel Insurance for Portugal
- The cost of travel insurance for Portugal
- How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Portugal
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Portugal?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Portugal: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Portugal covers medical emergencies, repatriation, trip cancellation, and other unexpected travel issues.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for US citizens, but vital as US health plans rarely cover overseas care.
3. Healthcare cost: A private hospital stay in Portugal can easily cost foreign visitors over $500 per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Portugal typically costs between $30 and $60.
5. Good to know: Ensure your policy covers specific activities you plan, such as surfing or hiking.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in the US, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Portugal.
The best travel insurance for Portugal
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.0M | Our recommendation for comprehensive travel to Portugal. - high medical reimbursement - repatriation included - flexible cancellation options |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.0M | A reliable plan for short and active trips. - 24/7 medical support - cancellation coverage - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | $0.5M | A straightforward option for tourism in Portugal. - good medical coverage - prompt assistance - attractive pricing |
| Travel Pass Monde | $0.7M | Strong contract for frequent or long stays abroad. - hospital costs covered - emergency evacuation - large territorial coverage |
| Globe Partner | $0.3M | A dependable choice for key needs abroad. - medical care in Portugal - repatriation included - personal liability |
| Globe Traveller | $0.5M | An affordable solution for basic protection. - essential medical limits - fast reimbursement - limited ceiling |
- high medical reimbursement
- repatriation included
- flexible cancellation options
- 24/7 medical support
- cancellation coverage
- no deductible
- good medical coverage
- prompt assistance
- attractive pricing
- hospital costs covered
- emergency evacuation
- large territorial coverage
- medical care in Portugal
- repatriation included
- personal liability
- essential medical limits
- fast reimbursement
- limited ceiling
Is it currently safe to travel to Portugal?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State advises that travel to Portugal requires only normal precautions and presents no significant countrywide threat level.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common at crowded tourist sites and on public transport, especially on trams in Lisbon like Tram 28.
- Health risks: while Portugal offers good-quality medical care in urban areas, medical facilities may be limited in smaller towns. Emergency medical services can be reached at 112.
- Legal constraints: Portugal enforces Schengen rules strictly, including mandatory local registration if not staying at a hotel. Prescription medication sent by mail from the US will be confiscated by Portuguese customs.
- Cultural norms: visitors should remain alert against scams targeting tourists, such as unauthorized taxi services at Lisbon Airport, and be aware that most urban areas are monitored by surveillance cameras.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the US Department of State, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Portugal.
Travel Insurance Requirement for a Visa to Portugal
Travel insurance is not mandatory for travelers from the United States visiting Portugal for up to 90 days for tourism, family visits, or short business trips.
However, travel insurance is highly recommended. While Portugal offers good medical care, treatment costs must be paid out of pocket by non-residents and U.S. Medicare is not accepted. Insurance offers protection against medical emergencies, theft, and trip interruptions.
According to our data, 50% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Portugal. This is because the country is considered very safe, but medical expenses and losses can still be significant without coverage.
Why take out travel insurance for Portugal?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Portugal.
While Portugal has good hospitals such as Hospital da Luz in Lisbon, foreigners must often pay full price for both public and private care. In smaller cities and rural areas, modern facilities may be limited and non-residents are expected to pay upfront for urgent treatment or specialist services.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transportation, and emergency repatriation to the United States in case of a severe incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Portugal.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Hospital da Luz | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 2,000 EUR (about $2,150) | Up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 1,800 EUR (about $1,940) | Up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 18,000 EUR (about $19,400) | Up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 6,500 EUR (about $7,000) | Up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
The Coverage Included in Travel Insurance for Portugal
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers doctor visits, emergency care, and medications due to sudden illness or accident. We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least $100,000 for Portugal. |
| 🏨 Hospitalization | Pays for room, board, and treatment in hospital after an illness or injury. A minimum limit of $100,000 is recommended based on private care costs in Portugal. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Covers emergency return to the United States after a severe medical incident. We recommend at least $150,000 in coverage for long-distance evacuations to the US. |
| 🛫 Missed or delayed flight | Compensates for expenses due to cancellations, delays, or missed connections. A limit of $2,000 is suggested due to the cost of rebooking transatlantic flights. |
| 🎒 Luggage and personal items | Protects against theft, loss, or damage to baggage and valuables. A recommended minimum is $1,500 per person for travel to Portugal. |
| ⚖️ Civil liability | Pays for accidental damage or injury to others during your trip. A reimbursement limit of at least $100,000 is advised for Portugal. |
| 🦷 Dental emergency | Covers urgent dental treatment due to accident or pain. We recommend a limit of $1,000 for emergencies during short stays in Portugal. |
| 🏠 Trip cancellation/interruption | Reimburses prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if you must cancel or cut short your trip for covered reasons. A minimum of $5,000 coverage is recommended. |
We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least $100,000 for Portugal.
