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Top 10 Best Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Portugal

VUMI, AXA, Cigna, NOW Health, IMG, Allianz, Bupa, BCBS Global Solutions, PassportCard, and William Russell offer the best expat health insurance in Portugal. These companies offer comprehensive benefits covering inpatient, outpatient, dental, and maternity care.

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Choosing the right health insurance plan for Portugal depends on your specific needs and budget. Whether you prioritize low premiums, high annual limits, or coverage for pre-existing conditions, there are multiple plans available to suit different requirements. 

This guide will help you compare these options and select the best fit for you or your family. We’ll provide some information about some additional insurance providers worth considering and how to choose the best plan for you or your family in Portugal. 

Many of these high-quality insurance companies are also listed among the top ten insurance providers worldwide for expats.

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Best Expat Health Insurance Companies in Portugal: A Complete Guide

Image of Panoramic View Of Porto City Skyline Overlooking The Douro River, Portugal with text overlay of "Best Expat Health Insurance Companies in Portugal: A Complete Guide"

The 10 best health insurance companies for expats in Portugal are:

  1. Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions
  2. AXA
  3. NOW Health International
  4. Cigna
  5. William Russell
  6. Bupa
  7. Allianz Care
  8. VUMI
  9. IMG
  10. PassportCard

We’ll also provide some information about other health insurance companies in Portugal for expats. You may also want to consider one of the following private international medical insurance companies:

Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions for Expats in Portugal: Comprehensive Coverage and Benefits

American expats moving to Portugal should consider a plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions. This insurance company boasts one of the largest global direct billing networks and provides telemedicine services and an unlimited annual benefit limit.

You can use the following table to compare plans from BCBS Global Solutions for expats in Portugal to the other insurance providers on our top 10 list.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions Insurance Coverage Availability for Expats in Portugal
Benefit  Availability through BCBS Global Solutions
Inpatient Coverage  100%
Outpatient Coverage 100%
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation 100% / Up to USD $25,000 for repatriation of mortal remains
Dental Coverage Accidental dental: USD $1,000 per calendar year
Maternity Coverage Available after 12 months
Coverage for Annual Health Checks 100%
Vaccination Coverage Available for immunization as recommended by the CDC
Optical Coverage Available as a plan enhancement 

AXA Health Insurance for Expats in Portugal: Affordable Plans with Extensive Coverage

AXA Health Insurance plans are worth considering for expats in Portugal, with their highest annual benefit limit being up to USD $8,000,000. They offer five levels of coverage: Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus, each designed to meet expats’ varying needs. 

The following table will allow you to compare AXA’s available benefits for expats in portugal at a glance.

AXA Health Insurance Coverage Availability for Expats in Portugal
Benefit  Availability through AXA
Inpatient Coverage Available on all plans
Outpatient Coverage Available as an add-on and automatically included in higher-tier plans (Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus) 
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation Available on all plans
Dental Coverage Available on higher-tier plans (Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus)
Maternity Coverage Available on higher-tier plans with a waiting period applied (Prestige and Prestige Plus) 
Coverage for Annual Health Checks Available as an add-on (Comprehensive) and automatically included in higher-tier plans (Prestige and Prestige Plus)
Vaccination Coverage Available as a part of outpatient coverage 
Optical Coverage Available on higher-tier plans (Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus)

NOW Health International: Flexible Plans for Expats in Portugal

NOW Health International is one of the leading health insurance providers for expats across the world, including Portugal. They stand out for strong customer service and a wide range of plan options within their two comprehensive core plans: SimpleCare and WorldCare 

  • SimpleCare: Core, 100, 250
  • WorldCare: Essential, Advance, Excel, and Apex

Each plan offers comprehensive benefits to expats in Portugal, including inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, emergency evacuation, emergency repatriation, dental coverage, maternity care, and optical benefits. 

The table below illustrates coverage differences for NOW Health International plans. 

NOW Health International Insurance Coverage Availability for Expats in Portugal
Benefit  Availability through NOW Health Intl.
Inpatient Coverage Available on all plans
Outpatient Coverage Available on all plans (except SimpleCare Core) 
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation Available on all plans 
Dental Coverage Available as an add-on (WorldCare Essential and Advance) and automatically included in higher-tier plans (SimpleCare 250, WorldCare Excel, and Apex) 
Maternity Coverage Available exclusively on the WorldCare Apex plan
Coverage for Annual Health Checks Unavailable except as stated on the benefit schedule
Vaccination Coverage Available as an add-on (wellness, optical, and vaccinations)
Optical Coverage Available as an add-on (wellness, optical, and vaccinations)

Cigna Insurance: Affordable Options for Expats in Portugal

Cigna is a fantastic health insurance option for expats in Portugal thanks to its excellent service and strong provider network across the globe. Worldwide coverage is available through the three main plans: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. 

Check out how Cigna compares to other companies in our top ten list using the following table.

