{"id":506,"date":"2018-05-06T11:44:57","date_gmt":"2018-05-06T11:44:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/fr\/?p=506"},"modified":"2026-03-21T10:06:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T10:06:48","slug":"health-insurances-portugal-how-to-choose","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/news-portugal\/health-insurances-portugal-how-to-choose\/","title":{"rendered":"Health insurances in Portugal: your options"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"506\" class=\"elementor elementor-506\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-72d093de elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"72d093de\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-1ae7ca1f\" data-id=\"1ae7ca1f\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9420db3 elementor-toc--minimized-on-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-table-of-contents\" data-id=\"9420db3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;headings_by_tags&quot;:[&quot;h2&quot;],&quot;exclude_headings_by_selector&quot;:[],&quot;marker_view&quot;:&quot;bullets&quot;,&quot;icon&quot;:{&quot;value&quot;:&quot;fas fa-check-square&quot;,&quot;library&quot;:&quot;fa-solid&quot;},&quot;no_headings_message&quot;:&quot;No headings were found on this page.&quot;,&quot;minimize_box&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;minimized_on&quot;:&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;hierarchical_view&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;min_height&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"table-of-contents.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-toc__header-title\">\n\t\t\t\tHealth insurances in Portugal: your options\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--expand\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__9420db3\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Open table of contents\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--collapse\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__9420db3\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Close table of contents\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-toc__9420db3\" class=\"elementor-toc__body\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__spinner-container\">\n\t\t\t\t<i class=\"elementor-toc__spinner eicon-animation-spin eicon-loading\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-45541ed3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"45541ed3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em>Updated March 2026<\/em><\/p><p>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<br \/>expensive), English-speaking insurers established in Europe (mid-range), and Portuguese health insurance companies (the most competitive). Budget guide for 2026: \u20ac110-160\/month for a<br \/>family via a Portuguese insurer, versus \u20ac400-600\/month for international coverage.<\/p><p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-525 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/mutuelles-portugal.jpg\" alt=\"Which mutual for Portugal?\" width=\"720\" height=\"360\" srcset=\"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/mutuelles-portugal.jpg 720w, https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/mutuelles-portugal-300x150.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p><h2>Choosing a Portuguese health insurance company: English-speaking assistance<\/h2><p>Comparing offers, reading contracts in Portuguese and subscribing without knowing the language is genuinely complex. Whether you are retired, working, with dependent children or<br \/>specific medical needs, an English-speaking broker saves you time and negotiates better terms \u2014 especially through a <a href=\"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/installation-lisbon-portugal\/creation-company-portugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Portuguese company<\/a> (up to -20% on rates).<br \/>You commit for a minimum of one year: make the right choice from the start.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a class=\"maxbutton-3 maxbutton maxbutton-form\" href=\"#form\"><span class='mb-text'>CONTACT<\/span><\/a><\/p><h2>Health insurance in Portugal 2026 \u2014 comparison<\/h2><p>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<br \/>ready-to-use AIMA file.