A minimum limit of $100,000 is recommended based on private care costs in Portugal.
We recommend at least $150,000 in coverage for long-distance evacuations to the US.
A limit of $2,000 is suggested due to the cost of rebooking transatlantic flights.
A recommended minimum is $1,500 per person for travel to Portugal.
A reimbursement limit of at least $100,000 is advised for Portugal.
We recommend a limit of $1,000 for emergencies during short stays in Portugal.
A minimum of $5,000 coverage is recommended.
Most travel insurance from local providers or bank cards only covers basic needs, with low limits and many exclusions. It is safer to choose a trusted insurer with full coverage. Compare top options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Portugal
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $25 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $45 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $70 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $130 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your policy is influenced by several key elements. These include your age, the length of your trip, your destination, the level of coverage you select, and any add-ons like a 'cancel for any reason' option. Keeping these factors in mind is crucial for finding a plan that fits both your needs and your budget.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Portugal
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Portugal while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🗓️ Trip duration | Insurance costs increase with more days, so accurate dates avoid overpaying. | Align your coverage period exactly with your trip, and do not include extra travel days if not needed. |
| 👥 Number of travelers | More people on the policy usually means a higher total price. | Choose a group or family plan as it is often less expensive than taking out individual policies. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Hospital stays and medical emergencies in Portugal are costly for non-residents. | Choose essential coverage only, focusing on health, hospitalization, repatriation, and baggage. |
| 🧓 Traveler’s age | Prices generally increase for older travelers, especially above 60 years old. | Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62, making it worth comparing their offers. |
| 🧳 Baggage coverage | Portugal’s main tourist areas experience petty theft, especially on public transportation. | Set your baggage limit to reflect the value of your luggage, not more, to lower your premium. |
| 🌎 Travel zones | Regional coverage impacts cost, and Portugal is usually in the “Europe” category. | Select Europe-only coverage instead of worldwide if you plan to stay only within Portugal or Europe. |
| 🧗 Activities covered | Adventure or sports add-ons may raise premiums if not necessary for your itinerary. | Exclude risky activities from your policy if your activities in Portugal are limited to sightseeing. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Portugal?
It’s completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage, such as credit card insurance or your public health plan, can protect you during a trip to Portugal. Unfortunately, coverage from these sources is often limited and is rarely sufficient for travel in Portugal, especially for medical emergencies. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Portugal? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicaid, Medicare) | No, never | No coverage outside the US. | Travel insurance often covers up to $500,000 for medical care and full repatriation. |
| Private health insurance | Yes, partly | May reimburse some medical expenses, but international limits can apply, usually less than $50,000. No repatriation. | Travel insurance offers up to $500,000 medical, repatriation and emergency evacuation. |
| Classic credit card (Chase Freedom, Citi Simplicity, BankAmericard) | Yes, partly | Medical emergencies typically capped at $5,000–$10,000. Little or no baggage, delay, or trip cancellation protection. | Travel insurance gives $500,000 for medical, plus baggage, cancellation, 24/7 help. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Citi Prestige) | Yes, partly | Medical emergencies typically up to $100,000, with some trip delay and lost baggage protection. | Travel insurance covers trip cancellation up to $5,000 per trip, no advance payment. |
Example
While surfing in Portugal, an American tourist suffered a severe spinal injury. The helicopter evacuation and private hospital surgery cost $50,000. His premium credit card's travel benefit only covered $2,000, and his US health plan denied the foreign claim, leaving him with a shocking $48,000 bill for his vacation.
