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Compare Portugal travel insurance quotes

Portugal is a compelling mix of glorious golden beaches, medieval forts, traditional Fado music and – of course – delicious port. Read our guide on Portugal travel insurance and compare quotes to find the right cover for you.

Portugal is a compelling mix of glorious golden beaches, medieval forts, traditional Fado music and – of course – delicious port. Read our guide on Portugal travel insurance and compare quotes to find the right cover for you.

Written by
Anna McEntee
Home, pet and travel insurance expert
Last Updated
8 MARCH 2023
5 min read
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Do I need travel insurance for Portugal?

It’s not a legal requirement, but travel insurance for Portugal can cover your costs if you become ill, have your trip cancelled or your valuables are stolen while you’re away.

Customers with pre-existing medical conditions

If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. Whatever happens, don’t lie to an insurance provider, because this could mean any claim you make is rejected. When you declare any medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers who will cover them, with no exclusions.

If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers who may be able to provide quotes over the phone. You can call them on 0800 138 7777.

How much is travel insurance for Portugal?

If you’re travelling to Portugal, you’ll need European travel cover. A travel policy can cost from as little as £6 for a week’s holiday in Europe [1].

But bear in mind that the exact cost of your travel insurance will depend on your age, the level of cover you need for your trip, what activities you’re planning and any pre-existing health conditions.

If you travel regularly, you might find that an annual travel insurance policy could save you money overall.

[1] Based on Comparethemarket data for a single trip travel policy for a 20-year-old with no pre-existing medical conditions travelling in Europe for 1 week. Prices correct as of January 2023.

What does Portugal travel insurance cover?

A good travel insurance policy should include:

  • Medical cover — this could pay for treatment if you fall ill or have an accident in Portugal.
  • Loss, damage or theft of luggage and passports — remember to take note of any excesses you’ll need to pay towards a claim, as well as the single-item limit – the maximum your insurance provider will pay out for one item.
  • Cancellations and delays — your travel insurance could protect you against extra costs if your trip is cancelled, delayed or shortened. Cover for a missed connection isn’t included in all policies, so check the policy T&Cs before buying.
  • Repatriation — can cover the cost of getting you home if there’s trouble with the airline, or you need to come back for medical treatment.

What isn’t included in Portugal travel insurance?

Here are some of the things that typically won’t be included in your travel insurance policy:

  • Pre-existing medical conditions that you don’t tell your insurance provider about. It’s essential you declare any medical conditions. If you don’t, you’ll most likely invalidate your policy and have to pay for treatment yourself.
  • Injuries or accidents resulting from high-risk activities – you’ll typically have to pay extra to cover sports such as rock climbing, surfing or scuba diving.
  • Incidents related to alcohol or drug use — you’ll find great bars and nightclubs in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve. It’s important you’re careful, though – if you’re injured or lose something while you’re intoxicated, your claim is likely to be rejected.
  • Natural disasters and terrorism — your policy might offer some cover but check the details carefully. Portugal does experience earthquakes and tremors from time to time, while forest fires can occur in the summer months.

What else should I consider when choosing my Portugal travel insurance?

Think about any activities you’ll be doing while in Portugal, and make sure your travel insurance covers them. You may need extra cover for:

  • Golf — Portugal is one of the world’s top destinations for golfing holidays. You can add golf insurance to single or annual trip cover if it’s not already included in your standard policy. 
  • Extreme sports — this can cover you for activities like skydiving in the Alentejo region or canyoning in the Azores.
  • Water sports — Portugal is a popular place for water sports holidays, particularly in the Algarve, so make sure you’re covered for activities such as surfing and waterskiing. 

If you’re driving to Portugal, you may want to consider European breakdown cover.

Do I need a visa to visit Portugal?

British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Portugal provided they’re not staying longer than three months.

More details of entry requirements for Portugal can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Do I need travel insurance for Portugal if I have an EHIC or GHIC card?

Portugal is in the EU, so you should take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) with you. This isn’t an alternative to travel insurance, but it gives you the right to state medical treatment on the same terms as Portuguese nationals. However, it doesn’t cover:

  • Emergency treatment in a private hospital.
  • Mountain rescues.
  • Repatriation costs if you need to be flown home.

The GHIC has replaced the EHIC, but if you have an EHIC you can use it until it expires.

You can apply for a GHIC free on the NHS website.

Any other tips for a trip to Portugal?

Here’s a few tips to help you enjoy your trip to Portugal:

  • Tipping — try to add 5-10% to your restaurant bill if the service was good. And an extra euro or two for your taxi driver, although not required, will be appreciated.
  • Crime — Portugal is generally safe, with low crime rates compared to other countries in Europe. But it pays to be vigilant and keep valuables out of sight.
  • Driving — Portugal’s road safety record has improved significantly in recent years, but road accident rates are still far higher than in the UK. So take extra care if you’re driving.

Where can I compare travel insurance quotes?

Right here at Comparethemarket. Whether you want cover for a single trip to Portugal, or you want an annual policy, we can help keep things simple.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Portugal?

If you’re looking for long, hot, sunny days, the best time to visit Portugal is between June and August. These tend to be the driest months, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C. But if you want to escape the crowds, it’s best to avoid the busy summer months – particularly if you’re planning a trip to the Algarve.

What cover do I need for a golfing holiday to Portugal?

Portugal is known for its spectacular golf courses, but standard travel insurance might not give you the cover you need. It might be worth adding specialist golf insurance to your policy. This can cover the cost of replacing your golf clubs if they’re damaged or stolen while you’re away. It could also cover green fees if an accident or illness stops you from playing.

Is Portugal good for a surfing holiday?

Definitely. The rolling Atlantic waves make Portugal a great place to surf. Peniche and Ericeira are considered the best spots, but you can also catch some serious waves in the Algarve and Porto. Make sure you include water sports insurance in your travel policy if you’re surfing. This could cover the cost of replacing your surfboard if it gets damaged or stolen, along with medical costs if you get injured.

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Anna McEntee – Home, travel and pet insurance expert

Anna’s all about delivering fantastic insurance products at a great price. Value is the most important thing for Anna, as she cuts through the jargon and finds what’s most important and worth your hard-earned money.

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