Do I need travel insurance for Portugal?

With a rich history and beautiful coastline, Portugal has become a European holiday destination to rival its neighbor Spain, or the French Riviera. Away from its beaches is a country with picturesque palaces, castles and monasteries, and quaint villages, some of which date back to medieval times. The beaches of the Algarve are still well worth a visit though, as are Portugal’s many golf courses - if teeing off is your thing! The capital Lisbon is a fascinating blend of new and old - with its own futuristic cable car and narrow medieval streets and its Baroque architecture contrasting with a young, vibrant city that is very much looking to the future.

AXA’s Schengen travel insurance offers extensive protection for those traveling to Portugal - as it can cover medical expenses up to €100,000 in Portugal and other Schengen Area countries. It also allows you to obtain the travel insurance certificate required with your visa application. 

What does AXA Schengen travel insurance for Portugal cover?

Starting at around $35 per week of your trip, our Europe Travel insurance covers:

• Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses 
• Medical repatriation & transport 
• 24/7 medical assistance in English or French in case of urgency
• Up to 180 days of coverage
• All Schengen, European Union countries as well as the United Kingdom (depending on the chosen insurance)
• Insurance certificate issued immediately and approved by the embassies
• No age limit
• Zero deductible - which will allow you to avoid some upfront and early costs with your claim

Is travel insurance required for Portugal?

Travel insurance is mandatory if you need a Schengen Visa for Portugal. If you don’t need a visa, travel insurance is optional but strongly recommended as medical costs can be high for foreigners, especially as you will need to pay for any prescriptions.

Can I travel to the territories of the Azores and Cape Verde Islands on a Schengen Visa?

Although not on the continent of Europe, the Azores and Cape Verde Islands are incorporated into the Schengen Area so you can travel there on a Schengen Visa. AXA’s travel insurance will also cover you for trips there.

Do you cover emergency medical costs related to coronavirus? 

We will cover your medical costs related to coronavirus provided you haven't traveled against World Health Organization advice, personal medical advice from your doctor, or any other government body’s advice in your home country or the country you are traveling to. Emergency and additional travel costs are also covered providing you have stuck to this advice. 

All issued electronic certificates purchased on the axa-schengen site include this disclaimer: “Medical fees related to COVID-19 are covered in the terms, conditions & exclusions established in the insurance policy”. This will satisfy any embassy rules that state you must get an insurance certificate with Covid protection. 

Will AXA Schengen travel insurance be accepted with my Portugal visa application?

AXA has been delivering insurance certificates that meet Schengen countries’ requirements to obtain a visa for more than 10 years.  All you need to do is print the electronic form of the health insurance certificate and enclose it with your visa application. Each AXA Schengen insurance certificate is individualized and bears a number that is verifiable on our website.

What are the requirements for travel insurance for my Portuguese visa?

To obtain a Schengen Visa to Portugal your insurance must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses
• It should cover all member states of the Schengen Area.
• It should cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons.

I don’t need a Schengen Visa to visit Portugal - can I still purchase your insurance to cover my possible health expenses?

Schengen travel insurance is not mandatory for some travelers, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be injured or get ill. A broken wrist or nasty infection can happen to anyone! We thus strongly recommend that you subscribe to our insurance for travelers visiting Europe to make sure your trip is as safe and peaceful as possible. Particularly if tackling dangerous sports or traversing Portugal’s forests and mountains.

What are the main advantages of AXA Schengen insurance?

1. Compliant with European requirements for Schengen Visa. 10 years of existence
2. Immediate coverage. Your insurance covers you from the first day you need it.
3. No age restriction, zero deductible. 
4. No price variation because of nationality or age
5. Refund if your Schengen Visa application is denied.

Why should you trust us?

• Medical files processed by AXA Schengen in 2021: 2292
• Medical calls processed by our agents in 2021: 3845

Which insurance plans to consider?

What should I do if I am injured or ill while in Portugal?

Don’t worry - AXA’s Schengen insurance is here to guide, help, and protect you. In case of a medical emergency, you must contact the AXA Schengen call center at the number provided on your insurance policy. Medical assistance professionals will answer your questions and advise you 24/7 to help you find the medical center best suited to your situation and the closest to your location.

The following information must be given to the call center:

• The number of your policy, which begins with “SCH”.
• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached and the details of the people that can be contacted locally.
• The dossier number, which is communicated at the time of the first call.

IMPORTANT: Remember to always keep bills/ invoices and enclose them with your file.

What should I know when preparing for my trip to Portugal?

Security: Crime rates are low but pickpocketing, handbag snatching, and theft from cars and holiday properties can happen in major tourist areas and can be accompanied by violence. Be especially vigilant on public transport and at busy railway and underground stations and crowded bus and tram stops, and do not carry all your valuables together. Also, remember that foreign-registered and hire cars are often targeted by thieves.

Public transport: Public transport in Portugal is good, particularly if you're going to large towns or cities. Some of the smaller towns and villages are a little harder to get to and usually have fewer services. The Metropolitano de Lisboa, or metro for short, is one of the fastest and cheapest forms of public transportation in Lisbon. It consists of four subway lines: blue, yellow, green, and red. The metro is a consistent and reliable way to get around the city and is very clean and well maintained.

Opening hours: Local mini-markets and shops, currency exchange shops, and off-licenses are usually open from 9 am to 7 pm, with some opening the same hours on Sundays and public holidays. Lunchtime closure from 1 to 3 pm is fairly common outside of major towns and tourist resorts. 

Driving license: If you have a driving license issued in a country with a bilateral agreement with Portugal, you can drive in Portugal with your foreign driving license for 185 days (about 6 months), provided you are not a resident.

Restaurants: Portuguese restaurants are usually open for lunch from midday to 3 pm. Dinner is served between 7.30 pm and 11 pm although some restaurants are open as late as 2 am.

Visa: Although many countries have visa-free travel with Portugal and the Schengen Area, if you think you do need a visa to Portugal you can find out more, here.