Moving to Portugal means navigating specific health insurance rules. Many remote workers, freelancers, and founders face confusion and delays because they do not understand the two different insurance requirements for their visa application and their AIMA residency appointment. Getting this wrong can stop your move or delay your residency.
Why Health Insurance Matters for Your Portugal Visa and Residency
Portugal requires proof of health coverage for anyone applying for a long term visa or residency. This is not just a formality. It ensures you can access medical care while living in the country. The rules changed in 2025, making it even more important to get this right from the start.
The Two Stage Insurance Plan for Portugal
You need two different types of insurance at two different times. This is a common point of confusion.
Stage 1: Insurance for Your Visa Application
When you apply for your Portugal visa at a consulate in your home country, you need travel insurance. This insurance covers you for your initial entry and stay in Portugal, typically for the 120 days your visa is valid.
- Minimum Coverage: Your policy must cover at least €30,000 for medical expenses, including emergency care and hospitalization.
- Repatriation: It must include coverage for medical repatriation, meaning the cost of sending you back to your home country if medically necessary.
- Duration: The policy should cover a minimum of 6 months, or the full duration of your visa if it is shorter. Some consulates may ask for 120 days of coverage.
- Type: Schengen compliant travel insurance is acceptable at this stage. This is often called visa insurance.
Stage 2: Insurance for Your AIMA Residency Appointment
Once you arrive in Portugal and attend your AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) appointment to convert your visa into a residence permit, the requirements change. Travel insurance is no longer enough.
- Travel Insurance Not Accepted: AIMA will not accept travel insurance for your residency appointment. This is a frequent reason for rejection.
- Private Health Insurance: You must have private health insurance that is valid in Portugal. This policy needs to be a proper health insurance plan, not just travel coverage.
- Duration: The policy should typically provide at least 12 months of coverage. It must be renewable.
- Documentation: You need to show proof of insurance registration and payment.
Accepted Health Insurance Providers in Portugal
Choosing the right provider is important. Many remote workers find it helpful to work with a broker who understands the specific needs of non-EU residents.
Top Portuguese Providers
These companies are widely accepted by AIMA and offer comprehensive plans:
- Allianz Portugal: Offers hospitalization coverage from €30,000 to €500,000.
- Multicare (Fidelidade): Often recommended by people living in Portugal for its wide coverage.
- Médis: One of Portugal’s older private health insurers.
- AdvanceCare (Generali): Provides good coverage options.
International Providers
Some international insurers also offer plans that meet Portugal’s requirements:
- MGEN: Unique because it accepts all ages without medical questionnaires. It has waiting periods.
- Foyer Global Health: Designed for people living abroad.
- Cigna Global: Offers international coverage that includes Portugal.
Common Insurance Rejection Traps
Many people face delays or rejection because of simple mistakes with their insurance.
- Using Travel Insurance at AIMA: This is the most common mistake. Travel insurance is for the visa application, not the AIMA appointment.
- Short Term Policies: Policies that cover less than 12 months, or are not clearly renewable, are often rejected.
- Missing Hospitalization Coverage: Your policy must include inpatient care.
- Non Renewable Policies: AIMA wants to see that your coverage can continue.
- Name Mismatches: Ensure the name on your insurance policy exactly matches your passport and other documents.
- Missing ID Numbers: Your policy should include your NIF (Portuguese tax number) if you have one.
What Your Health Insurance Must Cover
Beyond the minimum €30,000 for medical expenses, AIMA looks for specific coverage elements.
- Hospitalization: This is critical. Your policy must cover inpatient care.
- Emergency Care: Coverage for urgent medical treatment.
- Validity: The policy must be active and cover your entire expected stay.
Recommended Additional Coverage
While not always mandatory, these additions can provide peace of mind and better care:
- Ambulatory Care: Outpatient services like doctor visits.
- Oncology Coverage: For serious diseases.
- Dental Care: Basic dental coverage.
- Prescription Medications: Coverage for drugs.
Documentation You Need for AIMA
When you go to your AIMA appointment, bring these documents related to your health insurance:
- Insurance Certificate: The original policy document.
- Proof of Payment: Receipts showing you have paid the premium.
- Coverage Details: The policy terms, preferably in Portuguese or English.
- Validity Confirmation: Proof that the policy is current and renewable.
Timing Your Insurance Purchase
When you buy your insurance can affect your coverage, especially due to waiting periods.
- Pre Visa Application: Purchase travel insurance 3 to 6 months before your visa appointment. The effective date should match your expected arrival in Portugal.
- Pre AIMA Strategy: Switch to Portuguese private health insurance before your AIMA appointment. It is best to buy this 3 months before your appointment to account for waiting periods. Ensure the policy is active during your AIMA processing time.
