LIFE IN PORTUGAL · GUIDE
Insurance in Portugal: for your visa and life
Which insurance is mandatory for a visa application and which comes in handy once you arrive. A quick look at the main types of coverage for your family.
Vesper Advisory
Relocation support
Updated: 2026 · 5 min read
Insurance follows your move from the first step to the last: first for your visa, then for a settled life in Portugal. Here's what matters most.
Health insurance for your visa
To apply for a national visa (D7, D8, D6 and others) you need travel health insurance with coverage from €30,000, valid until you receive your residence card. This is a mandatory consulate requirement.
Private health insurance
Once you have residency you have access to the public SNS system, but many people also take out private health insurance — for faster access to specialists and English-speaking service. The cost depends on age, coverage and clinical network.
Other types of coverage
- Life insurance — often required by the bank for a mortgage.
- Home insurance — protection for your apartment/house; usually mandatory for a mortgage.
- Auto insurance — third-party liability cover (at minimum) is mandatory for all vehicles.
How to choose
At the start, what matters is the right visa insurance with sufficient coverage and correct dates. After that, your mix of coverage depends on your lifestyle: renting or buying a home, a car, your family setup. We help you choose a policy that meets consulate and AIMA requirements.
Coverage requirements and policy terms change. Before applying, check the current requirements or reach out to us to select a policy.
We'll match insurance to your visa
A policy with the right coverage and dates for consulate and AIMA requirements.