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Health insurance for expatriates in Portugal

Portugal attracts many French expatriates thanks to its quality of life and pleasant climate. Portugal has a public healthcare system, the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), which guarantees universal coverage for legal residents. It is financed by taxes and social security contributions. Before moving to Portugal, it’s important to find out about mutual health insurance plans. Some treatments, such as dental and ophthalmological consultations, are not fully covered by the SNS.

Why take out a health insurance policy in Portugal?

The SNS provides basic coverage for residents. However, many people opt for supplementary health insurance to benefit from better coverage.

• Access to private healthcare: In Portugal, private clinics and hospitals often offer faster consultations and access to a wider range of services. However, such care can represent a significant budget, and a good mutual health insurance plan can alleviate these costs.
• Extensive coverage: In Portugal, mutual insurance companies generally only cover treatment in partner establishments. If you’re traveling abroad, these guarantees often don’t apply, which can lead to unexpected costs. For complete peace of mind, especially if you’re traveling abroad, it may be wise to take out international health insurance. This will provide you with extensive coverage, wherever you are.
• Services not covered by the SNS: The SNS rarely covers dental and optical care, except in specific cases, such as for children under 16 or pregnant women. In this context, taking out a mutual health insurance plan can be a useful solution for covering these essential services.

How do I choose a health insurance plan in Portugal?

When choosing health insurance in Portugal, it’s important to consider the following criteria.

• Care network: Before signing up for a health mutual, check that the practitioners and health establishments you prefer are included in the mutual’s network. This guarantees easier access to care and better coverage.
• Level of cover: Take into account your specific needs, such as dental care, optical care or alternative medicine. Make sure the mutual you choose covers these services adequately.
• Cost: Insurance premiums vary according to the level of coverage and the age of the insured. On average, the cost of health insurance in Portugal varies between €15 and €40 per person. It’s important to compare offers to find the one that best suits your budget and needs. You can use Santexpat.fr, for example, to find the right health insurance for your situation.
• International health insurance: For expatriates or people who travel regularly, international health insurance offers more comprehensive and flexible coverage. These policies include treatment abroad and cover tailored to the needs of French people living in Portugal all year round.

Expatriate health insurance for Portugal

Moving to Portugal is an adventure that requires preparation. Portugal has a public health system offering high-quality basic coverage. As an expatriate, subscribing to a complementary health insurance plan is a real asset. It will enable you to benefit from comprehensive coverage tailored to your needs.