After the start of a full-scale war, thousands of Ukrainians found themselves in the status of refugees, seeking safe haven in various countries of the world. One of these countries was Portugal, a country known for its hospitality, sunny climate and rich cultural heritage. Portugal not only opened its borders for Ukrainians, but also provided access to the social support system. At the same time, the issue of health insurance remains important for staying in this country. This is not only a legal requirement, but also an important aspect of personal safety for anyone planning a long-term stay.
What insurance is required to enter Portugal?
Portugal is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Every year, millions of people come here to enjoy the picturesque scenery, ocean coasts and attractions. However, even with a visa-free regime, Ukrainians must have an insurance policy to enter the country. This is a mandatory condition that guarantees access to medical services and protection in case of unforeseen circumstances.
According to European requirements, health insurance for a trip to Portugal must meet the standards of “EU Council Decision 2004/17”. The main requirements for the policy are as follows:
- The insurance cover must cover all countries of the Schengen zone and be valid for the entire period of stay with an additional 15 days.
- The minimum insured amount must be at least 30,000 euros.
- The deductible should not exceed 150 euros.
- The policy should cover the costs of emergency medical care, hospitalization, transportation to the hospital, and repatriation in the event of death.
In addition, the policy may include additional options: compensation for expenses in case of lost luggage, cancellation or delay of flights, which will additionally ensure comfort and peace of mind during the trip.
Features of insurance for different categories of Ukrainians in Portugal
- Tourists Ukrainians traveling to Portugal for tourist purposes must have an insurance policy that covers the costs of medical services. Usually, travel companies offer standard packages, but it is recommended to opt for advanced insurance options to fully protect travelers.
- Students. Those planning to study at Portuguese universities should take out long-term policies. Although some training programs already include basic health insurance, an additional private policy guarantees more extensive coverage. Students staying in Portugal for a long time have access to the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) system after registration.
- Workers. In order to obtain a work visa, it is also necessary to have health insurance with a coverage of at least 30,000 euros. This is a mandatory condition for legal employment.
- Refugees Although Portugal provides access to the public health system for refugees, this assistance is limited to emergencies. In order to avoid unforeseen expenses and ensure full access to medical services, Ukrainian refugees are recommended to take out private insurance, especially for the period of processing documents.
Portugal’s medical system: what you need to know
The health care system of Portugal is financed by the state and provides access to medical services for all residents of the country and citizens of the European Union. Foreigners living in Portugal can use the public SNS system after paying special public contributions or taking out private health insurance. This allows access to basic medical services and emergency care.
In case of emergencies, public hospitals in Portugal provide free treatment, but it should be taken into account that such care is provided in accordance with Portuguese standards, which may differ significantly from Ukrainian approaches to medical care. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with the local features of the medical system in advance to avoid misunderstandings in critical situations.
For those planning a long-term stay in Portugal, registration in the SNS system is mandatory. This allows access to a wide range of medical services at the level of local residents. However, it is worth remembering that not all services are free, and some of them require additional contributions or payments.
Private medical services in Portugal are available on a commercial basis. Although private clinics offer a higher level of service and faster access to specialist doctors, their services are significantly more expensive than the public system. That is why it is recommended to have private health insurance to ensure complete and high-quality medical care in Portugal, which will avoid high costs and provide access to better treatment conditions.
Health insurance in Portugal is a guarantee of your safety during your trip. It provides financial protection against unexpected expenses related to illness or accidents. Even if your visit to Portugal is limited to a few days, insurance will help you avoid unpleasant situations and ensure a peaceful stay in another country.
Insurance policy for a trip to Portugal
To enter the territory of Portugal, Ukrainian citizens must have appropriate medical insurance that meets European requirements. Policy requirements can vary depending on the purpose of the trip, so it’s important to understand what kind of insurance is needed in a particular case.
Travel insurance for a trip to Portugal is one of the most common policy categories as the country is a popular tourist destination. Citizens of the European Union can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which provides access to basic health services. Instead, Ukrainian tourists must take out a separate policy that meets the minimum requirements of Portuguese legislation. Usually, travel companies offer standard insurance packages along with the travel package, however, to avoid unforeseen expenses, it is important to check yourself whether the policy covers all possible risks. It is recommended to choose extended packages that provide coverage for medical care, hospitalization, emergency treatment, as well as transportation if necessary.
Insurance for students, who come to study in Portugal, must meet the requirements depending on the duration of the study. When it comes to short-term programs, a standard medical policy that provides cover in case of unforeseen situations is sufficient. However, students planning long-term studies in Portuguese higher education institutions must take out long-term insurance. Although in some cases an insurance policy may be included in the training program, private insurance remains the most reliable option to guarantee full access to medical services. After registering with the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde), students have access to public health services, but at the initial stage of their stay, a private policy will provide a wider range of care.
Insurance for employment in Portugal is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a work visa. The policy should provide a minimum coverage of at least €30,000, which will provide protection in the event of a medical emergency. Without such insurance, it is impossible to obtain a work permit in the country. It is worth remembering that even after obtaining a work visa, a private medical policy remains an important guarantee of access to quality medical care, especially in cases that are not covered by the state system.
Refugees arriving in Portugal, get access to the national health care system, but this access is limited to emergency medical care. Such assistance is provided free of charge, but it covers only basic medical services. It is important to take into account that the health care system in Portugal is significantly different from the Ukrainian one, and the amount of assistance provided may be limited. In order to avoid unexpected expenses and to be sure of receiving medical services in a timely manner, refugees are recommended to take out private health insurance, at least for the period until the legalization process of their stay in the country is completed.
You can take out an insurance policy both at an insurance company and online through specialized services. The registration procedure takes a few minutes, which allows you to save time and avoid unnecessary difficulties.
Therefore, regardless of the purpose of your stay in Portugal – whether it is a tourist trip, study, employment or obtaining refugee status – having the appropriate health insurance is not only a legal requirement, but also an important factor for personal safety. A private medical policy avoids many difficulties and provides financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances
