Portugal Travel Insurance Requirements

Key Takeaways

• Our analysis shows that Tin Leg, Travel Insured International, and Generali Global Assistance offer Portugal’s best travel insurance.
• Portugal’s scenic coastal drives and historic walking tours can involve risks like trip delays or medical emergencies, making comprehensive coverage essential.
• Popular activities like wine tasting in the Douro Valley, hiking in Madeira, or exploring Lisbon’s hills may increase the chances of trip interruptions or medical needs.
• Based on recent Squaremouth data, a comprehensive travel insurance plan to Portugal costs an average of $19.78 daily.
• Try our online travel insurance comparison tool to get quotes from multiple providers at once. For personal assistance, call our award-winning agents at 1-800-240-0369

Our Top Recommended Portugal Travel Insurance Plans

1. Tin Leg – Gold offers high medical limits, generous cancellation coverage, and protection for adventure activities—perfect for travelers exploring Portugal’s coastal cliffs, historic sites, or island trails.
2. Travel Insured International – FlexiPAX offers comprehensive, customizable coverage with robust medical benefits and cruise protection—ideal for travelers sailing the Douro River or visiting various Portuguese ports.
3. Generali Global Assistance – Standard offers a balance of affordability and solid coverage for trip cancellations, delays, and baggage, making it great for travelers with packed itineraries through Lisbon, Porto, and beyond.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Portugal?

Travel insurance isn’t required for U.S. tourists visiting Portugal for under 90 days. However, it’s strongly recommended. Portugal’s public health system charges non-EU tourists for care; unexpected cancellations or delays are common. Emergency evacuation coverage is also wise if you plan to explore off-the-beaten-path villages or islands like the Azores or Madeira.

Reasons You May Need Travel Insurance for Portugal

Medical Emergencies & Healthcare Costs

While Portugal has quality healthcare, international travelers must pay out-of-pocket unless insured. Emergency services, hospital visits, or prescriptions can cost hundreds—or even thousands.

✅ A good travel medical plan covers ER visits, ambulance rides, diagnostics, and medications—crucial if you have a chronic condition or are traveling with children or elderly relatives.

Tour and Activity Interruptions

Portugal’s charm lies in guided excursions, whether a sunset sail in the Algarve or a historical walking tour in Porto. However, illness, injury, or unexpected events could mean forfeiting prepaid plans.

✅ Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage help you recoup costs from missed tours, non-refundable tickets, or excursions—ideal for those with packed itineraries.

Frequent Delays and Transit Disruptions

Portugal’s airports—especially Lisbon and Porto—often experience weather delays, air traffic congestion, or seasonal strikes. A missed connection could lead to hotel rebookings and new transport costs.

✅ Travel delay benefits help cover overnight stays, new travel arrangements, and meals if your plans get thrown off course.

Lost or Delayed Luggage

Multiple flight legs or small regional airlines increase the odds of delayed or missing bags, especially during the summer tourism rush.

✅ Baggage coverage reimburses for replacement essentials—like sandals, beachwear, or medication—if your luggage takes an unexpected detour.

Unexpected Cancellation

From last-minute illnesses to work conflicts or family emergencies, trip cancellations happen. Without coverage, you could lose thousands in prepaid travel costs.

✅ Cancellation coverage helps protect non-refundable hotel nights, rail passes, or event tickets, reimbursing you if plans change due to a covered reason.

COVID-19 or Other Illness

While Portugal has relaxed COVID restrictions, illness abroad—whether from a virus, food poisoning, or flu—can derail your plans.

✅ Many plans cover COVID-related care, cancellations, and quarantine accommodations. Some even reimburse missed excursions due to illness.

More Details on the Best Travel Insurance for Portugal

Travel Insured International

• Recommended Plan: FlexiPAX
• Emergency Medical: $100,000
• Medical Evacuation: $500,000
• Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
• Great for add-ons and coverage upgrades

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Tin Leg

• Recommended Plan: Gold
• Emergency Medical: $500,000
• Medical Evacuation: $500,000
• Trip Cancellation: 100% of trip costs
• Covers a wide-range of adventure sports & activities

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How Much Does Portugal Travel Insurance Cost?

Internal data from Squaremouth shows that, in the past year, travelers spent an average of $19.78 per day on comprehensive travel insurance for Portugal, consistent with most destinations. This rate results in a total cost of $356.08 for an 18-day trip, covering about $5,130 in expenses. A medical-only plan without cancellation benefits averages $4.17 daily for a 25-day journey, totaling $104.29.

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What Travel Coverage Do You Need for Portugal?

Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance

Portugal’s vibrant tourism industry and seasonal travel spikes necessitate cancellation coverage, particularly if you’ve paid in advance for activities like guided city tours, wine tastings, or boutique hotel accommodations. Trip Cancellation covers costs if you cancel for valid reasons like illness or a family emergency. Trip Interruption assists if your trip ends early due to illness, injury, or a transit strike/emergency at home.