<\/p><table><thead><tr><th>Insurer<\/th><th>Family price\/month<\/th><th>Hospital waiting period<\/th><th>Doctor network<\/th><th>Reimbursement app<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>M\u00e9dis<\/strong><\/td><td>\u20ac120-160<\/td><td>90 days<\/td><td>2,500+ practitioners<\/td><td>\u2705 Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Multicare<\/strong><\/td><td>\u20ac110-150<\/td><td>90 days<\/td><td>Lisbon\/Porto<\/td><td>\u274c Paper<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>AdvanceCare<\/strong><\/td><td>\u20ac100-140<\/td><td>120 days<\/td><td>National<\/td><td>\u274c Paper<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Allianz International<\/strong><\/td><td>\u20ac400-600<\/td><td>60 days<\/td><td>Worldwide<\/td><td>\u2705 Yes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><p><strong>Key points before subscribing:<\/strong><\/p><ul><li>Co-payment 2026: <strong>\u20ac14-18 per consultation<\/strong> with a GP, even with insurance.<\/li><li>Hospital waiting period: 90 days (M\u00e9dis\/Multicare), 120 days (AdvanceCare). Carried over if you switch insurer.<\/li><li>Chronic conditions waiting period: 360 days (all Portuguese insurers).<\/li><li>Medicine reimbursement: postal forms for most, except M\u00e9dis (mobile app).<\/li><li>Hospitalisation: pre-authorisation from your insurer required \u2014 plan ahead.<\/li><li>Seguran\u00e7a Social contributions for foreign residents increased in 2026.<\/li><\/ul><h2>\u26a0\ufe0f AIMA requirement 2026<\/h2><p>Since 2024, proof of an active Portuguese private health insurance policy is <strong>mandatory before your AIMA appointment<\/strong> to obtain or renew a residence permit. A quote is<br \/>not enough: the contract must be active and cover consultations, hospitalisation, emergencies and repatriation. Subscribe before booking your appointment.<\/p><h2>International expat health insurance<\/h2><p>International expat insurers offer the best service: fast app reimbursement, English-speaking support, optical and dental cover included, worldwide network. The cost is significant:<br \/>expect <strong>\u20ac400-600\/month for a family<\/strong>. Names worth contacting or comparing:<\/p><ul><li>April<\/li><li>Allianz International<\/li><li>ADP Insurances (retirees)<\/li><li>Aisae<\/li><\/ul><p>Use a comparison tool to get several quotes in one step. You will be called back by an adviser \u2014 specify if it is for information only to avoid repeated follow-ups.<\/p><h2>English-speaking health insurance in Portugal<\/h2><p>A mid-range option: insurers with English-speaking support, established across Europe, offering decent reimbursements and often optical\/dental cover under certain conditions. 2026<br \/>rates: <strong>\u20ac150-300\/month<\/strong> depending on cover. A few things to be aware of:<\/p><ul><li>Medicine reimbursement by postal form only.<\/li><li>Must consult within the partner network (extensive in Lisbon, more limited in rural areas).<\/li><li>Co-payment of \u20ac14-18 not reimbursed for basic consultations.<\/li><li>Fixed or percentage contribution for surgical procedures \u2014 check before signing.<\/li><\/ul><h2>Portuguese health insurance<\/h2><p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-526 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/mutuelle-expatriation-lisbonne.jpg\" alt=\"health insurance for expatriates Lisbon\" width=\"860\" height=\"558\" srcset=\"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/mutuelle-expatriation-lisbonne.jpg 860w, https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/mutuelle-expatriation-lisbonne-300x195.jpg 300w, https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/mutuelle-expatriation-lisbonne-768x498.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 860px) 100vw, 860px\" \/><\/p><p>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<br \/>obstacle is the language: subscribing without an English-speaking intermediary is difficult (forms, contracts, insurer correspondence). A broker solves this.<\/p><p>The most reputable Portuguese health insurance companies:<\/p><ul><li><strong>M\u00e9dis<\/strong> \u2014 market leader, reimbursement app, network of 2,500+ practitioners<\/li><li><strong>Multicare<\/strong> \u2014 strong on dental, dense network in Lisbon and Porto<\/li><li><strong>AdvanceCare<\/strong> \u2014 budget option, national network<\/li><li><strong>Fidelidade<\/strong> \u2014 flexible guarantees<\/li><li><strong>Seguros Continente<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Saudeprime<\/strong><\/li><\/ul><p>If you are fluent in Portuguese, you can use this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.deco.proteste.pt\/saude\/seguro-saude\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Portuguese health insurance<br \/>comparator<\/a>. Otherwise, use an English-speaking broker.