Travel Insurance and Safety Advice for Portugal
Portugal travel insurance is essential for short-term visitors, as the country’s public healthcare system does not cover tourists. Travelers should secure a travel medical plan before departure to avoid high out-of-pocket expenses or delays in care.
Travel medical insurance ensures you can access quality care at public and private hospitals during your trip, while trip cancellation insurance protects your prepaid travel costs if you need to cancel due to illness, injury, or other covered reasons. If you are visiting from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you may access public healthcare through your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
International medical insurance may be a better fit for those planning a longer stay abroad, offering more comprehensive, long-term global coverage.
Learn what Portugal travel insurance covers, how much it typically costs, and how to choose the right plan based on your travel needs.
TL;DR — Key Takeaways
- Travel insurance is highly recommended for Portugal, as the public healthcare system does not cover tourists. Plans help avoid large out-of-pocket costs and provide access to quality care.
- Portugal is generally safe, but tourists should stay alert to pickpockets in crowded areas, use reliable transport, and keep documents secure to avoid theft or scams.
- No vaccines are required, but vaccinations like hepatitis A/B, rabies, and MMR are recommended.
- Visitors from the U.S. don’t need a visa for trips under 90 days, but must carry a passport valid for at least three months beyond the return date. A visa and proof of health insurance are requirements for more extended stays.
Travel Insurance Options for Visitors to Portugal
If you’re visiting Portugal, the travel insurance plans below offer medical coverage in case you become ill or injured during your trip. Each plan includes emergency medical benefits along with other standard protections for travelers.
The Best Travel Health Insurance for Portugal
For U.S. citizens visiting Portugal, GeoBlue Voyager Choice is an excellent travel medical insurance option. Backed by Blue Cross Blue Shield, it provides access to a premium network of doctors and hospitals worldwide, including top private clinics throughout Portugal.
GeoBlue’s Voyager Choice plan offers full coverage for pre-existing conditions if you have an active U.S. health insurance plan. The plan also includes 24/7 global support, telemedicine services, and prescription drug coverage, making it an ideal choice for older travelers or anyone seeking high-quality care abroad.
GeoBlue Voyager Plan
- For U.S. citizens and residents up to age 95
- Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
- 24/7/365 service and assistance
The IMG Patriot Platinum plan is one of the most comprehensive travel medical insurance options. It offers top-tier medical coverage, global emergency services, and valuable travel benefits for visitors to Portugal.
Available to both U.S. and international travelers, this plan provides dependable protection whether you’re visiting for leisure, business, or an extended stay. It includes coverage for medical emergencies, the acute onset of pre-existing conditions, and unexpected travel disruptions—ideal for those exploring Portugal’s cities, coastlines, and countryside.
Patriot Platinum Travel Insurance
- Maximum limits up to $8,000,000
- IMG pays 100% of medical expenses in-network
- Evacuation due to Natural Disasters & Political Unrest
The WorldTrips Atlas plan is a versatile and cost-effective option for international visitors to Portugal, available to most nationalities except Canadian and Australian travelers. It offers solid protection for unexpected medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and travel disruptions.
The Atlas plan also provides optional adventure sports coverage—perfect for surfing along the Algarve, hiking in the Azores, or exploring Lisbon’s urban trails.
Atlas Travel Insurance
- Emergency medical, evacuation, repatriation benefits
- Choose between the basic and more extensive coverage
- Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
- 24/7 worldwide travel and emergency medical assistance
Don’t just go with the first quote—take a moment to compare your options. Coverage can vary widely between plans, especially for emergency medical care, evacuation, and lost or delayed baggage. Reviewing the details ensures you choose the right protection for your trip.
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Compare top-rated travel insurance plans for your upcoming trip abroad.
The Best Trip Cancellation Insurance for Portugal
With Trawick Safe Travels AnyReason, U.S. citizens and residents can visit Portugal with flexibility and financial protection against unexpected changes to their trip plans.
If you purchase the plan within 7 days of your first trip payment, you’ll get one of the best CFAR benefits included at no extra cost. Trawick will reimburse up to 75% of prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses if you cancel for reasons beyond standard covered events.
Safe Travels AnyReason
- Available to US residents traveling within the United States and abroad
- 100% Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Coverage
- Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
- 75% of Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) is included within 7 days of trip deposit
World Nomads Travel Insurance is a top choice for non-U.S. citizens seeking trip cancellation coverage for travel to Portugal. Policyholders can recover non-refundable expenses like flights, accommodations, and prepaid activities.