Travel Medical Coverage

Portugal has a strong public healthcare system, but it doesn’t cover U.S. travelers. That means you’ll be expected to pay out-of-pocket for hospital care, emergency services, and even minor treatments. Travel medical insurance can cover emergency treatment, ambulance rides, X-rays, hospital stays, and sometimes telehealth visits. We recommend at least $100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage, especially for travelers with pre-existing conditions or families with kids.

Medical Evacuation Coverage

While Lisbon and Porto boast excellent medical facilities, more remote areas, such as the Douro Valley, Alentejo, or the islands of Madeira and the Azores, might lack specialized care. We recommend at least $250,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage for travelers planning to explore Portugal’s countryside or coastlines.

Insurance for Baggage and Personal Items

Lost or delayed luggage can ruin your entire trip, especially if you’re island-hopping or transiting through major airports like Lisbon or Faro. Tourist hotspots like Bairro Alto and crowded trams in Lisbon are also known for pickpocketing. Baggage insurance helps replace lost, stolen, or delayed items, including clothes, tech, and essentials. Most plans offer $500 to $2,500 in coverage and reimburse for urgent purchases if your bag arrives late.

What Isn’t Covered by Portugal Travel Insurance Plans?

Even the best travel insurance plans have exclusions, and knowing what’s not covered can save you from unpleasant surprises mid-trip. Here are the most common gaps in coverage for travelers headed to Portugal:

• Alcohol- or Drug-Related Incidents – A glass of vinho verde in the Douro Valley or a night out in Lisbon’s Bairro Alto might be part of your Portugal adventure—but if you’re injured while under the influence, your insurance claim could be denied.
• Pre-Existing Condition Flare-Ups — Traveling with a chronic condition like asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure? Any complications during your trip may not be covered unless you purchase a plan with a Pre-Existing Condition Waiver. This benefit is usually available if you buy the policy within 14–21 days of making your first trip payment.
• Non-Covered Cancellation Reasons – If you cancel due to changing your mind, having a non-emergency work conflict, or feeling suddenly nervous about flying, a standard Trip Cancellation plan won’t reimburse you. In those cases, you’ll need a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) policy, which offers partial reimbursement even when your reason falls outside traditional coverage.

Tips for Getting the Best Travel Insurance for Portugal

Finding the right plan isn’t just about price—it’s about choosing coverage that matches your itinerary and travel needs. Check out a few of our best tips:

Use a Comparison Tool

The easiest way to find the right plan is to compare your options. Squaremouth’s quote engine lets you filter plans based on medical coverage, cancellation protection, COVID benefits, adventure activity add-ons, and more—perfect if you’re planning wine tastings in Porto, hiking in the Azores, or a guided tour through Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods.

Read the Fine Print

Not all plans cover the same activities or risks. For example, some may exclude things like sailing along the Algarve coast, hiking in Madeira’s rugged terrain, or scooter rentals unless you add adventure or hazardous activity coverage. Read the plan’s Certificate of Insurance carefully—especially if you’re booking excursions, ferry rides, or island-hopping adventures.

Consider Your Specific Travel Risks

Portugal has potential disruptions, from ferry delays between islands to road closures in rural villages or lost luggage after a long-haul flight into Lisbon. If you plan to attend a festival, drive cross-country, or travel during the rainy season, look for plans that include weather-related trip delays, missed connections, or lost baggage protection.

Choose Appropriate Limits Based on Your Itinerary

We advise $100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and $250,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage, particularly for those over 60 who have pre-existing health conditions or plan to explore remote areas like the Alentejo region or the volcanic trails of the Azores. For travelers with expensive prepaid tours or family members in tow, a comprehensive plan with robust cancellation and interruption coverage provides added peace of mind.

Is Travel Insurance for Portugal Worth It?

Absolutely. Whether it’s a missed flight, food poisoning in Porto, or lost bags on arrival, travel insurance helps keep minor mishaps from ruining your vacation. A small upfront cost can save you thousands in refunds and out-of-pocket expenses.

FAQ: Portugal Travel Insurance

Is Portugal safe to visit?

Yes, Portugal is considered one of the safest countries in Europe. Still, stay alert in crowded tourist areas and watch out for petty theft.

Is travel insurance mandatory for Portugal in 2025?

Insurance is not required for U.S. citizens, but it is necessary for Schengen visa applicants. Even without a visa requirement, travel medical insurance is strongly advised for peace of mind and medical protection.

Will my U.S. health insurance work in Portugal?

Most U.S. health insurance does not cover international care. You’ll likely need to pay out of pocket without travel medical coverage.

What documents are required to travel to Portugal?

You need a valid passport. U.S. citizens don’t need a visa to stay for less than 90 days. Check entry rules at Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Do I need a visa or passport to travel to Portugal?

Yes, a valid passport is required. No visa is needed for U.S. tourists staying under 90 days.

Does Portugal require COVID insurance?

As of 2025, no. However, COVID coverage is still included in most comprehensive plans, including trip cancellations and medical care related to the virus.

Helpful Links

• Schengen Visa Portugal Information
• U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Portugal