Do You Need Travel Insurance for Portugal? (2026)
The verdict
Updated August 2026. The Schengen visa requires travel insurance with minimum cover of EUR 30,000 for medical expenses and repatriation. For long stays before residence, SafetyWing costs about EUR 55.00/month for under-40s and is widely used in D7/D8 applications. The SNS does not replace travel insurance.
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What are the best travel insurance providers for Portugal?
For short-stay Schengen visas, choose a policy from Allianz Travel, AXA, or Tranquilidade with EUR 30,000 cover. For long stays before residence, SafetyWing is the most flexible option.
Several insurers, among them Allianz Travel, AXA and Tranquilidade. A travel product, not health cover
Schengen Travel Insurance
Meets the mandatory EUR 30,000 Schengen visa requirement.
- Meets visa requirement
- Quick online purchase
- Emergencies only
All packages(1)
- Schengen travel insurance for a short-stay visa (Portugal)Quote required
Cover set per policy / premium · No public premium table. Short-stay policies are quoted per trip. The minimum cover required is EUR 30,000 for medical expenses and repatriation.
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
Short-term policy with minimum EUR 30,000 medical cover, repatriation, and 24-hour assistance.
- Minimum EUR 30,000 cover
- Repatriation included
- 24-hour assistance
- Buy online
Best for Short-stay Schengen visa applications
SafetyWing Insurance I.I.
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Essential
Buy online without a Portuguese address and no commitment.
- Flexible
- No Portuguese address needed
- Excludes pre-existing conditions
All packages(1)
- SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Essential (accepted for Portuguese visas)EUR 55.00/month
Cover set per policy / premium
Prices as of August 2026, verify on the provider site.
Covers more than EUR 30,000 in medical expenses, billed in 4-week periods. Includes two children under 10 free per adult.
- About USD 62.72/4 weeks up to age 39
- No commitment
- Policy and support in English
- Two children free per adult
Best for Digital nomads and long stays before residence
What travel insurance do you need for a Portuguese visa application?
The policy must cover at least EUR 30,000 in medical, emergency, and repatriation expenses, and be valid for all Schengen states for the entire stay.
The PB4 may be used by Brazilians in some situations at the border, but it does not replace insurance in a Schengen visa application.
Do residence permit holders in Portugal need travel insurance?
No, not for living in Portugal. Once you have an SNS utente number or a local private health policy, travel insurance is no longer needed for the stay.
For trips outside Portugal, a regular travel insurance policy still makes sense, as it would for any other country.
What should you look for in travel insurance for Portugal?
Medical emergency
Confirm the limit is at least EUR 30,000 and includes hospitalisation and emergency treatment.
Repatriation
Medical repatriation is mandatory for the Schengen visa and essential in a serious emergency.
Trip cancellation
Useful if you have pre-paid flights or accommodation. Check the covered causes.
Luggage
Most travel policies cover delays, loss, or theft of luggage up to a limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum medical cover for a Schengen visa?
The policy must cover at least EUR 30,000 in medical expenses and repatriation, valid for all Schengen countries.
Does the SNS replace travel insurance?
No. The SNS covers legal residents in Portugal, but it does not cover repatriation or travel expenses. Travel insurance is for the period before residence.
Does SafetyWing work for the D7 visa?
Many D7/D8/digital-nomad applications use SafetyWing as proof of insurance because it covers more than EUR 30,000. Always confirm at the consulate.
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