- The best travel insurance plans for Portugal
- Is it currently safe to travel to Portugal?
- Travel insurance requirements for Portugal
- The importance of travel insurance for Portugal
- What should travel insurance for Portugal cover?
- The cost of travel insurance for Portugal
- How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Portugal
- Your current insurance coverage in Portugal
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Portugal: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Portugal covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost personal items.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for Canadians, but it is highly recommended for financial protection abroad.
3. Healthcare cost: A private hospital stay in Portugal can easily exceed $500 CAD per night for visitors.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Portugal typically costs between $30 and $60 CAD.
5. Good to know: Private clinics often require upfront payment or proof of insurance before providing medical treatment.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analyzing 42 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Portugal.
The best travel insurance plans for Portugal
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | CA$1.5M | Our recommendation for safe travel to Portugal. - high medical limit - strong repatriation - wide support for tourism and family trips |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | CA$1.5M | A reliable policy for city and leisure stays. - 24/7 helpline - no deductible - includes trip cancellation |
| Tourist Card | CA$800k | Ideal for short visits or tourism in Portugal. - good value coverage - emergency medical assistance - accessible for young travellers |
| Travel Pass Monde | CA$1.0M | Balanced contract for extended or multi-country trips. - covers medical and hospital care - repatriation - suitable for active holidays |
| Globe Partner | CA$450k | A smart choice for frequent travellers. - clear core guarantees - third-party liability - simple claims |
| Globe Traveller | CA$800k | Good for flexible stays in Portugal. - quick setup - solid medical response - suits lower-risk tourism |
- high medical limit
- strong repatriation
- wide support for tourism and family trips
- 24/7 helpline
- no deductible
- includes trip cancellation
- good value coverage
- emergency medical assistance
- accessible for young travellers
- covers medical and hospital care
- repatriation
- suitable for active holidays
- clear core guarantees
- third-party liability
- simple claims
- quick setup
- solid medical response
- suits lower-risk tourism
Is it currently safe to travel to Portugal?
As of June 2025, the Government of Canada advises travellers that the current safety level in Portugal is stable, and only normal security precautions are required.
- Security risks: petty crime such as pickpocketing often affects travellers in busy places like Lisbon’s tram 28 and coastal resorts. Secure valuables, avoid isolated streets after dark, and always monitor your belongings.
- Health risks: there are no mandatory vaccinations, but seasonal outbreaks of COVID-19 and measles occur. While healthcare is generally good, rural public hospitals may face service overload, and advance payment may be required in private clinics.
- Environmental hazards: strong coastal currents lead to drownings, particularly near popular Algarve beaches, and wildfires can occur during the summer in forested regions.
- Legal requirements: minors under 18 traveling without parents to Portugal must carry a notarized authorization letter, and border police may request proof of sufficient funds and a return or onward ticket.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Government of Canada, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Portugal.
Travel insurance requirements for Portugal
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Canadian citizens to enter Portugal for tourist stays up to 90 days.
Travel insurance is still strongly recommended because medical expenses in Portugal can be high, and many healthcare providers require upfront payment or proof of coverage. Language barriers may also limit access to English or French-speaking medical staff.
According to our data, 50% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Portugal. This relatively low figure reflects Portugal’s reputation as a safe destination with well-developed tourism infrastructure.
The importance of travel insurance for Portugal
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Portugal.
Healthcare costs can be high for visitors to Portugal, especially in private clinics such as Hospital da Luz in Lisbon, where full payment is required upfront and services are often provided only in Portuguese. Although public hospitals exist, wait times can be long and English- or French-speaking staff may not always be available, especially in rural areas.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Canada in the event of a serious issue.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Portugal.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Hospital da Luz | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 2,400 EUR (CA$3,500) | up to CA$150,000 |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 800 EUR (CA$1,200) | up to CA$150,000 |
| I need to be repatriated | 15,000 EUR (CA$22,000) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 4,400 EUR (CA$6,500) | up to CA$150,000 |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What should travel insurance for Portugal cover?
