What are my health insurance requirements as a Student Visa holder?

Health insurance is a mandatory part of the Portuguese Student Visa process, ensuring that all international students have access to medical care during their stay.

Portugal offers a mix of public and private healthcare options, but visa applicants must meet certain insurance requirements before they are allowed to enter the country.

Below is a clear breakdown of what you need before arrival and how healthcare works once you’re living in Portugal.

You Must Have Valid Health Insurance Before Receiving the Visa

To be approved for a Student Visa (D4 or D5), all non-EU students must present proof of health insurance that meets Schengen standards, meaning it covers:

• Emergency medical care

• Hospitalization

• Repatriation (medical evacuation and transport of remains)

• A minimum of €30,000 coverage

This insurance must cover you for at least the 120-day validity of your initial entry visa.

Types of Acceptable Health Insurance

There are three main types of health coverage recognised by consulates:

1. Private Travel Insurance (Most Common for Non-EU Students)

Most students purchase private travel insurance for the duration of their entry visa.

This is the simplest option and is required when your country does not have a bilateral healthcare agreement with Portugal.

Policies typically cost €50–€150, depending on duration and age.

2. Bilateral Agreements (For Countries Like Brazil)

Brazilian students benefit from the PB4 / CDAM agreement, which grants access to Portugal’s public healthcare system (SNS) under the same conditions as Portuguese citizens.

PB4 is accepted instead of private insurance, as long as it is properly:

• Issued by Brazil’s Ministry of Health

• Apostilled under the Hague Convention

• Submitted with your visa application

3. European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

Students from EU/EEA countries may use their EHIC card for short-term coverage.

However, for long-term study, they often need to register under Portugal’s social security or health systems after arrival.

Health Insurance Once You Arrive in Portugal

After receiving your residence permit, you can register for Portugal’s public healthcare system, known as SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde).

To achieve this, you’ll need:

• Your residence permit

• Your passport

• Proof of address

• A valid NIF (tax number)

Some health centers may issue a temporary user number (Número de Utente) even before your residence card arrives, but this can vary by region.

SNS offers affordable access to:

• General practitioners

• Emergency care

• Specialists

• Public hospitals

Most student-friendly services are heavily subsidised or low-cost.

Should You Keep Private Health Insurance?

Even with SNS access, many international students choose to keep or add private health insurance for:

• Faster appointments

• Access to private clinics

• Coverage for services outside Portugal

Private plans are relatively affordable, often ranging from €15–€40 per month.

Long-Term Students Benefit from Continuous Coverage

Maintaining proper health insurance is crucial not only for visa compliance but also for residency progression.

Gaps in coverage can cause issues during permit renewals.

If you remain in Portugal after graduation, whether transitioning into employment, business, or even future investment options such as Portugal Golden Visa Funds, continuous health coverage supports a smooth residency path.