Cigna Insurance Coverage Availability for Expats in Portugal
Benefit  Availability through Cigna
Inpatient Coverage Available; paid in full 
Outpatient Coverage Available as an add-on (Optional Outpatient Benefits)
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation Available as an add-on (Optional Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Benefits)
Dental Coverage Available as an add-on (Optional Vision and Dental Benefits)
Maternity Coverage Available on the Gold and Platinum plans
Coverage for Annual Health Checks Available as an add-on (Optional Health and Wellbeing Benefits)
Vaccination Coverage Available as an add-on (Optional Outpatient Benefits)
Optical Coverage Available as an add-on (Optional Vision and Dental Benefits)

William Russell: Affordable, Comprehensive Health Insurance Plans for Expats in Portugal

William Russell is among the top ten health insurance companies for expats in Portugal because its plans are comprehensive yet affordable. Expats can choose from their four main core plans, including Bronze, SilverLite, Silver, and Gold. 

The table below shows the coverage possibilities with William Russell for Expats in Portugal. 

William Russell Insurance Coverage Availability for Expats in Portugal
Benefit  Availability through William Russell
Inpatient Coverage Available on all plans
Outpatient Coverage Available on all plans
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation Available on all plans
Dental Coverage Available as an add-on (SilverLite and Silver) and automatically included in the Gold plan
Maternity Coverage Available on the Gold plan
Coverage for Annual Health Checks Available on the higher-tier plans
Vaccination Coverage Available on the higher-tier plans
Optical Coverage Unavailable

Bupa Health Insurance: High-Quality Coverage for Expats in Portugal

Bupa offers coverage for routine and travel vaccinations, 24/7 Global Virtual Care, and an extensive direct billing network for expats in Portugal. Bupa policyholders enjoy high annual benefit limits for dental coverage with a co-pay.

Plans are available in Portugal through IHI BUPA IHHP, Healthcare IHI BUPA ISM, and BUPA International Worldwide Health Options. Your basic options include the Major Medical, Select, Premier, and Elite plans. 

The following table displays the coverage highlights for Bupa’s expat health insurance plans in Portugal.

Bupa Insurance Coverage Availability for Expats in Portugal
Benefit  Availability through Bupa
Inpatient Coverage  Available; paid in full
Outpatient Coverage Available for outpatient cancer treatment, ATMPS treatment, transplant service, kidney dialysis, and newborn care
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation Available; paid in full 
Dental Coverage Available for accident-related dental treatment
Maternity Coverage Available on the Elite plan
Coverage for Annual Health Checks Available on the higher-tier plans (Select, Premier, and Elite)
Vaccination Coverage Available on the higher-tier plans (Select, Premier, and Elite)
Optical Coverage Available on the Premier and Elite plans

Allianz Care: Global Coverage Options for Expats in Portugal

Image of Praça Do Comércio In Lisbon With Historic Waterfront Architecture And Lively Public Square with text overlay of "Allianz Care: Global Coverage Options for Expats in Portugal"

Allianz Care plans are available for expats in Portugal. Worldwide coverage, including or excluding the United States, is available for expats with this high-performing insurance company. 

Expats are able to choose from the Allianz Care Base, Care Enhanced, and Care Signature, which provide their policyholders with comprehensive benefits and additional advantages such as an Expat Assistance Program and coverage for second medical opinions.

Check out the options for coverage available through Allianz Care for expats in the table below.

Allianz Care Insurance Coverage Availability for Expats in Portugal
Benefit  Availability through Allianz Care
Inpatient Coverage  Available; paid in full 
Outpatient Coverage Available as an add-on
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation Available on all plans
Dental Coverage Available as an add-on
Maternity Coverage Available on the Care Enhanced and Care Signature plans
Coverage for Annual Health Checks Available as an add-on (Outpatient Plans) 
Vaccination Coverage Available as an add-on (Outpatient Plans) 
Optical Coverage Available as an add-on (Outpatient Plans) 

VUMI: Tailored Health Plans for Expats in Portugal with Specific Needs

VUMI is a successful expat health insurance provider in Portugal because its 5 long-term insurance plans offer flexibility that can be customized to your individual needs. VUMI may cover your preexisting medical conditions, including HIV/AIDS. Maternity care only has a 12-month waiting period.

The following table displays the coverage availability for expats in Portugal through VUMI.

VUMI Insurance Coverage Availability for Expats in Portugal
Benefit  Availability through VUMI
Inpatient Coverage Available; up to maximum benefit
Outpatient Coverage Available; up to maximum benefit
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation Available on all plans
Dental Coverage Available on all plans
Maternity Coverage Available in higher-tier plans with a 12-month waiting period
Coverage for Annual Health Checks Unavailable
Vaccination Coverage Available: travel vaccination and preventive medication
Optical Coverage Available as an add-on

IMG: Flexible Global Health Insurance for Expats in Portugal

IMG’s top-rated international health insurance plans offer flexibility when it comes to getting worldwide or regional coverage. Expats in Portugal can choose to be covered wherever they go or to exclude certain countries like the U.S., Japan, and others. 

