Travel insurance for Portugal

Do you need travel insurance for Portugal?

Travel insurance for Portugal is essential. Whether you’re lying on the beach in the Algarve or sightseeing in Porto. Portugal holiday insurance covers you if something goes wrong:

• Portugal is a top holiday spot. In fact, the Algarve was recently voted the best beach destination in the World Travel Awards. However, tourists can be a target for crime. The Department of Foreign Affairs advises: “Pay close attention to your personal belongings at tourist attractions, on public transport… and at busy rail and underground stations”.
• Your EHIC gives you access to some state emergency healthcare. This will be at the same price as locals. It won’t always be free in Portugal and won’t cover everything. For instance, medical repatriation or if you need to stay longer. The Department of Foreign Affairs says: “The EHIC is not a substitute for proper travel insurance provided by a reputable insurer”, which can “save you and your family a lot of money if something goes wrong.” 
• Portugal may be a familiar destination, but things can go wrong. From travel delays or wildfires disrupting your plans, to needing emergency medical assistance because of extreme heat. It’s important to know that you’re protected by travel insurance for Portugal and our range of additional cover. 

Why choose JustCover for your Portugal holiday insurance?

Enjoying nature in Madeira and the Azores or trying local delicacies in Lisbon? Travel insurance for Portugal means you can relax on holiday knowing you’re covered: 

• We’re Ireland's most trusted travel insurance provider⁵.
• 98.8% of our customers would recommend JustCover to family and friends⁶.
• Get up to €10,000 cancellation cover⁷. 
• Plus up to unlimited cover for emergency medical expenses and repatriation.
• We include 100 activities as standard. Plus we have optional cover for extreme sports, golf holidays and cruises.

How much does Portugal travel insurance cost?

Travel insurance for Portugal is included under our European policies. These normally cost less than a worldwide policy. This is because you’ll have access to some state emergency care at the same price as locals using your EHIC. Other factors impacting your quote include: 

• How long you’re away for: Cover for a weekend in Lisbon will normally be less than four weeks travelling around Portugal. Less time away means you’re less likely to need to make a claim. 
• Your age and any pre-existing medical conditions: If you’re a senior holidaymaker or have any existing conditions, your quote may be higher. 
• Additional cover: We’re proud to include 100 activities as standard. If you’re trying something a little bit different, we have a range of optional cover available. This includes extreme sports, golf holidays, cruises and more.

Understanding healthcare in Portugal

You may be wondering what healthcare in Portugal is like for tourists. Portugal has a mixture of public and private healthcare. If you have an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), it will allow you to access some emergency public medical care at the same price as locals. This won’t include all costs, such as medical repatriation and won’t always be free. 

That’s why it’s essential that you buy travel insurance for Portugal. The Department of Foreign Affairs says: “Buying comprehensive travel insurance can save you and your family a lot of money if something goes wrong.” They add: “Hospital bills can quickly run into thousands of euros, and a medical evacuation back to Ireland can cost thousands more.”

What to do in a medical emergency in Portugal

112 is the number to call in the EU if you have a medical emergency and need an ambulance. 

Once you’re safe and receiving treatment, call our 24/7 emergency helpline as soon as possible and before making a claim with us. Make sure you read our claims page and Policy Wording for full details. You’ll need to keep a number of documents as evidence, including medical records and receipts. 

Will the EHIC cover you for your trip to Portugal?

The EHIC does apply to Portugal and other EEA countries. However, it will only help with some costs. If you have a medical emergency, your EHIC will give you access to some state healthcare at the same price as locals. This means it won’t always be free, but it will be at the same price a resident would pay.

Costs that aren’t covered by the EHIC include medical repatriation and extended stays due to the emergency. Both of which can easily cost thousands of Euros. Travel insurance for Portugal is essential if you don’t want to be out of pocket. 

“The EHIC is not a substitute for proper travel insurance provided by a reputable insurer,” says the Department of Foreign Affairs. The only way to make sure you’re covered is to take both your EHIC and holiday insurance for Portugal. 

Portugal travel tips and recommendations

Getting excited about your trip? Follow these tips to make sure it goes smoothly:

• Speak to your doctor before you go: Check that you’re fit to travel, especially if you have a pre-existing condition. Make sure you have enough of any medication you need, along with extra in case you’re delayed. Remember, some countries have restrictions on bringing certain medications in. 
• Be prepared: Read any travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs. Check that your passport hasn’t expired and is valid for the whole of your trip. You should also contact your bank to let them know you’re going away. In case they notice any unusual activity on your accounts. 
• Getting around: Public transport can be a fantastic way to experience Portugal, especially in cities like Lisbon. Wear comfortable shoes if you’re going to walk; Portugal is hilly! Be very careful when crossing the road, especially in busy places, as accidents can be common. If you’re driving in Portugal, take a look at our tips below. 
• Keep your things secure: Tourists can be a target for pickpocketing and bag snatching. Keep your belongings safe, especially in busy places and on public transport. 
• Understand the seasons: In high season, book accommodation and attractions well in advance as they often sell out. If you’re looking for a quieter visit while still enjoying some sun, shoulder season (June and September) is a great option. 
• Take your trip at a relaxed pace: Meals are often a slow affair, a chance to enjoy some time with friends and family. Shops and other businesses may be closed for lunch. 
• Protect yourself and your trip with travel insurance for Portugal: There are no Portugal travel insurance requirements; it isn’t mandatory. However, it’s essential if you want to relax on your trip knowing you’re protected, from cover for unexpected cancellation to help if you face a medical emergency. 

Driving in Portugal

Planning a Portuguese road trip? It’s a great way to see the country, but there’ll be differences to driving in Ireland:

• You must be over 18 to drive in Portugal and hold a full, valid Irish driving licence.
• You should take your passport, motor insurance and V5 registration. Along with an EU/Ireland sticker or identifier if driving your own car.
• You must carry reflective jackets and a warning triangle and use headlamp beam deflectors. 
• All passengers must wear their seatbelts. Children under 12 must sit in the back in an appropriate child restraint system. 
• Be prepared for toll roads and make sure you know how to pay. 
• Drive on the right and overtake on the left. Obey all speed limits, normally shown on red and white circular signs. 
• Check your car insurance policy to make sure you have the cover you need.
• Busy areas and cities like Lisbon often have low-emission zones. Check whether you can enter these and any requirements. 
• If renting a car in Portugal, read all the documents you’re given in advance. Make sure you have everything you need to pick up the vehicle. 
• Read the latest advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs before you go. They warn that: “Traffic is faster, and the accident rate is much higher” in Portugal.