Private Health Insurance in Portugal for Americans in 2025

Why Health Insurance Matters for Americans Moving Abroad

For many Americans considering a move to Portugal, healthcare is one of the first questions that comes to mind. After years of navigating the complex and expensive U.S. system, it’s natural to wonder what kind of coverage you’ll have abroad and how much it will cost.

However, the situation is not the same as it is in the United States. Portugal combines a strong public healthcare system with affordable private options. However, you won't get complete access to this healthcare system just because you can visit the country.

Investing in a Portugal Golden Visa changes this conversation. With healthcare costs soaring in the U.S., more and more Americans want peace of mind for their families now and their later years as well. Let's look at the Portugal Golden Visa lets you purchase private health insurance in Portugal.

Public vs Private Care in Portugal

Portugal operates the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), its universal healthcare system. As a legal resident, you gain access to public hospitals and clinics at very low costs, sometimes even free.

That said, many expats, including Americans, decide to purchase private health insurance. This is simply because it usually offers more efficient coverage.

Private coverage offers:

• Shorter wait times for specialist appointments and surgeries

• Access to modern private hospitals and clinics across Portugal

• English-speaking doctors and staff in major cities

• Wider choice of providers and treatment options

This flexibility makes private insurance especially appealing for those used to U.S. healthcare standards. You'll just have less to worry about while paying a slightly higher payment.

Why Many Americans Prefer Private Health Insurance

Even though public care is high-quality, Americans often feel more comfortable knowing they can access private hospitals with minimal wait times. For families, the peace of mind of English-speaking doctors and pediatricians is a major factor.

Expats also appreciate that private insurance in Portugal often includes extras like dental coverage, mental health services, and preventive care.

Typical Costs & Plans in 2025

The affordability of private insurance in Portugal often surprises new arrivals.

• Individual plans: typically between €50–€100 per month

• Family plans: depending on coverage and size, often €150–€250 per month

• Comprehensive packages: including hospital stays, specialists, and outpatient care, remain a fraction of U.S. premiums

For comparison, what an American might spend on a single urgent care visit back home could cover a month, or more, of private insurance in Portugal.

The Golden Visa Advantage

So where does the Portugal Golden Visa fit in? Investing in the Portugal Golden Visa means the Portuguese Healthcare system opens up for you.

Golden Visa residency gives you the legal status needed to access the healthcare system—both public and private. Once your residency is approved, you can register with the SNS and also sign up for private coverage if you choose.

In other words, the Golden Visa ensures you and your family can enjoy Portugal’s healthcare benefits from day one.

Tips for Choosing the Right Plan

If you’re exploring private health insurance in Portugal, here are a few things to consider:

• Major providers: Multicare, Médis, Allianz, and international companies like Cigna and BUPA

• Hospital network: Check which clinics and hospitals are included in the coverage

• English support: Many insurers have expat-friendly customer service

• Flexibility: Look for plans that allow international coverage if you’ll be traveling frequently

Many Golden Visa families start with a mid-level plan that balances affordability and comprehensive care, upgrading later if needed.

Final Thoughts

For Americans moving to Portugal, private health insurance offers reassurance, quality, and affordability that are often hard to find in the U.S. Combined with access to Portugal’s public system, it creates a safety net that makes living abroad less stressful.

And with the Golden Visa as your residency pathway, healthcare access is part of the package from the moment you arrive.

Ready to learn more about how the Portugal Golden Visa works? Explore the program here.