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers hospital stays, urgent care, and treatments for injuries or illnesses. We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least CA$150,000 for Portugal. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Pays for ambulance transport or air evacuation, especially from remote areas. Choose a limit of CA$100,000 minimum. |
| 🛑 Repatriation | Covers the cost of returning you to Canada in case of serious illness or death. We advise a coverage of 100% of expenses. |
| 💊 Prescription drugs | Helps reimburse costs for medications needed if you are injured or become ill. Recommend at least CA$2,500. |
| 💼 Trip cancellation | Reimburses prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if you must cancel due to illness, accident or emergencies. Opt for cover up to CA$5,000 per person. |
| 🛄 Baggage insurance | Protects personal items if lost, stolen or damaged while travelling. Aim for cover of CA$2,500 or more. |
| 💸 Civil liability | Protects if you accidentally cause bodily harm or property damage abroad. Recommend a minimum of CA$1 million. |
| 🏖️ Activities coverage | Insures high-risk sports or excursions, such as surfing or hiking. Make sure your insurer includes these without exclusion. |
We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least CA$150,000 for Portugal.
Choose a limit of CA$100,000 minimum.
We advise a coverage of 100% of expenses.
Recommend at least CA$2,500.
Opt for cover up to CA$5,000 per person.
Aim for cover of CA$2,500 or more.
Recommend a minimum of CA$1 million.
Make sure your insurer includes these without exclusion.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards is often limited, with low reimbursable amounts and many exclusions. It is safer to select a trusted insurer with full coverage. Compare the best options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Portugal
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | CA$30 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | CA$55 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | CA$75 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | CA$170 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of travel insurance depends on several factors: the traveller’s age, trip duration, destination, coverage limits, and options such as trip cancellation. Riskier countries or longer stays usually cost more. It’s important to keep these in mind to choose the right policy at the right price and avoid unpleasant surprises during your trip.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Portugal
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Portugal while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 👥 Traveller’s age | Premiums are often higher for older travellers. This impacts the overall cost for longer or more complex trips. | Compare insurers as Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. Check several sites for age-specific offers. |
| 📝 Level of coverage | Higher medical and repatriation limits offer better financial protection, which can be crucial in private clinics in Portugal. | Choose only essential coverages. Match your policy limit to the actual price of healthcare or risks in Portugal, not excessive amounts. |
| 🗓 Duration of trip | Long stays increase the total premium. A policy for the exact length of your stay helps avoid overpaying. | Buy a policy for the exact travel period and avoid annual plans for short trips. |
| 🧳 Type of activities | Riskier activities such as surfing or hiking in the Azores may require special coverage, increasing costs. | Select optional coverage only for planned activities to save on unnecessary extras. |
| 🏥 Destination region | Private care in Lisbon or Porto is more expensive than in rural areas, sometimes requiring advance payment. | Adapt medical limits to your destination. If travelling mainly to cities, choose city-level coverage instead of global. |
| 👨👩👧 Family status | Family or group insurance may be better value than individual policies, especially with children. | Compare family/group offers before subscribing. Pooling coverage typically reduces cost per person compared to single plans. |
| 💳 Payment methods | Some credit cards include limited insurance, but often with low maximums and many restrictions in Europe. | Check your card’s coverage before purchase. Top up with extra insurance only for options not already included. |
Your current insurance coverage in Portugal
It’s completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage—such as credit card insurance or your public health system—can protect you during a trip to Portugal. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Portugal? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (provincial/territorial health care) | Never | No medical care, hospitalization, repatriation, or emergency evacuation coverage outside Canada. | Travel insurance covers up to CA$1,000,000+ in medical care, hospital, repatriation, and 24/7 assistance worldwide. |
| Private health insurance (group benefit plans, employer health insurance) | Limited coverage | Some medical fees and drugs abroad, often after return. Rarely covers hospitalization, repatriation, or travel emergencies in Portugal. | Travel insurance provides up to CA$1,000,000+ for medical, hospital, and immediate evacuation, including emergencies and delays. |
| Classic credit card (Scotiabank Value, CIBC Classic Visa, RBC Classic Visa) | Limited coverage | Accidents up to CA$15,000, basic travel delay (<CA$500), no hospital or medical coverage, no trip cancellation. | Travel insurance covers CA$1,000,000+, includes baggage and trip cancellation, with higher and clearer reimbursement limits. |
| Premium credit card (RBC Avion Visa Infinite, TD Aeroplan, BMO World Elite MC) | Limited coverage | Medical costs up to CA$100,000, trip delay or baggage loss typically under CA$2,000, frequent exclusions for pre-existing conditions or sports. | Travel insurance means CA$1,000,000+ for medical costs, evacuation, sports coverage, and broader protection for your trip. |
Example
While surfing in the Algarve, Maya suffered a severe concussion. Her private hospital stay and medical flight home to Canada cost $35,000. Her premium bank card's insurance only covered $5,000, and her provincial plan covered almost nothing. She was left with a staggering $30,000 bill for her Portuguese adventure.