Here are the annual plan limits for each of IMG’s expat health insurance packages:

  1. Global Medical Bronze: USD $1,000,000
  2. Global Medical Silver: USD $5,000,000
  3. Global Medical Gold: USD $5,000,000
  4. Global Medical Platinum: USD $8,000,000

Next is a chart that details some of the core benefits available in Portugal for expatriates who get insured through IMG Global.

IMG Insurance Coverage Availability for Expats in Portugal
Benefit  Availability through IMG
Inpatient Coverage Available on all plans
Outpatient Coverage Available; full coverage for specialist visits
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation Available on all plans
Dental Coverage Available as an add-on
Maternity Coverage Available with the Platinum plan
Coverage for Annual Health Checks Available
Vaccination Coverage Available: travel vaccinations and preventative prescription drugs
Optical Coverage Available as an add-on

Passport Card: Affordable Health Plans with Low Deductibles for Expats in Portugal

PassportCard offers comprehensive insurance plans for expats in Portugal, using a red insurance card to equip them with cashless access to healthcare. Expats also have the option of whether to include or exclude U.S. coverage to help manage their premiums. 

See the table below for a quick snapshot of the coverage available through PassportCard for expats in Portugal.

Passport Card Insurance Coverage Availability for Expats in Portugal
Benefit  Availability through Passport Card
Inpatient Coverage Available
Outpatient Coverage Available
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation Available
Dental Coverage Available on the highest-tier plan
Maternity Coverage Available on the higher-tier plans with a 12-month waiting period
Coverage for Annual Health Checks Available on all plans
Vaccination Coverage Available on all plans
Optical Coverage Available on all plans

Additional Health Insurance Options for Expats in Portugal

There are more than ten outstanding insurance companies for expat medical insurance in Portugal. Compare and consider plans from A+ International and HealthCare International, too.

A+ International Insurance in Portugal for Expats

A+ International Insurance offers basic expat health insurance coverage at a bargain price. They also provide tailored insurance options, borderless coverage, 24/7 support, and emergency evacuation protection.  

The following table shows the plan benefits through A+ International Insurance for expats in Portugal.

A+ International Insurance Coverage Availability for Expats in Portugal
Benefit  Availability through A+ International
Inpatient Coverage Available
Outpatient Coverage Available
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation Available
Dental Coverage Available as an add-on
Maternity Coverage Available on the higher-tier plans
Coverage for Annual Health Checks Available
Vaccination Coverage Unavailable
Optical Coverage Available as an add-on

HealthCare International in Portugal for Expats

HealthCare International offers a full range of healthcare options for expats living in Portugal. Available options include the Global Protector plans and the Nimbl plan, which allows expats to tailor their policies to fit their unique circumstances.  

The following table shows the plan benefits through HealthCare International for expats in Portugal.

HealthCare International Insurance Coverage Availability for Expats in Portugal
Benefit  Availability through HealthCare International
Inpatient Coverage Available on all plans 
Outpatient Coverage Available as an add-on and automatically included in the higher-tier plans 
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation Available on all plans
Dental Coverage Available as an add-on
Maternity Coverage Available as an add-on
Coverage for Annual Health Checks Available on the higher-tier plans
Vaccination Coverage Available on the higher-tier plans
Optical Coverage Available as an add-on

Choosing the Best Expat Health Insurance in Portugal

Using a broker’s obligation-free quote generator can help you compare multiple quotes at once and review the coverage offerings to help save your time, while securing the best match for your needs.  

This article only provided a quick overview of the coverage selections available for expats in Portugal through the top ten insurance companies. Many more aspects of coverage impact treatments and premiums. Working with a broker can help manage this complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best health insurance for expats in Portugal?

The best health insurance for expats in Portugal includes Cigna Global, Allianz Care, Bupa Global, and BCBS Global Solutions (only available to US citizens and also provides strong inside-US coverage). However, the best plan depends on your healthcare needs, budget, and personal preferences.

How much does health insurance in Portugal cost for expats?

Comprehensive health insurance plan premiums start at USD $72 monthly for a 30-year-old female expat in Portugal. Age of the policyholder, the geographical coverage area, the deductible, and benefit limits are aspects that affect the cost of expat health insurance in Portugal.

Can you use US health insurance while in Portugal?

US domestic health insurance plans will not cover you while traveling or living abroad, including travel to Portugal. Secure travel insurance before visiting Portugal because Medicaid, Medicare, and other US plans will not cover you abroad.

Conclusion

VUMI, BCBS Global Solutions, AXA, NOW Health International, Cigna, IMG, William Russell, Bupa, Passport Card, and Allianz Care are the top ten expat health insurance companies in Portugal.

Overwhelmed with shopping for health insurance abroad? Contact an insurance expert today for free and personalized help.

Are you still exploring places to live abroad? Check out the Top 10 Insurance Companies in Germany or the Top 10 Insurance Companies in South Korea.

Additional Resources for Living Abroad in Portugal as an Expat

Additional resources for moving and living in Portugal as an expat are available in these Pacific Prime blog posts:

Palida Weerawat