Surf the Atlantic or soak up the history. Enjoy everything Portugal has to offer, knowing you’re protected. With up to unlimited cover for medical expenses, our Portugal travel insurance takes care of holiday pitfalls. You get on with embracing the adventure!
What is Portugal travel insurance and do you need it?
Destinations like Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve make Portugal a go-to for British holidaymakers. But no matter how familiar a country might be, unexpected events can happen.
Just like anywhere else in the world, when you’re travelling to Portugal you need travel insurance. While it’s not a legal requirement to enter the country, travel insurance for Portugal can cover your costs if you fall ill. You’ll also be covered if delays lead to cancelled plans, or your valuables are stolen while you’re away.
Here’s why getting travel insurance for your trip to Portugal is a must:
- Covers emergency medical costs: While generally a safe country, Portugal’s road accident rates are higher than the UK’s. It’s also affected by heatwaves and wildfires. Having a GHIC lets you access state medical treatment on the same terms as local residents. But it isn’t an alternative to travel health insurance for Portugal. It doesn’t cover emergency treatment in a private hospital or repatriation if you need to be flown home.
- Help when you need it: The FCDO has a list of English-speaking medical facilities in Portugal. But the best travel insurance for Portugal gives you additional 24-hour support. Get your policy from InsureandGo and our emergency assistance team will be available to call, day or night, if you need them.
- Protects your valuables: Crime rates in Portugal are low. But bag-snatching and theft from holiday properties are common in major tourist areas. Our gadget cover protects your valuables, up to £2,000.
- Covers your travel itinerary: From beach fun to hiking, Portugal’s a magnet to lovers of the great outdoors. Our policies cover over 100 popular activities, including hiking, surfing, cycling, sailing, and golfing.
Find out more about where to visit in Portugal and start planning your trip. Always check the latest FCDO advice for travel to Portugal and make sure you read our policy wording. It provides full terms and conditions, including what is and isn’t included with our cover.
What does InsureandGo’s Portugal travel insurance cover?
What’s covered?
Our travel insurance for Portugal includes:
- Medical emergency expenses.
- Cover for cancellation of your trip.
- Our 24-hour emergency assistance team, available to call, day or night, wherever you are
- Over 100 sports and activities covered (see your policy wording for a full list of activities)
- Personal belongings and baggage cover.
- Personal money, passports and travel documents cover.
- Accommodation cover.
- Legal expenses cover.
What’s not covered?
There are some situations travel insurance will not cover. For example:
- You cannot cover events or reasons to claim which took place before you booked the trip or purchased insurance. Insurance exists to cover unexpected events outside of the insured’s control
- Claims which are less than the excess for that section of cover. For example, you cannot claim a £40 lost item if your baggage excess is £60
- All of our travel insurance policies include cover for cancellation of your trip. There may, however, be some exclusions. For example, you won’t be covered to cancel if you simply decide not to go
Find out about our optional add-ons for activities like extreme sports, cruises and golf.
We will consider all pre-existing medical conditions. Find out more about medical travel insurance.
The excess and amount of cover available varies depending on the level of travel insurance you buy. Check the policy wording to see the full terms and conditions.
The best travel insurance for Portugal
Portugal’s the place to be if you want sun, sea and sand. But with captivating cities and rugged scenery, you may want to do more than fly and flop. Tailor your policy to the type of trip you have planned with optional extras from InsureandGo. So flexible, it’s no wonder 99.7% of travellers2 would consider buying from us again.
- Catching a wave? The rolling Atlantic waves make Portugal a popular place to surf. Surfing is covered as standard with all our policies. If you’re taking your own board you can add extra valuables cover, too.
- Teeing off? Portugal has been crowned the World’s Best Golf Destination. Find out why with golf insurance that covers your clubs and green fees.
- Sailing the coast? Explore Portugal’s colourful, coastal cities, worry-free. Our cruise cover protects against cabin confinement, cruise interruption, and itinerary changes.
- Taking the kids? With its golden beaches and attractions, Portugal’s a dream destination for families. Cover everyone under one policy with a family travel insurance plan.
- Having more than one holiday this year? You’re not alone. According to our survey, 84% plan to travel more than once in 20243. Annual multi-trip insurance could save you time and money if Portugal’s just the start of your adventure.
Make sure you read our policy wording for more information on what is and isn’t included.
Choose a cover level to suit your travel needs
| Black | Gold | Silver | |
| Medical expenses and repatriation | Unlimited | £15 million | £10 Million |
| Cancellation and curtailment | £10,000 | £7,500 | £5,000 |
| Travel delay | Up to £650 | Up to £540 | Up to £450 |
| Personal belongings | £5,000 | £2,500 | £2,000 |
| Legal Expenses | £60,000 | £50,000 | £15,000 |
| Standard Excess | Nil | £50 | £60 |
How to book our travel insurance for Portugal
Tick insurance off your travel to-do list in two quick and easy steps.
1. Tell us about your trip
Let us know where you’re going, when you’re going, and who you’re travelling with. Then tell us about any pre-existing medical conditions you wish to cover.
You can do this online now or by calling our team:
2. Get your Portugal travel insurance quote
You can either buy it there and then, or save it for the future.
Russell Wallace – Travel insurance expert
“Portugal’s vibrant culture and delectable cuisine are popular with UK travellers. But unexpected situations can pop up, even in the places you know well. Unexpected medical costs, new flights home or a replacement hotel can ruin any holiday. Being adequately insured for Portugal means they won’t ruin your year.”