<\/p><h2>Health insurance via a Portuguese company<\/h2><p>If you are considering <a href=\"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/installation-lisbon-portugal\/creation-company-portugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">setting up a<br \/>business in Portugal<\/a>, you can access negotiated rates through specialist brokers who operate on a group purchasing basis. These intermediaries pool requests from several companies to<br \/>secure the best conditions from insurers. Result: up to -20% versus individual subscription. The best option for <a href=\"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/news-portugal\/french-companies-lisbon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Portuguese or foreign companies<\/a> looking to cover employees<br \/>or partners.<\/p><h2>Checklist before subscribing<\/h2><ul><li>\u2705 Network of at least 1,500 doctors in Lisbon<\/li><li>\u2705 Waiting period carried over if you switch insurer<\/li><li>\u2705 Active contract before your AIMA appointment<\/li><li>\u2705 Co-payment \u20ac14-18: know what remains at your expense<\/li><li>\u2705 Optical and dental coverage confirmed<\/li><li>\u2705 Coverage ceiling per procedure: read before signing<\/li><li>\u2705 Will you <a href=\"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/installation-lisbon-portugal\/portuguese-social-security\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">be registered with<br \/>Portuguese Social Security<\/a> alongside?<\/li><li>\u2705 Personal subscription or via a <a href=\"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/installation-lisbon-portugal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Portuguese company<\/a>?<\/li><\/ul><h2 id=\"form\">English-speaking health insurance broker Portugal<\/h2><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><div class=\"wpforms-container wpforms-container-full\" id=\"wpforms-5165\"><form id=\"wpforms-form-5165\" class=\"wpforms-validate wpforms-form\" data-formid=\"5165\" method=\"post\" enctype=\"multipart\/form-data\" action=\"\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/506\" data-token=\"04a7e00aa46fe0ae0d4b33943d639269\" data-token-time=\"1778191022\"><noscript class=\"wpforms-error-noscript\">Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.<\/noscript><div class=\"wpforms-field-container\"><div id=\"wpforms-5165-field_0-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-name\" data-field-id=\"0\"><label class=\"wpforms-field-label\" for=\"wpforms-5165-field_0\">Name <span class=\"wpforms-required-label\">*<\/span><\/label><div class=\"wpforms-field-row wpforms-field-medium\"><div class=\"wpforms-field-row-block wpforms-first wpforms-one-half\"><input type=\"text\" id=\"wpforms-5165-field_0\" class=\"wpforms-field-name-first wpforms-field-required\" name=\"wpforms[fields][0][first]\" required><label for=\"wpforms-5165-field_0\" class=\"wpforms-field-sublabel after wpforms-sublabel-hide\">First<\/label><\/div><div class=\"wpforms-field-row-block wpforms-one-half\"><input type=\"text\" id=\"wpforms-5165-field_0-last\" class=\"wpforms-field-name-last wpforms-field-required\" name=\"wpforms[fields][0][last]\" required><label for=\"wpforms-5165-field_0-last\" class=\"wpforms-field-sublabel after wpforms-sublabel-hide\">Last<\/label><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"wpforms-5165-field_1-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-email\" data-field-id=\"1\"><label class=\"wpforms-field-label\" for=\"wpforms-5165-field_1\">E-mail <span class=\"wpforms-required-label\">*<\/span><\/label><input type=\"email\" id=\"wpforms-5165-field_1\" class=\"wpforms-field-medium wpforms-field-required\" name=\"wpforms[fields][1]\" spellcheck=\"false\" required><\/div><div id=\"wpforms-5165-field_4-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-text\" data-field-id=\"4\"><label class=\"wpforms-field-label\" for=\"wpforms-5165-field_4\">Phone <span class=\"wpforms-required-label\">*<\/span><\/label><input type=\"text\" id=\"wpforms-5165-field_4\" class=\"wpforms-field-medium wpforms-field-required\" name=\"wpforms[fields][4]\" required><\/div><div id=\"wpforms-5165-field_11-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-text\" data-field-id=\"11\"><label class=\"wpforms-field-label\" for=\"wpforms-5165-field_11\">TIN <span class=\"wpforms-required-label\">*<\/span><\/label><input type=\"text\" id=\"wpforms-5165-field_11\" class=\"wpforms-field-medium wpforms-field-required\" name=\"wpforms[fields][11]\" required><\/div><div id=\"wpforms-5165-field_12-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-text\" data-field-id=\"12\"><label