Health insurances in Portugal: your options
Updated March 2026
Choosing health insurance in Portugal is one of the first real administrative challenges for expats. Three types of cover exist: international expat insurers (comprehensive but
expensive), English-speaking insurers established in Europe (mid-range), and Portuguese health insurance companies (the most competitive). Budget guide for 2026: €110-160/month for a
family via a Portuguese insurer, versus €400-600/month for international coverage.
Choosing a Portuguese health insurance company: English-speaking assistance
Comparing offers, reading contracts in Portuguese and subscribing without knowing the language is genuinely complex. Whether you are retired, working, with dependent children or
specific medical needs, an English-speaking broker saves you time and negotiates better terms — especially through a Portuguese company (up to -20% on rates).
You commit for a minimum of one year: make the right choice from the start.
Health insurance in Portugal 2026 — comparison
In 2026, four types of cover meet expat needs. Portuguese health insurance remains the best value for money. Using an English-speaking broker secures negotiated rates and a
ready-to-use AIMA file.
| Insurer | Family price/month | Hospital waiting period | Doctor network | Reimbursement app |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Médis | €120-160 | 90 days | 2,500+ practitioners | ✅ Yes |
| Multicare | €110-150 | 90 days | Lisbon/Porto | ❌ Paper |
| AdvanceCare | €100-140 | 120 days | National | ❌ Paper |
| Allianz International | €400-600 | 60 days | Worldwide | ✅ Yes |
Key points before subscribing:
- Co-payment 2026: €14-18 per consultation with a GP, even with insurance.
- Hospital waiting period: 90 days (Médis/Multicare), 120 days (AdvanceCare). Carried over if you switch insurer.
- Chronic conditions waiting period: 360 days (all Portuguese insurers).
- Medicine reimbursement: postal forms for most, except Médis (mobile app).
- Hospitalisation: pre-authorisation from your insurer required — plan ahead.
- Segurança Social contributions for foreign residents increased in 2026.
⚠️ AIMA requirement 2026
Since 2024, proof of an active Portuguese private health insurance policy is mandatory before your AIMA appointment to obtain or renew a residence permit. A quote is
not enough: the contract must be active and cover consultations, hospitalisation, emergencies and repatriation. Subscribe before booking your appointment.
International expat health insurance
International expat insurers offer the best service: fast app reimbursement, English-speaking support, optical and dental cover included, worldwide network. The cost is significant:
expect €400-600/month for a family. Names worth contacting or comparing:
- April
- Allianz International
- ADP Insurances (retirees)
- Aisae
Use a comparison tool to get several quotes in one step. You will be called back by an adviser — specify if it is for information only to avoid repeated follow-ups.
English-speaking health insurance in Portugal
A mid-range option: insurers with English-speaking support, established across Europe, offering decent reimbursements and often optical/dental cover under certain conditions. 2026
rates: €150-300/month depending on cover. A few things to be aware of:
- Medicine reimbursement by postal form only.
- Must consult within the partner network (extensive in Lisbon, more limited in rural areas).
- Co-payment of €14-18 not reimbursed for basic consultations.
- Fixed or percentage contribution for surgical procedures — check before signing.
Portuguese health insurance
The most competitive option for expats settled long-term in Portugal. Portuguese insurers are calibrated to the local cost of living and offer the best value for money. The main
obstacle is the language: subscribing without an English-speaking intermediary is difficult (forms, contracts, insurer correspondence). A broker solves this.
The most reputable Portuguese health insurance companies:
- Médis — market leader, reimbursement app, network of 2,500+ practitioners
- Multicare — strong on dental, dense network in Lisbon and Porto
- AdvanceCare — budget option, national network
- Fidelidade — flexible guarantees
- Seguros Continente
- Saudeprime
If you are fluent in Portuguese, you can use this Portuguese health insurance
comparator. Otherwise, use an English-speaking broker.
Health insurance via a Portuguese company
If you are considering setting up a
business in Portugal, you can access negotiated rates through specialist brokers who operate on a group purchasing basis. These intermediaries pool requests from several companies to
secure the best conditions from insurers. Result: up to -20% versus individual subscription. The best option for Portuguese or foreign companies looking to cover employees
or partners.
Checklist before subscribing
- ✅ Network of at least 1,500 doctors in Lisbon
- ✅ Waiting period carried over if you switch insurer
- ✅ Active contract before your AIMA appointment
- ✅ Co-payment €14-18: know what remains at your expense
- ✅ Optical and dental coverage confirmed
- ✅ Coverage ceiling per procedure: read before signing
- ✅ Will you be registered with
Portuguese Social Security alongside? - ✅ Personal subscription or via a Portuguese company?
English-speaking health insurance broker Portugal
By validating the contact form, you authorise me to transmit your request to an English-speaking specialist based in Portugal who will be able to contact you directly,
discuss your project and the best way to assist you.
