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Let’s be honest—travel insurance isn’t the most exciting part of planning a trip. You’d rather be thinking about beaches, wine, and maybe which tile pattern will look best on Instagram. I get it.
But after living here for years, and watching tourists roll through (and sometimes into avoidable problems), I’ve come to see travel insurance a bit differently.
So, here’s what I’d tell you if you were a friend sitting at my kitchen table, asking “Do I really need it for Portugal?”
The Short Answer? Probably, Yes.
Portugal is incredibly safe. Healthcare is excellent. People are kind.
But that doesn’t mean things can’t go sideways.
I’ve seen:
- Tourists slip on cobblestones and end up with a sprained ankle
- Lost luggage issues at Lisbon airport (especially on connecting flights)
- Rental car scrapes or thefts in beach parking lots
- Canceled flights due to strikes or weather
- One poor guy who cracked a tooth on a pastel de nata (not kidding)
Most of this stuff doesn’t ruin a trip—if you’re covered.
But Isn’t Portugal in the EU? Doesn’t My Card Cover Me?
If you’re from the EU and have an EHIC or GHIC card, yes—it can help. But it’s not the same as full travel insurance. It won’t cover:
- Lost luggage
- Trip cancellations
- Emergency repatriation
- Stolen tech (phones, cameras, laptops)
And for non-EU travelers—Americans, Canadians, Aussies—it’s even more essential. Without travel insurance, even a quick hospital visit can be eye-wateringly expensive.
What Kind of Insurance Should You Get?
You want something that’s:
- Simple to use
- Affordable
- Covers medical, luggage, and trip cancellations
And ideally, one that doesn’t make you read through 40 pages of legalese just to figure out if you’re covered for food poisoning or a scooter crash.
The One I Recommend: SafetyWing
I’ve been recommending SafetyWing to friends and readers for a while because it’s designed for travelers—not just expats or backpackers.
Here’s why I like it:
- You can buy it after you’ve already started your trip
- It covers medical, luggage, trip delays, and even quarantine
- Super affordable for trips of any length
- Easy to sign up online (takes 5 minutes)
You’ll get a quote instantly—and you can activate coverage only for the days you’re in Portugal.
Do You Absolutely Need It?
Technically? No.
But practically? I’d strongly recommend it. Especially if you’re doing any of these:
- Renting a car
- Traveling with kids
- Visiting multiple cities
- Bringing expensive tech
- Booking non-refundable flights or hotels
It’s one of those things you hope you never need. But if you do—it pays for itself ten times over.
Final Thought
I’m not trying to scare you into anything. I just believe in helping travelers avoid the “I wish I had…” moment. Portugal is magical—and your trip should stay that way, even if life throws a curveball.
So grab the good shoes, plan your sunny itinerary, and maybe—just maybe—give yourself that little safety net.
If you have questions about where it makes sense (or doesn’t), feel free to reach out or drop a comment. I’m always happy to help.