Is Health Insurance Required For Visa Application? No.

Do You Need Full Health Insurance to Apply for a D7 or D8 Visa in Portugal? Not Yet.

When applying for a long-stay visa for Portugal, such as the D7 (passive income) or D8 (digital nomad) visa, many applicants mistakenly believe they need to present full private health insurance at the initial visa application stage. In reality, what is required at that stage is travel insurance, not long-term health insurance. Understanding this distinction can save applicants hundreds of euros.

Travel Insurance Requirements for Visa Applications

For your Portuguese visa application (D7 or D8) at the consulate or embassy, you must provide proof of travel insurance that meets specific criteria:

What Your Travel Insurance Must Cover

1. Coverage Amount: At least €30,000 (often seen as €50,000 for extra caution)

2. Coverage Area: Must clearly state Schengen Area or Worldwide including Schengen

3. Duration: Should cover the entire duration of your intended stay until you arrive in Portugal with your visa (typically 4-6 months from the start date of the policy)

4. Medical Emergency Coverage: Must include medical emergencies, urgent treatment, and hospitalization

5. Repatriation: Mandatory coverage for medical repatriation and repatriation of remains

6. PDF Proof: Must include your name, policy number, coverage period, and the above coverage details in English or Portuguese

Where to Get Valid Travel Insurance

Often, premium credit cards or bank accounts include travel insurance that meets these requirements if the trip is paid with that card. Double-check this with your bank or card provider.

If not covered, consider the following providers:

Health Insurance Requirements (AFTER Visa Approval)

Once you arrive in Portugal with your long-stay visa, and before applying for your residency permit (SEF/AIMA appointment), you’ll need to show proof of private health insurance. This is different from travel insurance.

What Your Health Insurance Must Include

1. Full Coverage: Must cover general and specialist care, hospitalization, surgeries, etc.

2. Valid in Portugal: Must be accepted by Portuguese healthcare providers

3. Annual Plan: Typically a 12-month contract, renewable

4. Minimum Coverage: Not explicitly stated, but €30,000-€50,000 is recommended

5. Proof: Provide policy document, showing your name, duration, and coverage details in English or Portuguese

Can Banks or Cards Provide This?

You’ll need a dedicated health insurance policy from an approved insurer. Some banks offer it like Millenium and Novo Banco, however, check they satisfy all the requirements.

OtherRecommended Private Health Insurance Providers in Portugal

Summary of Insurance Timing and Requirements

Final Tips

• Don’t overpay: Travel insurance for visa purposes is temporary. Don’t waste money on a full health plan until you’re in Portugal.

• Double-check documents: Make sure your insurance PDFs meet embassy standards

• Portuguese translation not always required, but it helps

• Use monthly expat health plans temporarily, if you're unsure about staying long-term

• Register for SNS (public healthcare) after residency approval to lower future costs

Understanding these nuances can make your visa and residency journey to Portugal smoother and more affordable.