Travel insurance for Portugal

Most trips to Portugal go smoothly, and violent crime against visitors is rare. The main problem is petty theft in Lisbon and Porto, especially on Tram 28, in Alfama and Baixa and at busy metro stations, plus break-ins at rental cars parked near beaches. Keep valuables in a front pocket, don't leave bags in view in the car, and watch your drink in busy nightlife areas, where spiking can happen. If something is stolen, report it to the police the same day.

It depends on your passport. Like the rest of the Schengen Area, Portugal lets citizens of countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Singapore visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Travelers from countries such as India, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam need a Schengen visa before they go. Since April 2026, non-EU visitors have their fingerprints and photo recorded at the border under the EU's Entry/Exit System, so allow extra time at the airport, and ETIAS, the planned travel authorization, has no launch date yet. See our guide to the Portugal visa requirements.

Yes, if you need a Schengen visa: proof of travel insurance is part of your application. Visa-free visitors don't need it to enter Portugal, but visitors from outside the EU pay for most treatment there, so it's worth having either way.

Your policy needs at least €30,000 of cover for emergency medical treatment, hospital stays and repatriation. It has to be valid in all 29 Schengen countries, not just Portugal, and cover every day of your stay. Every LUMA plan for Portugal meets these requirements, so you can include your policy with your visa application.

Yes. Portugal has good healthcare: for minor problems you can visit a health center, and for emergencies, call 112. Visitors from outside the EU pay for most treatment, and costs add up quickly. LUMA covers your medical expenses, and Medipro can help you decide whether you need a doctor and where to go.

Usually, yes. Private clinics expect payment at the time of treatment, and public hospitals treat emergencies first but still bill visitors from outside the EU afterward. LUMA covers your medical costs. If your expected costs are over USD 1,000 and LUMA has pre-authorized the treatment, we can pay the hospital directly, so you don't have to.

Yes. On the Azores and Madeira, local facilities are limited and the nearest major hospital can be a flight away. If something serious happens and local care can't treat you, LUMA arranges and pays for your medical evacuation, and every LUMA plan includes it.

Yes, at patrolled beaches and with the right conditions. Portugal's Atlantic coastline is stunning, but the ocean here is cold and can have strong currents and sudden swells, particularly on the west-facing beaches of the Algarve and the Costa Vicentina. Always swim at beaches with lifeguards present and obey the flag system: green means safe, yellow means caution, red means the beach is closed to swimmers.