Guide · Updated November 2026
Travel insurance in Portugal: how to claim a doctor's visit
Paying for a doctor abroad is stressful, but most travel insurance policies cover it. The key is having the right documents. Here is what to do.
Does travel insurance cover a private doctor in Portugal?
In most cases, yes. Standard travel insurance policies usually include medical expenses abroad, including a private doctor visit, prescribed medicines and, if needed, hospital care. Limits, excesses and conditions vary, so check your policy wording.
Call your insurer first, if you can
Many policies have a 24-hour assistance number and ask you to call before seeing a doctor, or as soon as possible afterwards. If it is urgent, get care first and call them later. Your health always comes first.
The documents you will need
- The medical report: what the doctor found, the diagnosis and the treatment. Ask for it in English.
- The invoice: with your name, the date, the service and the amount paid.
- Pharmacy receipts for any medicines you bought.
- Proof of payment: a card statement or the payment confirmation.
- Your policy number and a copy of your passport or ID.
How to make the claim
- Pay for the visit and keep every document.
- Fill in your insurer's claim form, usually online or in their app.
- Upload the report, invoice and receipts.
- Submit it within the deadline in your policy. Many insurers ask for claims within a few weeks of your return.
What about the EHIC or GHIC?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and the UK's GHIC give you access to public healthcare in Portugal on the same terms as residents. They do not cover private doctors or private hospitals, so for a private visit you rely on your travel insurance.
Common reasons claims are refused
- Missing documents, especially the medical report.
- A pre-existing condition you did not declare when buying the policy.
- Not calling the assistance line when the policy required it.
- Claiming after the deadline.
This guide is published by DoctorsPortugal (Lighthouse Health Concierge, Unipessoal Lda.), a doctor home-visit service in Lisbon, Cascais and Sintra. The information here is general and does not replace medical advice. In an emergency, call 112.