Insurance in Portugal for Expats
Car insurance is mandatory, health insurance is required for most visas, and home insurance is essential if you own property. Portuguese insurance is generally cheaper than Northern Europe but the market is less transparent.
How to choose
Get quotes from at least 3 providers. Use a Portuguese insurance broker (corretor de seguros) for the best deals — they compare across companies and often get better rates than going direct. Brokers don't charge you — they earn commission from the insurer.
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
Flexible global medical & travel coverage. Widely accepted for D8 Digital Nomad visas. Exclusive: 8 weeks free electronic theft coverage.
Pros
- +Includes 8 weeks free electronic theft coverage
- +Accepted for D8 Digital Nomad visa applications
- +Monthly subscription (cancel anytime)
- +Covers visits home and travel outside Portugal
Cons
- -Emergency and acute medical care, not routine checkups
Best for: Digital nomads, remote employees, and incoming expats
Visit website →Fidelidade
Portugal's largest insurer. Full range of products.
Pros
- +Largest network of agents
- +Full product range (car, health, home, life)
- +English-speaking agents in major cities
- +Reliable claims process
Cons
- -Not always the cheapest
- -Can be bureaucratic
Best for: People who want one insurer for everything
Visit website →Allianz
International insurer with strong Portugal presence.
Pros
- +International reputation
- +Good online tools
- +Competitive car insurance
- +Multi-policy discounts
Cons
- -Fewer local offices than Fidelidade
- -Support can be slow
Best for: People who want an international brand they know
Visit website →Tranquilidade (Generali)
Now owned by Generali. Competitive pricing.
Pros
- +Often cheapest for car insurance
- +Good online quotes
- +Part of Generali group
Cons
- -Fewer offices
- -Claims process can be slow
Best for: Price-conscious car insurance shoppers
Visit website →Multicare
Health insurance arm of Millennium BCP. Popular for private health.
Pros
- +Large hospital network (CUF, Luz)
- +Good for families
- +Dental coverage options
Cons
- -Only health insurance
- -Pre-existing condition waiting periods
Best for: Families wanting private health coverage
Visit website →Cigna Global
International health insurance. Best for expats who travel.
Pros
- +Coverage worldwide, not just Portugal
- +Excellent for expats who travel frequently
- +English-first experience
- +No network restrictions
Cons
- -More expensive than local options
- -Not accepted at all Portuguese clinics
Best for: Expats who travel frequently or may relocate
Visit website →Insider Tips
- →For D8 Digital Nomad visas, SafetyWing is the quickest and most affordable approved insurance option
- →Use a corretor de seguros (insurance broker) — they compare across all providers for free
- →Car insurance: third-party (responsabilidade civil) is mandatory; comprehensive (todos os riscos) is optional
- →Health insurance: required for D7/D8 visa applications. SNS registration can supplement it after arrival
- →Home insurance: mandatory if you have a mortgage; highly recommended for renters too (contents insurance)
- →Get your no-claims bonus letter from your previous insurer — Portuguese companies accept it for car insurance discounts