Understanding Waiting Periods
Most private health insurance policies have waiting periods. This is the time you must wait after buying the policy before you can use certain services.
- Standard Waiting Periods: Typically 60 to 90 days for most services.
- Serious Conditions: For major procedures or serious conditions, waiting periods can be 180 days or even 365 days.
- Pre Existing Conditions: If you have existing health issues, these may have longer waiting periods or specific exclusions.
AIMA Appointment Requirements and Updates for 2025
As of April 28, 2025, AIMA requires 100 percent complete applications. This means all documents must be ready and correct at your appointment. Incomplete applications are automatically rejected. There is no longer a 10 day grace period to fix missing documents.
Mandatory Documents for AIMA
Your health insurance is just one part of a larger set of documents. You will need:
- Valid passport with entry stamp.
- NIF (Portuguese tax number).
- NISS (Portuguese Social Security Number): This is now mandatory as of 2025. Many people find it hard to get this number.
- Proof of Portuguese residence (Atestado de Residência or registered lease).
- Portuguese bank statements (often showing a minimum balance, like €10,000 for a single applicant).
- Health insurance certificate (private health insurance, not travel insurance).
- AIMA application form.
Not sure where you stand? Run a free Portugal Setup Check here. It takes 2 minutes.
When and How to Switch to SNS (Public Healthcare)
Once you have your residence permit, you can access Portugal’s public healthcare system, the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS).
- After AIMA Approval: After your AIMA appointment and once you have your residence card, you can register with your local health center (Centro de Saúde).
- Obtain SNS Number: You will get an SNS number (Número de Utente). This process usually takes 1 to 2 weeks.
- Required Documents for SNS: Bring your residence permit, NIF, NISS, and proof of Portuguese address.
Hybrid Strategy Benefits
Many people choose to keep their private health insurance even after getting access to the SNS.
- Private Insurance: Offers faster access to specialists, shorter waiting times, and often English speaking doctors.
- Public SNS: Provides lower costs and comprehensive coverage, especially for long term conditions and negotiated drug prices.
What Happens if Your Insurance is Rejected
If AIMA rejects your insurance, your residence card will be withheld. You will typically get a 10 day deadline to provide the correct documentation. This causes delays in your process.
- Quick Insurance Purchase: Many providers offer same day coverage if you need to buy a new policy quickly.
- Resubmission: Provide the corrected documents within the given deadline.
Best Practices for Approval
Preparation is key to a smooth process.
- Research Providers: Look into insurance providers 2 to 3 months before you need coverage. Compare options and waiting periods.
- Match Visa Type: Ensure your policy matches the requirements for your specific visa type.
- Bring Originals and Copies: Always bring original documents and photocopies to your AIMA appointment. AIMA keeps copies.
- Sign All Copies: Sign all copies of your documents.
- Language Preparation: Have documents in Portuguese or English. If needed, use certified translators.
Costs of Private Health Insurance in Portugal
The cost of private health insurance varies based on age, coverage, and pre existing conditions.
- Young Adults (20-35): Expect to pay €30 to €80 per month.
- Middle Aged (35-55): Costs can range from €50 to €150 per month.
- Seniors (55+): Premiums can be €100 to €300 or more per month.
- Couples (60s): Comprehensive coverage might cost around €300 per month.
Hidden Costs to Consider
- Co Payments: Small fees for doctor visits, typically €5 to €15.
- Deductibles: Some policies have a deductible you must pay before coverage starts.
- Exclusions: Pre existing conditions might not be covered or require additional payment.
- Renewal Increases: Premiums can increase annually or as you get older.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need health insurance for my Portugal visa if I am an EU citizen?
If you are an EU citizen, you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for temporary stays. For long term residency, you will register with the SNS once you have your residence certificate.
Can I use my credit card travel insurance for my Portugal visa?
It depends on the policy. If it meets all the minimum requirements for coverage, repatriation, and duration, it might be accepted for the visa application stage. However, it is often not accepted for the AIMA residency appointment.
What is the NISS and why is it mandatory for AIMA?
The NISS is your Portuguese Social Security Number. As of 2025, it is mandatory for AIMA residency appointments because it links you to the social security system, which includes public healthcare access and contributions.
What if my visa expires while I wait for an AIMA appointment?
The Portuguese government has extended the validity of residence permits and visas until October 15, 2025, due to AIMA delays. This means you remain legal in Portugal, but you may not be able to travel freely within the Schengen Area during this period.
How long do I need to buy private health insurance for my AIMA appointment?
You typically need to show proof of private health insurance for a minimum of 12 months of coverage for your AIMA appointment. The policy should also be renewable.