Beyond trip cancellation, World Nomads covers over 200 adventure activities in Portugal, such as scuba diving, hiking, and rock climbing. It also covers emergency medical expenses, evacuation, repatriation, and protection against lost or stolen belongings.
World Nomads Travel Insurance for Trip Cancellation
- Trip cancellation and interruption benefits included
- Emergency medical transport and repatriation
- Baggage and gear cover
- Optional Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage available for U.S. citizens/residents (Explorer and Epic Plans)
General Safety Tips for Visitors to Portugal
Portugal’s food and water standards are similar to the United States, so you should not have a problem eating or drinking. However, if you plan on traveling to rural or remote areas of Portugal that are served unregulated water, then you should plan to take special precautions.
While traveling around the cities of Portugal, be sure to use safe transportation. Buses and trams are a great way to travel around the city, but they can become overcrowded and be a threat to your safety. If you are traveling by foot, use sidewalks marked crosswalks, and watch for trams driving up and down the streets.
Lastly, maintain personal security and do not carry essential documents or expensive belongings with you. Portugal’s cities are frequently busy and crowded, which makes it easy for pickpockets and purse-snatchers. It is in your best interest to lock important documents and belongings in your hotel room or residence.
Portuguese Healthcare System and Types of Insurance
Portugal has consistently been ranked as one of the most affordable countries in all of Europe. Its seaside position on Europe’s doorstep allows for a bounty of fresh seafood and beautiful beaches all along the coast. Portugal is home to 23 Michelin-starred restaurants, gourmet food markets, and countless corner taverns. Traditional fado music houses, nightclubs, and upscale wine and cocktail bars also line the streets of the cities in Portugal. Last call? Sunrise!
Travel to Lisbon―The City of Seven Hills and Portugal’s capital. Lisbon is one of the world’s oldest cities and even predates European cities such as Rome and London. Its ancient architecture and beautiful views can be seen from a tram ride around each of the Seven Hills. If you are looking for a more traditional spot, Alfama, the oldest district of Lisbon, is the place for you. Discover women in the early morning selling seafood from their doorsteps and feel a sense of authentic culture. You may also find hidden coffee shops, where you can enjoy a cup of espresso and a pastéis de Belém.
Porto, another favorite city to visit in Portugal, is filled with beautiful street art and cutting-edge architecture. It is the second largest metropolis in Portugal, after Lisbon, and is built in the hills overlooking the Douro River. Porto’s local port wine cellars, located across the river at Vila Nova de Gaia, are what gave the city its name. If you are a connoisseur of wine, Porto is the city for you!
Emergency Safety Services in Portugal
A list of emergency numbers to call if you ever find yourself in trouble:
- US Embassy―Lisbon +(351) (21) 770-2122
- Emergency +(351) (21) 727-3300
- US Consulate―Ponta Delgada +(351) (296) 308-330
- Emergency +(351) (296) 282-216
- Ambulance and Police 112
Do I Need Vaccines for Visiting Portugal?
Currently, Portugal does not have any vaccine requirements. Some vaccines are recommended or required for Portugal. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Portugal:
- hepatitis A,
- hepatitis B,
- rabies,
- meningitis,
- polio,
- measles, mumps and rubella (MMR),
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis),
- chickenpox,
- shingles,
- pneumonia and influenza.
Passport and Visa Requirements for Travel to Portugal
When applying for a visa to travel to Portugal, applications should be made at least one month before your intended travel dates. There are no visa requirements if you are a United States citizen and will be traveling to Portugal for less than 90 days. If you plan to travel to Portugal for more than 90 days, a visa is required. Students traveling to study abroad should apply for a student visa that will allow the applicant to enter the country for the study.
Portugal’s passport requirement states that you should have a valid passport for at least three months from the date you plan to return. If your passport is not valid or is about to expire, make sure to apply for a passport renewal a month before your planned departure date.
When applying for your visa, you are also required to provide proof of international health insurance. The insurance must have a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 (about USD 50,000), be in effect for the entire length of your stay, and have an emergency medical evacuation and repatriation benefit.
Traveling to Portugal and other European countries? Read about the insurance requirement when applying for a Schengen Visa or our article on European health insurance plans.
Final Word on Traveling to Portugal
Accidents and medical emergencies can happen while you are traveling abroad, but do not let them ruin your travel experience. Make sure to purchase a quality Portugal travel insurance plan or, for longer-term coverage, health insurance in Portugal. Either will ensure that you are completely covered for any accidents or illnesses that may occur. Travel to Portugal worry-free and enjoy the beautiful coastal views and marvelous architecture.