Hear from our customers
Holiday to Portugal
“Great service, very simple to use via the web. Have always used this company. Brilliant.”
– Mark Smith
– Date of experience: 24th March 2024
Our reviews speak for themselves
Looking for travel insurance for Portugal from the UK? Join the happy customers who gave InsureandGo a four or five-star rating for our European cover.
Travel insurance for Portugal with pre-existing medical conditions
Medical travel insurance provides specific cover when you’re living with a pre-existing condition. If you’re travelling without insurance, or haven’t declared all your health conditions, you might find you’re out of pocket if anything happens while you’re away.
The Portuguese public healthcare system is similar to our NHS. But you may still need to co-pay for scans, x-rays and other tests. Private hospitals are also available.
Getting the best travel health insurance for Portugal is a must. At InsureandGo, we’ll consider all medical conditions, including:
Before you get your travel insurance for Portugal, you’ll need to answer a few questions about your health. If you have any pre-existing conditions, this is the time to declare them. If you don’t, your policy may be invalid. To learn more, read our page about travel insurance for medical conditions. Or, take a look at our policy wording documents.
If you’d rather talk to someone instead, please get in touch with us.
Frequently asked Questions on Portugal Travel Insurance
Do I need travel insurance for Portugal?
Although not compulsory for holidays to Portugal, travel insurance is still important. In fact, the UK Government recommends that all British nationals get Portugal travel insurance that covers your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
Even a minor mishap can disrupt your holiday. Travel insurance means you’re covered for a range of unexpected events, including:
- Medical expenses: The GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) covers basic state-provided medical treatment in Portugal. But it doesn’t cover private emergency care or repatriation. Travel insurance offers more comprehensive medical coverage.
- Trip disruptions: Travel insurance to Portugal can cover costs from travel delays or lost luggage, helping you get back on track.
- Cancelling and cutting short your holiday: Life is unpredictable. Travel insurance helps mitigate the financial impact if unexpected events force you to cancel or cut short your holiday.
- Personal liability: For example, if you accidentally injure someone, or damage somebody else’s property.
Read our policy documents for a closer look at what is and isn’t included.
Do UK citizens get free healthcare in Portugal?
If you have a GHIC, you’re entitled to any necessary or emergency state-provided medical treatments during your trip. Any treatment you receive will be on the same terms as Portuguese nationals.
However, this cover is limited and won’t cover all eventualities. It doesn’t cover private treatment or repatriation (being flown back home for medical reasons).
The Portuguese public healthcare system is similar to our NHS. However, you may still need to co-pay for elements such as scans, x-rays and other tests.
What happens if I need healthcare in Portugal?
Hospitals in Portugal deal with serious medical situations. There are local health centres for less serious complaints. The FCDO has a list of English-speaking medical facilities in Portugal.
If you need an ambulance, you can ask for one from the emergency number (112). You can also contact us for emergency medical assistance while you’re abroad.
Pharmacies are open weekdays and weekends, with some in the cities available 24/7. You may get a discount with your EHIC or GHIC card. This varies between 15% and 90%, depending on what drugs you want and how great your need for them is.
How much does travel insurance for Portugal cost?
The cost of travel insurance to Portugal is based on multiple factors, including:
- Your age
- Your medical history
- Your destination
- The length of your trip
- Whether you want an annual or single-trip policy
- Any policy add-ons, like gadget cover
Each of these can vary from person to person, meaning the cost of travel insurance for Portugal will also vary.
The price you pay will also depend on the level of cover you choose. At InsureandGo we offer four levels of cover: Budget, Silver, Gold and Black. There’s something for everyone, and our Gold travel insurance is a Which? Best Buy2.
Call our team on 0808 281 0594 or get a quick and easy quote online now.
Does the GHIC cover Portugal?
Yes, the GHIC does cover Portugal. It replaced the former European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It provides essential healthcare for UK residents when travelling within the EU, including Portugal.
With a valid GHIC, you can access state-provided healthcare services in Portugal on the same terms as local residents. This includes necessary medical treatments and hospital care.
Make sure your GHIC is up-to-date before travelling. You can apply for or renew your GHIC online, through the official NHS website.
It’s essential to note that the GHIC does not cover pre-existing conditions or private healthcare services. And, of course, it won’t cover trip cancellations, lost bags or personal liability. That’s why additional travel insurance is a must.
Do I need a visa to visit Portugal?
No. If you’re a British citizen with a valid passport, you don’t need a visa to travel to Portugal. Portugal is in the Schengen area. You can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, as a tourist, to attend events or to visit family or friends.
If you’re travelling to other Schengen countries as well as Portugal, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.
Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit.
Who can I contact about travel insurance for my Portugal holiday?
Anything can happen while you’re abroad, and we know your plans might change. If you need to extend your stay, or you just have a question, you can contact us.
Who can buy an InsureandGo Portugal travel insurance policy?
All our Portugal travel insurance policies are available to UK residents. This means:
- Someone who has been living in the UK or the Channel Islands for at least six of the last 12 months
- They must be in the UK at the time of purchase
- All trips must start and end in the UK
Get a quote online or browse our policy documents for more information.
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Frequently asked questions
If you’ve got more questions about how our Portugal travel insurance works, or more general travel insurance queries, have a read through our FAQs.
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