class=\"wpforms-field-label\" for=\"wpforms-5165-field_12\">Postal Code <span class=\"wpforms-required-label\">*<\/span><\/label><input type=\"text\" id=\"wpforms-5165-field_12\" class=\"wpforms-field-medium wpforms-field-required\" name=\"wpforms[fields][12]\" required><\/div><div id=\"wpforms-5165-field_5-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-text\" data-field-id=\"5\"><label class=\"wpforms-field-label\" for=\"wpforms-5165-field_5\">Date of birth of the principal insured <span class=\"wpforms-required-label\">*<\/span><\/label><input type=\"text\" id=\"wpforms-5165-field_5\" class=\"wpforms-field-medium wpforms-field-required\" name=\"wpforms[fields][5]\" required><\/div><div id=\"wpforms-5165-field_6-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-text\" data-field-id=\"6\"><label class=\"wpforms-field-label\" for=\"wpforms-5165-field_6\">Date of birth of second insured<\/label><input type=\"text\" id=\"wpforms-5165-field_6\" class=\"wpforms-field-medium\" name=\"wpforms[fields][6]\" ><\/div><div id=\"wpforms-5165-field_7-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-text\" data-field-id=\"7\"><label class=\"wpforms-field-label\" for=\"wpforms-5165-field_7\">Date of birth of first child<\/label><input type=\"text\" id=\"wpforms-5165-field_7\" class=\"wpforms-field-medium\" name=\"wpforms[fields][7]\" ><\/div><div id=\"wpforms-5165-field_9-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-text\" data-field-id=\"9\"><label class=\"wpforms-field-label\" for=\"wpforms-5165-field_9\">Date of birth of second child<\/label><input type=\"text\" id=\"wpforms-5165-field_9\" class=\"wpforms-field-medium\" name=\"wpforms[fields][9]\" ><\/div><div id=\"wpforms-5165-field_10-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-select\" data-field-id=\"10\"><label class=\"wpforms-field-label\" for=\"wpforms-5165-field_10\">Dental Insurance Option <span class=\"wpforms-required-label\">*<\/span><\/label><select id=\"wpforms-5165-field_10\" class=\"wpforms-field-medium wpforms-field-required\" name=\"wpforms[fields][10]\" required=\"required\"><option value=\"Yes\"  class=\"choice-1 depth-1\"  >Yes<\/option><option value=\"No\"  class=\"choice-2 depth-1\"  >No<\/option><\/select><\/div><div id=\"wpforms-5165-field_2-container\" class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-textarea\" data-field-id=\"2\"><label class=\"wpforms-field-label\" for=\"wpforms-5165-field_2\">Additional information <span class=\"wpforms-required-label\">*<\/span><\/label><textarea id=\"wpforms-5165-field_2\" class=\"wpforms-field-medium wpforms-field-required\" name=\"wpforms[fields][2]\" required><\/textarea><\/div><\/div><!-- .wpforms-field-container --><div class=\"wpforms-field wpforms-field-hp\"><label for=\"wpforms-5165-field-hp\" class=\"wpforms-field-label\">Phone<\/label><input type=\"text\" name=\"wpforms[hp]\" id=\"wpforms-5165-field-hp\" class=\"wpforms-field-medium\"><\/div><div class=\"wpforms-submit-container\" ><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"wpforms[id]\" value=\"5165\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"page_title\" value=\"\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"page_url\" value=\"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/506\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"url_referer\" value=\"\"><button type=\"submit\" name=\"wpforms[submit]\" id=\"wpforms-submit-5165\" class=\"wpforms-submit\" data-alt-text=\"Sending...\" data-submit-text=\"Send\" aria-live=\"assertive\" value=\"wpforms-submit\">Send<\/button><\/div><\/form><\/div>  <!-- .wpforms-container --><\/p><blockquote><p>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,<br \/>discuss your project and the best way to assist you.<\/p><\/blockquote><h2>Other insurances in Portugal<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/insurance-portugal\/car-insurance-portugal\/\">Car insurance Portugal<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/insurance-portugal\/motorcycle-insurance-portugal\/\">Motorcycle insurance Portugal<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/insurance-portugal\/home-insurance-portugal\/\">Property insurance Portugal<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/insurance-portugal\/life-insurance-portugal\/\">Life insurance Portugal<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/insurance-portugal\/dental-insurance-portugal\/\">Dental insurance Portugal<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/insurance-portugal\/boat-insurance-portugal\/\">Boat insurance Portugal<\/a><\/li><\/ul><p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n  {\n    \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n    \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n    \"mainEntity\": [\n      {\n        \"@type\": \"Question\",\n        \"name\": \"Is health insurance compulsory to live in Portugal?