Expert advice
Your credit card or provincial health plan often won't cover trip interruption for a relative’s illness or death. Read your policy’s exclusions carefully to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance plan tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Portugal?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa to visit Portugal for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You must have a Canadian passport valid for at least three months beyond your departure from the Schengen Area. Border officials may also request proof of sufficient funds and a return or onward ticket.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Portugal?
First, compare different providers by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Second, check the coverage and exclusions, paying attention to factors relevant to Portugal such as emergency health care, evacuation, or exclusions for adventure sports. Next, buy your chosen plan online. Finally, receive your insurance certificate for your trip.
What should I look for when choosing travel insurance for Portugal?
Choose a plan that covers at least CA$1,000,000 in emergency medical care, including hospitalization and repatriation. Make sure the policy includes 24/7 emergency assistance. If you plan outdoor activities such as hiking or water sports, verify that your policy covers these. Always review the terms for any exclusions before purchasing.
Does travel insurance cover COVID-19 related expenses in Portugal?
Many travel insurance plans now include coverage for COVID-19 related treatments, medical quarantine, or trip interruptions. However, the limits and exact protections vary by insurer. Always verify whether your policy covers COVID-19 medical costs, mandatory quarantine, or additional accommodation expenses due to isolation.
Can I extend my travel insurance if I decide to stay longer in Portugal?
Yes, many providers let you extend your policy as long as you have not experienced a claim or major medical event during your stay. You usually need to apply for an extension before the current policy expires. Always contact your insurer directly for extensions and keep all documentation of your new travel dates.
Should I carry proof of my travel insurance while in Portugal?
Yes, it is highly advisable to carry a digital and printed copy of your travel insurance certificate while in Portugal. Some private medical facilities may require proof of insurance before providing care, and having your certificate ready will speed up the admission process in case of an emergency.
Do I need a visa to travel to Portugal?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa to visit Portugal for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You must have a Canadian passport valid for at least three months beyond your departure from the Schengen Area. Border officials may also request proof of sufficient funds and a return or onward ticket.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Portugal?
First, compare different providers by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Second, check the coverage and exclusions, paying attention to factors relevant to Portugal such as emergency health care, evacuation, or exclusions for adventure sports. Next, buy your chosen plan online. Finally, receive your insurance certificate for your trip.
What should I look for when choosing travel insurance for Portugal?
Choose a plan that covers at least CA$1,000,000 in emergency medical care, including hospitalization and repatriation. Make sure the policy includes 24/7 emergency assistance. If you plan outdoor activities such as hiking or water sports, verify that your policy covers these. Always review the terms for any exclusions before purchasing.
Does travel insurance cover COVID-19 related expenses in Portugal?
Many travel insurance plans now include coverage for COVID-19 related treatments, medical quarantine, or trip interruptions. However, the limits and exact protections vary by insurer. Always verify whether your policy covers COVID-19 medical costs, mandatory quarantine, or additional accommodation expenses due to isolation.
Can I extend my travel insurance if I decide to stay longer in Portugal?
Yes, many providers let you extend your policy as long as you have not experienced a claim or major medical event during your stay. You usually need to apply for an extension before the current policy expires. Always contact your insurer directly for extensions and keep all documentation of your new travel dates.
Should I carry proof of my travel insurance while in Portugal?
Yes, it is highly advisable to carry a digital and printed copy of your travel insurance certificate while in Portugal. Some private medical facilities may require proof of insurance before providing care, and having your certificate ready will speed up the admission process in case of an emergency.
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