Portugal Health Insurance for Expats

International Health Insurance for Expats in Portugal

International health insurance in Portugal offers comprehensive health coverage for expats visiting or relocating to Portugal, ensuring financial security and peace of mind so they can focus on what matters most.

Public healthcare in Portugal is decent in general, providing residents with a wide range of healthcare services for an affordable price, but sometimes struggle with problems like limited access to specialized services and long wait times.

Those moving or traveling to Portugal will undoubtedly be interested in understanding more about Portugal's healthcare system, to evaluate whether an additional private health insurance plan is needed to satisfy their healthcare needs.

This comprehensive guide comprises of the must-knows and professional recommendation to help expats navigate healthcare in Portugal.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Portugal

The Healthcare System in Portugal

Portugal has a well-structured healthcare system that combines public and private services, ensuring access to medical care for all residents. The system is primarily funded through taxation and is managed by the Ministry of Health, to provide affordable healthcare services.

The public healthcare service, known as Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), offers a wide range of medical services, including primary care, hospital treatment, and specialized services. The SNS aims to provide universal coverage, making healthcare accessible to all citizens and legal residents.

Primary care is accessed through family health units (Unidades de Saúde Familiar), where patients receive regular check-ups, preventive care, and management of chronic conditions; Hospitals provide more specialized services, including emergency care, surgeries, and inpatient treatments.

Despite its strengths, the public system faces challenges such as long wait times for certain treatments and limited resources in some regions.

Portugal's Public Hospitals

The public hospitals in Portugal provide up-to-standard healthcare services to expats and locals. They can cover a wide range of free or subsidized services, including:

• Consultations with doctors and specialists
• Medical emergency transportation, treatment, and hospital care
• Mental health consultation and treatment
• Maternity care, including prenatal and postnatal care, and childbirth
• Surgical appliances
• Prescription medicine
• Eye exam and certain vision-related services

However, the public health service has limited resources for other healthcare services such as outpatient treatment, nursing and post-operative care, and psychiatric treatment. In many areas, there are often long waiting lists for specialist appointments and non-urgent operations.

The major public hospitals in Portugal include:

• Hospital de Santa Maria
  • Address: Av. Prof. Egas Moniz MB, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
  • Contact Number: +351 21 780 5000
• Hospital de São João
  • Address: Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
  • Contact Number: +351 22 551 2100
• Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central
  • Address: Rua José António Serrano, 1150-199 Lisbon, Portugal
  • Contact Number: +351 21 884 1000
• Hospital de Braga
• Address: R. das Sete Fontes, 4710-243 Braga, Portugal
• Contact Number: +351 253 027 000

Portugal's Private Hospitals

Private hospitals in Portugal are known for their high-quality care and modern facilities. They often provide a more comfortable environment compared to public hospitals, with shorter wait times for appointments and treatments.

Many private hospitals are equipped with advanced medical technology and offer specialized services, including elective surgeries, diagnostics, and preventive care. The staff-to-patient ratio is generally better in private facilities, allowing a more personalized and streamlined patient experience.

With a network of private healthcare providers available in major cities and regions in Portugal, patients have a wide range of options for receiving care.

Some of the best private hospitals in Portugal include:

• Hospital da Luz
  • Address: Av. Lusíada 100, 1500-650 Lisboa, Portugal
  • Contact Number: +351 21 710 4400
• CUF Porto Hospital
  • Address: Estrada da Circunvalação, 14341, 4100-180 Porto
  • Contact Number: +351 22 003 9000
• Hospital Lusíadas
  • Address: R. Abílio Mendes 12, 1500-458 Lisboa, Portugal
  • Contact Number: +351 21 770 4040

Health Insurance Options in Portugal for Expats

Expats who are employed in Portugal have the option of both public and private insurance; those who are not are obliged to secure private health insurance.

Note: Local Portuguese insurance companies typically provide health insurance coverage for people under the age of 55. If you are above this age, you may want to seek coverage from an international insurer.

Public Insurance in Portugal

The country's public healthcare system can be accessed by contributing to the Portuguese social security program (segurança social), including their families and retirees (also covered are retirees from other EU countries with a residence card and receiving state pension).

Subsidized prescriptions are available for members aged over 65 and patients normally pay 40 to 100% of the cost for non-essential prescribed medicines. There are also large contributions required from patients for other services including spectacles, dentures, dental, spa treatment, etc.

Employers are obligated to register their employees with the Portuguese social security program and make regular contributions to this fund during their employment.

Foreigners immigrating to Portugal who do not contribute to the social security fund must provide proof of private health insurance in order to obtain their residence permit. They can then apply for a medical card from their local health center, proving their entitlement to free or subsidized care.

Private Insurance in Portugal

Private health insurance is available for expats in Portugal through local or international insurers, providing supplementary healthcare services not covered by public health insurance.

Private healthcare is available but costly in Portugal. Private clinics are highly accessible in densely populated or tourist areas. Many foreigners or expats opt for private health insurance to cover private medical treatment complementary to Portuguese state healthcare.

Private healthcare offers patients faster access to medical consultation, and more choice regarding doctors and specialists, as well as private hospitals and clinics with the latest technology and equipment for treatment.

Moreover, they feel happier paying a higher cost for the comfort of being able to communicate more easily with the doctor and hospital staff, especially if an illness is complicated, or of a more personal nature.