\",\n        \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n          \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n          \"text\": \"Private health insurance is not compulsory for residents registered with the SNS. However, since 2024 it is mandatory for any AIMA appointment to obtain or renew a\n  residence permit: you must present an active contract covering consultations, hospitalisation, emergencies and repatriation. It is strongly recommended to avoid long waiting times in the\n   public system.\"\n        }\n      },\n      {\n        \"@type\": \"Question\",\n        \"name\": \"How much does health insurance cost in Portugal in 2026?\",\n        \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n          \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n          \"text\": \"In 2026, a Portuguese health insurance plan costs \u20ac100-160\/month for a family (M\u00e9dis, Multicare, AdvanceCare). English-speaking European insurers range from\n  \u20ac150-300\/month. International expat insurers (April, Allianz) start from \u20ac400-600\/month. Using an English-speaking broker through a Portuguese company can reduce rates by up to 20%.\"\n        }\n      },\n      {\n        \"@type\": \"Question\",\n        \"name\": \"Which is the best Portuguese health insurance for English-speaking expats?\",\n        \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n          \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n          \"text\": \"M\u00e9dis and Multicare are the most recommended. M\u00e9dis stands out with its network of 2,500+ practitioners and mobile reimbursement app. Multicare is strong on dental cover\n   and well established in Lisbon and Porto. AdvanceCare is the budget option with national coverage. In all cases, an English-speaking broker simplifies the subscription process and\n  prepares your AIMA file.\"\n        }\n      },\n      {\n        \"@type\": \"Question\",\n        \"name\": \"What are the waiting periods for Portuguese health insurance?\",\n        \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n          \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n          \"text\": \"Waiting periods for Portuguese health insurance are: 90 days for hospitalisation (M\u00e9dis, Multicare), 120 days for AdvanceCare, and 360 days for chronic conditions. If\n  you switch insurer, your previous coverage period is carried over \u2014 you do not start from scratch.\"\n        }\n      },\n      {\n        \"@type\": \"Question\",\n        \"name\": \"Can I take out Portuguese health insurance without speaking the language?\",\n        \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n          \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n          \"text\": \"Yes, by using an English-speaking broker specialising in health insurance in Portugal. They compare offers based on your profile, explain the contracts, handle the\n  subscription process and prepare the documents needed for your AIMA file. This is the recommended approach to avoid coverage mistakes and get the best rates.\"\n        }\n      }\n    ]\n  }\n  <\/script><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 butexpensive), English-speaking insurers established in Europe (mid-range), and Portuguese health insurance companies (the most competitive). Budget guide for 2026: \u20ac110-160\/month for afamily via a Portuguese insurer, versus \u20ac400-600\/month [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":526,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-506","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-portugal"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/506","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=506"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/506\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9798,"href":"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/506\/revisions\/9798"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/526"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=506"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=506"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/essencial-portugal.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=506"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}