Personal · Independent · English-speaking
Private
Health Insurance
in Portugal for expats
For English-speaking expats and residents across Portugal – personal advice in English, comparison of leading insurers and access to private hospital networks. From the Algarve and Lisbon to Porto and Madeira.
- Advice in English – no Portuguese required
- Comparison of leading insurers in Portugal
- Access to private hospital networks
- Personal support when you need to make a claim
national & international health insurance partners
first response
Request a free quote
Completed in around 3 minutes · reply within 24 hours
We compare leading health insurers for you
Our complete insurance offering in Portugal
Comprehensive protection in one place
Three steps to the right plan
Send your request
Complete the form in English in around five minutes. Your details help us identify suitable options.
Personal consultation
Our English-speaking team contacts you within 24 hours by phone or email, whichever you prefer.
Tailored proposal
You receive a clear, no-obligation comparison of suitable plans from leading insurers.
One network, one contact – in your language
English-speaking insurance advice across Portugal
“Our team guides English-speaking clients across Portugal through the Portuguese insurance system – personally, independently and in your language. From the first consultation to the handling of a claim, you always have dedicated contacts.”
- 📞 Phone: +351 289 392 452
- Email: [email protected]
- 📍 In person: Algarve (Almancil) · support throughout Portugal
- ✓ Languages: English, German and Portuguese
Client experiences in Portugal
“My first contact with C1 Broker was back in 2023. Since then, Fatima Guerreiro has helped me with several insurance policies, and I can’t speak highly enough of the service…”
May Slowik
Algarve · Client since 2023
“C1 Broker has been a real stroke of luck for us. Our health and car insurance were explained clearly, with excellent prices and outstanding service. It has been a pleasure working with Fatima and Max!”
Dave H
Portugal · Client since 2024
Health Isurance in your region
Private hospitals, network coverage and the availability of English-speaking doctors vary by region. We understand local healthcare access and advise accordingly.
North
Porto & the North
- Porto · Braga · Guimarães
- Strong private hospital presence
- Strong network-based plans
Centre of Portugal
Lisbon & Central Portugal
- Lisbon · Cascais · Coimbra
- Largest range of private hospitals
- Many international specialists
South & Islands
Algarve & Madeira
- Faro · Portimão · Loulé · Funchal
- Many English-speaking doctors
- Popular with residents and long-stay visitors
How much does private health insurance cost in Portugal?
Private health insurance premiums in Portugal depend on entry age, the level of cover (network-based plan, reimbursement plan or international cover) and family circumstances. National plans are often more affordable than international solutions.
Important: most plans require a health declaration. Pre-existing conditions do not automatically mean refusal; they may instead lead to a surcharge or an alternative plan. We review the details personally with you.
Single, age 42
National network plan · example range from approx. €70-150/month
Couple, ages 60 / 63
National reimbursement plan · example range from approx. €270-500/month
SNS or private health insurance?
Portugal has a two-part healthcare system: the public Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) and private health insurers. As a resident, you can access the SNS through your Utente number, with low-cost basic healthcare but sometimes long waiting times.
People with private insurance benefit from faster access to specialists and private hospitals, greater freedom of choice within the policy network and often English-speaking doctors. Many expats therefore combine both: the SNS as a base and private health insurance for faster everyday access.
Health plan or health insurance – the difference in Portugal
In Portugal, genuine health insurance is sold alongside health plans (planos de saúde). The difference matters: a health plan is a discount system – you pay reduced prices within the network but still cover the treatment costs yourself. Health insurance, on the other hand, pays covered treatment costs according to the terms of the policy.
Access to private hospital networks across Portugal
Private health insurance can provide access to the hospitals and clinics included in your policy network. Portugal has several major private healthcare groups with nationwide coverage, including CUF, Hospital da Luz and Lusíadas Saúde. We check which facilities are included in your specific plan.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need health insurance as a resident in Portugal?
As a resident, you can generally access the public SNS through your Utente number. Some residence procedures may also require evidence of sufficient health cover. We help you understand which solution fits your situation.
SNS or private healthcare – which is better?
The SNS provides low-cost basic healthcare but can involve long waiting times and care mainly in Portuguese. Private health insurance usually offers faster access to specialists and private hospitals. Many expats use both systems together.
What is the difference between a health plan and health insurance?
A health plan (plano de saúde) is a discount system: you pay reduced prices within the network but cover the costs yourself. Health insurance pays covered treatment costs according to the policy terms.
Up to what age can I take out private health insurance?
Most insurers in Portugal accept new customers up to an entry age of around 60 to 70. International providers and some specialist plans may have different age limits.
How are pre-existing conditions and waiting periods treated?
Pre-existing conditions must be declared accurately. Depending on the condition, the insurer may apply a surcharge, an exclusion or offer an alternative plan. Waiting periods vary by provider and benefit.
Why use an English-speaking broker instead of buying directly?
Buying directly means dealing with one insurer, often in Portuguese, without a broker to support you during a claim. An English-speaking broker can compare options, explain the policy and remain your dedicated contact.
Private Health Insurance in Portugal
Free advice in English · Reply within 24 hours