Best Expat Health Insurance in Portugal (2026)

Cigna offers broad inpatient and outpatient coverage with access to private hospitals across Portugal and Europe. Their documentation is typically accepted by Portuguese consulates without issue, which removes a significant source of stress during the visa application process.

The tradeoff is cost. Cigna sits at the premium end of the market, and for digital nomads or short-term residents, this level of coverage may exceed what's practically needed. But for families, retirees, and anyone prioritizing certainty, the investment often makes sense.

Allianz has strong recognition across Europe, and their plans are structured in ways that align well with Portuguese visa requirements. For D7 applicants—who are typically older, risk-averse, and planning to stay long-term—Allianz offers the combination of stability and clarity that consulates expect.

Like Cigna, Allianz is a premium option. The value proposition is peace of mind: you know the coverage will work, the documentation will be accepted, and the provider will be there if you need care.

The appeal is obvious: affordable monthly pricing, no annual commitment, and seamless sign-up from anywhere. For Digital Nomad Visa applicants who may not know how long they'll stay in Portugal, this flexibility is valuable.

Important caveat: SafetyWing may not meet all Portuguese visa requirements for every visa type. Some consulates require policies with no co-pays, no coverage limits, and full coverage within Portugal. Before relying on SafetyWing for your visa application, confirm your specific policy meets the requirements for your visa category.

For many digital nomads, SafetyWing works well as primary coverage once residency is established, or as a supplement to other coverage. The key is verifying eligibility before building your visa application around it.

For the D7 visa, consulates typically require private health insurance valid in Portugal with no significant coverage gaps. Some consulates specify no co-pays on essential services, though requirements can vary by location.

The Digital Nomad Visa has similar requirements but targets a different profile. Because applicants are working remotely (not retired), consulates may be somewhat more flexible, though this isn't guaranteed.

Golden Visa applicants face the same insurance requirements, though the higher investment thresholds mean fewer applicants overall.

D7 Visa applicants are typically retirees or passive income earners planning long-term stays. They tend to be older, more risk-averse, and more focused on comprehensive coverage. Premium international plans from Cigna or Allianz are the standard choice. The visa requires approximately €820/month in income.

Digital Nomad Visa applicants are typically younger, working remotely, and may be less certain about their long-term plans. The higher income requirement (approximately €3,280/month) means they have more budget flexibility. Some use premium coverage; others use SafetyWing or similar options after verifying visa eligibility.

The practical question: how certain are you about staying long-term? If very certain, invest in premium coverage. If uncertain, flexible coverage may make more sense—but verify visa compliance first.

D7 Visa applicants (retirees/passive income): Premium international coverage is the safe choice. Cigna or Allianz documentation is widely accepted, and consulates are familiar with these providers. The D7 path to permanent residency takes 5 years—plan for the long term.

Digital Nomad Visa applicants: You have more flexibility. Premium coverage is still the safest option for visa approval, but some applicants successfully use mid-tier options. Verify before applying.

Golden Visa applicants: Given the investment required (€500k+ in qualifying categories), insurance costs are marginal. Use premium coverage for hassle-free documentation.

Families: Coverage breadth, pediatric care, and hospital access matter more than price. Cigna's family plans are commonly used.

Short-term stays: If you're testing Portugal for a few months before committing, flexible coverage like SafetyWing may work—but only if you're not relying on it for a visa application.

Once you have a residence permit and are registered in the Portuguese system, you can access the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS). The quality is generally good, though wait times for non-urgent care can be long, especially in popular areas like Lisbon.

However, you need private insurance to get the visa that grants you access to SNS. It's a chicken-and-egg situation: private insurance first, public access later.

Many long-term expats maintain private coverage even after gaining SNS access, using private hospitals for faster service and specialists while keeping public healthcare as a backup.