Like neighboring Spain, Portugal is a member of the Schengen area. It’s not compulsory for U.S. citizens to purchase travel insurance for Portuguese travel unless you require a Schengen visa. But many travelers buy insurance as a hedge against personal circumstances or medical emergencies that make a trip impossible to take.
For example, if you need medical treatment, the healthcare system may be expensive. Whether you visit the Algarve or Azores, adventure sports are popular in Portugal. Travel insurance covers potential injuries and accidents.
Along with insurance coverage for medical care, cancellation and trip interruption coverage offers a safety net to guard against loss of finances. This may apply in circumstances such as cancellation because of medical conditions or delays because of severe weather disrupting travel departures.
The below sections explain extra levels of coverage you may wish to include in your travel insurance policy.
Cancel for Any Reason CoverageÂ
Whenever you travel, there’s a chance you may need to change your plans. For peace of mind on a Europe vacation to Portugal, cancel for any reason coverage (CFAR) ensures flexibility.
With the best travel insurance plans, you can add CFAR to allow you to claim compensation for reasons that aren’t subject to exclusions. A standard travel insurance policy generally only covers emergency situations.
Although it’s flexible for cancellations, CFAR comes with disclaimers and rules. They usually include time limits on when you can purchase the policy and short-term dates that trips must be canceled by.
Gear Theft Protection
Gear Theft Protection from an insurance company comes in handy when you take expensive equipment from the U.S. (or your home country) to Portugal. This includes valuables such as:
- Laptop
- Camera
- Sports equipment
- Jewelry
Minimum coverage helps to recoup finances for lost, stolen or damaged valuables up to predetermined limits and exclusions may apply. If, for example, you’re taking expensive water sports equipment to the Algarve, you might want to take out premium insurance.
Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation
Hospitals in Portugal are comparable to those in the U.S. In the absence of a Portugal visa for expats, medical expenses may be significant. Travel medical insurance covers you for costs relating to medical care when you visit Portugal, including emergency medical assistance. Expenses covered generally include:
- Hospital fees
- Operating room charges
- Ambulance
- Dental emergencies
- Lab tests and X-rays
Coverage may not apply to pre-existing conditions. Declare your conditions when you purchase your travel insurance plan. Most insurers provide extra coverage for pre-existing conditions. Most travel health insurance plans also include emergency medical evacuation and repatriation if local medical care isn’t available, or you need to fly home.
Rental Car Protection
In Portugal, the law requires all drivers to carry unlimited third-party liability insurance. This is automatically included in the price of car rentals. Taking out extra travel insurance for rental cars within your policy might be less expensive than doing so through rental car companies. This may include the following:
- Collision damage waiver and theft protection
- Tire and windshield protection
- Roadside protection
- Personal effects coverage
Many travel insurance plans include rental vehicle excess cover in standard plans. It goes towards the excess you’re liable for if a rental car is stolen or damaged in Portugal.
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Should you need to cancel your trip to Portugal, trip cancellation insurance provides reimbursement for prepaid expenses. Applicable reasons include the following:
- Death of a family member
- Unforeseen injury and illness
- Military or legal responsibilities
- Extreme weather or natural disasters in your country of residence or destination
It’s important to check your insurance coverage policy with regard to valid reasons for cancellation. If you prefer more flexibility, consider opting for CFAR coverage.
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