Expert advice
Always check your existing insurance terms, exclusions, and limits. Critical situations, like trip interruption due to a relative's illness, might be excluded. Read the conditions carefully to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to purchase dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Portugal?
Most US citizens do not need a visa for short tourist stays (up to 90 days) in Portugal. You should have a valid passport with at least three months’ validity beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen area. If you plan to stay longer or for purposes other than tourism, other requirements may apply.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Portugal?
To buy travel insurance for Portugal, first compare available options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Check the guarantees and exclusions, making sure your plan provides strong coverage for healthcare, theft, and cancellations in Portugal. Buy your insurance online and receive your certificate, which is often sent immediately by email.
Can I get coverage for adventure sports while visiting Portugal?
Yes, some travel insurance policies cover activities such as hiking, cycling, and water sports popular in Portugal. Always check the policy for included sports, possible restrictions, and any required waivers or rider add-ons before you buy a plan. If you plan to surf or participate in more extreme activities, seek specialized coverage.
What should I do if I need medical care in Portugal?
In case of a medical emergency, you can call 112 for ambulance services. With insurance, contact the insurer’s emergency assistance line, which is available 24/7 for guidance on approved providers and reimbursement procedures. Keep your travel insurance certificate and insurer’s contact details accessible throughout your trip.
What documents are typically required to make a travel insurance claim in Portugal?
You usually need your insurance certificate, evidence of your expenses (such as hospital or pharmacy receipts), copies of medical or police reports if applicable, and proof of travel like flight tickets. Submit these documents to your insurer online or by mail according to their claims process and keep copies for your records.
What should I do if my belongings are stolen while in Portugal?
If you are a victim of theft, immediately file a police report at the local station, as most insurers require this for a claim. Contact your insurance provider’s assistance service to begin the claim process. Provide detailed information and any police documentation to ensure your claim will be processed efficiently.
Do I need a visa to travel to Portugal?
Most US citizens do not need a visa for short tourist stays (up to 90 days) in Portugal. You should have a valid passport with at least three months’ validity beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen area. If you plan to stay longer or for purposes other than tourism, other requirements may apply.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Portugal?
To buy travel insurance for Portugal, first compare available options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Check the guarantees and exclusions, making sure your plan provides strong coverage for healthcare, theft, and cancellations in Portugal. Buy your insurance online and receive your certificate, which is often sent immediately by email.
Can I get coverage for adventure sports while visiting Portugal?
Yes, some travel insurance policies cover activities such as hiking, cycling, and water sports popular in Portugal. Always check the policy for included sports, possible restrictions, and any required waivers or rider add-ons before you buy a plan. If you plan to surf or participate in more extreme activities, seek specialized coverage.
What should I do if I need medical care in Portugal?
In case of a medical emergency, you can call 112 for ambulance services. With insurance, contact the insurer’s emergency assistance line, which is available 24/7 for guidance on approved providers and reimbursement procedures. Keep your travel insurance certificate and insurer’s contact details accessible throughout your trip.
What documents are typically required to make a travel insurance claim in Portugal?
You usually need your insurance certificate, evidence of your expenses (such as hospital or pharmacy receipts), copies of medical or police reports if applicable, and proof of travel like flight tickets. Submit these documents to your insurer online or by mail according to their claims process and keep copies for your records.
What should I do if my belongings are stolen while in Portugal?
If you are a victim of theft, immediately file a police report at the local station, as most insurers require this for a claim. Contact your insurance provider’s assistance service to begin the claim process. Provide detailed information and any police documentation to ensure your claim will be processed efficiently.
