Navigating Health and Integration for Expats in Portugal

Watch Back This Webinar:

‍Key Healthcare Insight and Practical Tips for Life in Portugal

Our panel of healthcare and integration experts explored essential topics for life in Portugal.

Gain insights into health insurance options and private healthcare, navigating the Portuguese medical system, and guidance on adapting successfully, alongside schooling support, language learning, relocation solutions, finding the perfect home, and much more.

With record numbers of expats relocating to Portugal, many are seeking clarity on healthcare, education, relocation, and integration.

Hosted by Steve Philp, Partnership Director at Portugal Pathways, this event dived into vital topics like health insurance options, private healthcare, and navigating Portugal's medical services.

You'll also hear from integration experts who have made the journey themselves and are here to provide support, expert advice, and valuable insights on successfully adapting to life in Portugal.

What Was Covered At This Webinar?

• Comprehensive Overview of Health Insurance Options: Learn about the best health insurance plans tailored for expats, including private and public healthcare options.
• Integration Strategies: Discover how to settle smoothly into the Portugal, everything from schooling, language support, finding the right home and more, ensuring your well-being and peace of mind.
• Expert Guidance on Long-Term Health Security: Gain tips on choosing providers, understanding costs, and accessing preventive care.

Our team of experts answered attendee questions live, providing the knowledge and resources you need to build a secure and healthy life in Portugal.

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Answers to key webinar questions from attendees

Disclaimer: The guidance below and Q&As should not be fully relied upon and does not constitute formal instructed professional advice. In relation to tax advice in Portugal, please engage and instruct a regulated professional for all tax advice and structured financial planning. Please contact Portugal Pathways if you would like an introduction to one of our professional advisors.

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Leonard was asking:

What are the challenges of obtaining private heath insurance for individuals over the age of 70?

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Obtaining private health insurance for individuals over 70 in Portugal presents several challenges:

1. Limited options: Many insurance providers have age limits or restrictions for new policies, making it difficult for seniors to find suitable coverage1
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4. Higher premiums: Insurance costs tend to increase significantly for older individuals, with some plans quoting annual premiums of €5,000, €7,000, or even €10,000 or more2.
5. Reduced coverage: Some insurers may offer limited coverage or increased co-payments for older policyholders2.
6. Pre-existing conditions: Insurers may exclude or charge more for pre-existing health conditions, which are more common in older adults4.
7. Waiting periods: Even after securing a policy, there may be waiting periods before certain treatments are covered3.
8. Policy changes: Some insurance policies include clauses allowing insurers to modify coverage or premiums as policyholders age, potentially leading to unexpected changes4.

To address these challenges, seniors in Portugal may consider:

• Purchasing insurance before turning 70 to secure more competitive rates1.
• Exploring specialized plans for older adults, such as Fidelidade 60+ Activcare or ACP's health insurance plan2.
• Combining public healthcare (SNS) with supplementary private insurance for specific services5.
• Researching international insurers that may offer more comprehensive coverage for seniors4.

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Les was asking:

Hi, we have received our residency cards here and have private health insurance here in Portugal.  Do I need to maintain US health insurance going forward?

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No, you do not need to maintain US health insurance if you have residency in Portugal and private health insurance there.As a legal resident of Portugal with private health insurance, you have fulfilled the healthcare requirements for living in the country. U

S health insurance generally does not provide coverage outside the United States, so it would be of limited use while living abroad. Additionally, maintaining US health insurance while living permanently overseas can be very expensive and often unnecessary. Your Portuguese private health insurance should cover your medical needs in Portugal, and you may also be eligible to access the public healthcare system (SNS) as a legal resident

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Bob was asking:

What is the most efficient way to apply for the Intente number with the public health system once you have a D-7 Visa and Residency Card?  Can it be done online, or does it have to be in person at a local center?

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To apply for the Utente number (not Intente) with the Portuguese public health system (SNS) after obtaining a D7 visa and residency card, you generally need to follow these steps:

1. Visit your local health center (Centro de Saúde) in person. Unfortunately, there is currently no fully online process to obtain an Utente number for new residents.
2. Bring the following documents with you:

- Your residency card

- Your passport

- Your NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal)

- Proof of address (e.g., utility bill or rental contract)

- At the health center, you'll need to fill out a registration form. The staff will process your application and issue your Utente number, which gives you access to the public healthcare system2.

While the initial registration typically requires an in-person visit, once you have your Utente number, you can access many SNS services online through the SNS Portal3.It's worth noting that some areas may have longer wait times or specific procedures, so it's advisable to check with your local health center for any additional requirements or to schedule an appointment if possible.

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Sara was asking:

So we have our company set up, have our property nearly ready, we will be applying for our visa's early next year as we cant go until to live until September.... but as we will be running our business in wine Tourism, do we go D7 or D2 Visa please?

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Based on your situation, running a business in wine tourism in Portugal, the D2 visa would be more appropriate for you than the D7 visa. The D2 visa, also known as the Entrepreneur Visa, is designed for individuals who plan to start or relocate a business to Portugal. This visa is suitable for your case because:

1. You have already set up your company in Portugal.
2. You will be actively running a business in wine tourism.
3. The D2 visa is specifically tailored for entrepreneurs and business owners.

The D7 visa, on the other hand, is primarily for individuals with passive income sources (such as pensions, rentals, or investments) who want to live in Portugal without necessarily working or running a business there. Given that you'll be actively managing a wine tourism business, the D2 visa aligns more closely with your situation and intentions. It will allow you to legally operate your business in Portugal while also providing a path to residency. When applying for the D2 visa, you'll need to provide:

• A detailed business plan
• Proof of investment funds
• Evidence of your company's registration in Portugal
• Other standard visa application documents (passport, proof of accommodation, etc.)

Remember to start the visa application process well in advance of your planned September move, as processing times can vary.

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