What insurance do I need in Portugal — health, home, car?
🆕 2026 snapshot: private health cover runs roughly €25–60/mo (basic), €80–150 (comprehensive), €150–300+ (premium / pre-existing). Portuguese providers, 2026 rate cards: Multicare from €30, Fidelidade from €35, Medis from €40.
For your visa: D7/D8 applications need proof of private (or travel) health insurance; a Schengen-type policy needs ≥€30,000 cover (~€90–130 for 3 months). D7 holders do not get public SNS access until they are resident.
Mandatory: car insurance (at least third-party) always; buildings/home insurance is required if you have a mortgage.
For your visa: D7/D8 applications need proof of private (or travel) health insurance; a Schengen-type policy needs ≥€30,000 cover (~€90–130 for 3 months). D7 holders do not get public SNS access until they are resident.
Mandatory: car insurance (at least third-party) always; buildings/home insurance is required if you have a mortgage.
Some insurance in Portugal is legally required, some is just sensible, and some is a waste. Here's the honest split — pick a type below for what it covers, who sells it, and what it costs.
Pick a type
Optional — the public SNS covers residents. Private health buys speed + English-speaking care.
- Main insurers: Médis, Multicare, AdvanceCare, Tranquilidade, Allianz.
- ~€30–100/month depending on age and cover. Watch waiting periods for pre-existing conditions and annual caps.
- Many expats keep private alongside the SNS — see healthcare in Portugal.
Mandatory with a mortgage (building cover); otherwise optional but wise.
- Seguro multirriscos — covers fire, water damage, theft. Banks require at least building/fire cover if you have a loan.
- ~€150–400/year depending on the property and cover (building only vs building + contents).
- In an apartment, the condomínio usually insures the common structure — you insure your flat + contents.
Mandatory — at minimum third-party liability (responsabilidade civil). Driving without it is illegal.
- Levels: third-party (minimum, legal) → third-party+ (fire/theft/glass) → fully comprehensive (danos próprios).
- ~€200–600/year depending on the car, your history, and cover level. A foreign no-claims record can sometimes be recognised — ask.
⚠️ Requirements and prices vary by insurer, property and profile. Get a couple of quotes and confirm the current terms before signing.
Budget these into the cost-of-living calculator, or ask us.
Sources
ASF — insurance regulator Insurer portalsFrequently asked questions
What insurance is mandatory in Portugal?
Car insurance (at least third-party) is compulsory. Home insurance is required for mortgaged properties and for buildings in a condominium; health insurance is optional once you are in the SNS.
How much does private health insurance cost?
It varies widely by age and cover — modest monthly premiums for young adults, more for older applicants or comprehensive plans. Indicative — compare providers.
Do I need home insurance if I rent?
Not legally as a tenant, but contents insurance is cheap and worth it. The landlord usually insures the building itself.
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≈ Figures with ~ are rounded or indicative — market prices vary by provider, and official thresholds are shown rounded. Check the exact amount for your case.
Guidance, not legal or tax advice — verify your case with official sources.