Best Private Insurance Providers for Expats in Portugal

Established in the insurance industry for over two decades, Pacific Prime leverages our strong partnerships with international private insurance providers such as GeoBlue, AXA, NOW Health Internation, Cigna, William Russell, and more to offer expats comprehensive insurance solutions in Portugal.

For a more comprehensive list of insurance providers, check out the top 10 insurance companies in Portugal.

GeoBlue

GeoBlue features one of the largest global direct billing networks, provides covered telemedicine services, and has an unlimited annual benefit limit for high-tier policyholders. The comprehensive and flexible coverage of their plans makes it perfect for expats in Portugal.

AXA

AXA offers flexible health insurance solutions to over 95 million clients in over 50 countries. Plans have five levels—Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus, each catering to expats with different healthcare needs and budgets.

Their international health insurance offers deductible-free plans, and a low-deductible plan with maternity coverage through this insurer starts at only USD $421 per month (for a 30-year-old female).

NOW Health International

NOW Health International offers expats comprehensive and cost-effective plans in Portugal, covering medical services from inpatient/outpatient treatments and emergency evacuation and repatriation to dental and maternity.

Cigna

Cigna's international health insurance plan provides all-rounded coverage for expats in Portugal. Their extensive medical provider network makes accessing healthcare convenient, and the 24/7 customer support is a distinct advantage as a global-scaled insurance provider.

William Russell

William Russell's international health insurance plan is comprehensive yet affordable, with the premium starting from USD $195 monthly (for a 30-year-old female) in Portugal. The annual benefit limit for William Russell's insurance plan in Portugal is USD $5,000,000.

The insurer is a boutique insurance provider, which means they are fully independent and focus wholly on delivering exceptional insurance solutions and servicing to their members.

Facts to Consider when Picking Insurance in Portugal

When selecting international insurance, expats should consider the network of providers and other factors rather than solely based on premiums to ensure that their plan can actually meet their needs and expectations. We will discuss these factors below:

• Network of Providers
  • Check the insurance provider's network of hospitals, clinics, and doctors in your area. Ensure there's at least one within-network provider nearby to conveniently access quality care and settle bills through direct billing, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
• Scope of Insurance Coverage
  • Look for coverage specific to your health needs, including hospitalization, outpatient care, emergency medical treatment, maternity care, prescription medications, etc.
• Customer Support and Assistance
  • Look for insurance providers that offer 24/7 customer support. Having access to assistance during emergencies or when navigating healthcare can be invaluable.
• Claims Process
  • Review the claims process to determine how straightforward it is. A user-friendly and efficient claims process can save time and reduce stress when seeking reimbursement.
• Exclusions and Limitations
  • Carefully read the policy details to understand any exclusions or limitations, which can vary significantly between insurers or plans.
• Renewability and Portability
  • Check if the policy is renewable and can be transferred or maintained if you move to another country. This is important for long-term expats as many stay in different countries during their time abroad.
• Pre-existing Conditions
  • Insurers handle pre-existing conditions differently, expats should understand the terms and coverage for their conditions before purchasing. There are usually three different outcomes:
  • Exclusion: The insurer will not pay or reimburse the policyholder for medical bills related to the condition.
  • Moratorium: The insurance company offers health insurance but excludes and observes the pre-existing condition for a certain time known as the waiting period. This period is usually 24 months, and the insurance company reviews its decision.
  • Coverage with loading: Insurance companies may offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, but only with higher premiums. Not all pre-existing conditions are eligible for this kind of coverage, and not all companies offer this option.

Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in Portugal

From food and water safety to emergency numbers and staying informed about healthcare, here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Food and water safety
  • Enjoy local cuisine, but be cautious with street food. Drink bottled or filtered water, especially in rural areas, and avoid consuming raw or undercooked foods to prevent foodborne illnesses.
• Emergency numbers
  • Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers. In Portugal, you can reach medical services by dialing 112, which is the emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance services.
• Stay informed about healthcare
  • Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage. Familiarize yourself with local healthcare facilities and know where to find a doctor or hospital if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What coverage options are essential in international health insurance plans for expats in Portugal?

Expats in Portugal should prioritize comprehensive coverage that includes emergency medical services, hospitalization, outpatient care, and access to specialists. It's also important to have coverage for prescription medications and preventive care, as well as repatriation services for emergencies.

How do I select a reliable international health insurance provider while living in Portugal?

When choosing a provider, consider factors such as the company's reputation, the breadth of its healthcare network, and the efficiency of its claims process. Look for reviews and testimonials from other expats to gauge customer satisfaction.

What are the common exclusions or limitations in international health insurance policies for expats in Portugal?

Common exclusions in these policies may include pre-existing conditions, routine dental and vision care, and coverage for specific high-risk activities. It's essential for expats to thoroughly read their policy documents to understand these exclusions and any limitations that may apply.

Compare Plans and Quotes in Portugal Now

Pacific Prime is a one-stop insurance brokerage service provider for you when traveling to Portugal. We offer a wide range of policies to meet your individual needs, including benefits such as dental, maternity, inpatient, outpatient, specialist consultations, and many others.

Contact our professional advisors today to enjoy full insurance protection such as a health insurance plan for yourself and your family. Feel free to get an instant quote using our online system as well!