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Travel Insurance for Portugal

Explore Portugal with confidence and check out some of the things travel insurance may cover.

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Article at a glance

  • Medical costs in Portugal can be high for non-EU visitors; travel insurance may help cover hospital stays, emergency care, and repatriation.
  • Australian travellers, including those travelling for work/volunteering, staying for more than 90 days should check visa requirements and policy limits.
  • Adventure activities covered: surfing, hiking, cycling and more (depending on plan and options selected).
  • Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand what’s included and excluded. Cover is subject to the terms, conditions and limitations of the PDS. 
  • No Reciprocal Health Care Agreement exists between Australia and Portugal — travel insurance for overseas medical expenses should be strongly considered.

Portugal offers a mix of medieval history and vibrant culture with a side of blissful beaches and fantastic fare. But before you hop your flight, consider how travel insurance for Portugal might help protect your trip.

From medical emergencies and travel delays to stolen luggage and natural disasters, your dream Portugal holiday can flip on its head quicker than a flight delay announcement.

What's covered

World Nomads travel insurance for Portugal offers cover (up to the policy limits) for:

We offer two travel insurance plans: Standard and Explorer. Each policy offers different levels of coverage and benefits. Consider the PDS and whether this product is right for you.

Why should I consider travel insurance for Portugal?

Travel insurance for a Portugal trip may come in handy for unplanned events like:

  • Overseas medical emergencies: Lisbon is a great city to explore on two wheels, but if you have a hiking accident and fracture your ankle (or worse) travel insurance may help cover costs.
  • Stolen belongings: Pickpocketing is a common reason for travel insurance Europe claims, especially in Portugal's busy areas like Porto's São Bento Station.
  • Trip cancellation: If your trip is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, like a natural disaster, our travel insurance for Portugal may be able to help recover costs.
  • Luggage delays: If you arrive in Farro but your luggage doesn’t, our travel insurance may help put clothes on your back.
  • Adventure activities: Surfing in Algarve, wine tasting in Douro, or hiking in Madeira? We cover more than 220 activities, so you can explore more.

This is a summary only. Cover is subject to the terms, conditions and limitations of the PDS

Planning to travel to multiple European destinations? Explore our multi-trip travel insurance article. 

Get an instant travel insurance quote.

Additional European travel insurance cover pages for Australian residents:

Does travel insurance cover medical care in Portugal?

Without a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement between Australia and Portugal, travel insurance for overseas medical emergencies should be considered.

Just keep in mind that travel insurance covers overseas medical emergencies, not routine or ongoing care. It may include cover for GP visits, hospitalisation, emergency evacuation, repatriation, and more, if you suffer a sudden illness or serious injury while on your trip.

Call the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team first if you’re sick or injured abroad.

What to look out for when travelling to Portugal

Pickpockets and scammers

Stay alert in crowded tourist hotspots like Lisbon's Tram 28 and Porto's bustling Ribeira waterfront. If you fall victim to a crime, report it immediately to authorities.


Ocean safety

The ocean is a magical place, but it can also be a dangerous one. Portugal's Atlantic coast has powerful rip currents, especially around the Algarve and Nazaré. Always swim in patrolled areas and heed warnings.


Travel to Portugal during shoulder seasons

Travel during Portugal's shoulder seasons of Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) and you'll be rewarded with cheaper accommodation and fewer crowds.

What’s not covered

Travel insurance is not blanket cover-all and there are some things we do not cover. It’s important to read your PDS carefully to ensure you fully understand what is and isn’t covered. Some of the things we do not cover include:

  • Personal belongings that are lost or stolen while unattended.
  • Existing medical conditions unless they are automatically covered.
  • Participating in sports or activities that are excluded, or any activity where you haven’t selected the appropriate level of cover and paid the additional premium, like skiing or snowboarding.
  • Incidents resulting from reckless behaviour, or if you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

This is a summary only. Cover is subject to the terms, conditions exclusions and limitations of the PDS. Contact us if you have questions about coverage or exclusions.

Travel tips for Australians in Portugal

Embrace relaxed evenings and late dinners

While Australians typically dine around 7pm, Portuguese restaurants don't even open until 7pm. Embrace the late-night dining culture and enjoy leisurely meals that often stretch past 10pm. Note: Tipping 10% is standard.

Must-visit destinations in Portugal (beyond Lisbon and Porto)

While Lisbon and Porto are essential stops, expand your itinerary to include quieter stops like Sintra, Óbidos, and Sagres where you’ll discover fairy-tale palaces, medieval charm, and breathtaking natural landscapes.

EU entry and exit travel requirements coming soon

The new European Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen Area is expected to start in October 2025. Stay informed with Smartraveller for country-specific alerts.

This is not a full list of what's covered and not covered. Other terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions may apply so please read your PDS carefully. If you’re not sure if something is covered or how to claim, contact us and we’ll let you know.

FAQ for a trip to Portugal

Here are our most frequently asked questions about travel insurance for Portugal. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalized?
  • Travel companion unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Overseas

Take the pain out of medical costs.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need medication?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transport

We'll get you to hospital lickety-split

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Hurt abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medevac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Standard Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Overseas Medical Expenses
  • Emergency dental treatment
  • 24 hour assistance
  • Emergency medical transport & repatriation
  • Cancellation costs
  • Trip interruption costs
  • Compassionate emergency visit home
  • Resumption of trip
  • Theft or accidental damage to baggage and personal items
  • Baggage delay over 12 hours
  • Funeral expenses overseas or repatriation of remains
  • Personal liability
This is a general summary for Australian residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the policy documents for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Phone: +61 2 8263 0470 or Phone: +61 2 8292 1470 (reverse charges via an operator from anywhere in the world)

Contact the team