Do I need Schengen travel insurance to visit Portugal if covered by the NHS?
I am a South African citizen living in the UK 22 years with indefinite leave to remain.
Do I need Schengen travel insurance to go to Portugal if I'm covered by the NHS in the UK?
Best Answer
Yes, as the NHS does not provide coverage that is required as part of the Schengen insurance (even with the EHIC). Specifically, Schengen insurance covers:
- Medical Expenses
- Repatriation
- Assistance
EHIC has this disclaimer:
Note: The EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and will not cover any private medical healthcare or costs, such as mountain rescue in ski resorts, being flown back to the UK, or lost or stolen property. The EHIC will also not cover your medical expenses if you are going abroad specifically to have treatment.
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Do you need medical insurance to travel to Portugal?
Travel insurance for non-EU citizens is a must It is required for all non-European Union (EU) nationals to have travel insurance cover when you are visiting Portugal. It should cover repatriation in the event of an accident, death and potential medical costs, up to at least \u20ac30,000.What insurance do I need for Portugal?
Do I need a GHIC when travelling to Portugal? It's a requirement of our travel insurance to take a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) or EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) with you when travelling to Portugal. But remember a GHIC or EHIC is a compliment to travel insurance, not a substitute for it.Can I get travel insurance for Portugal now?
Visitors living abroad who are planning to travel to Portugal can now subscribe to the Health in Portugal Travel Insurance or to the Portugal Travel Insurance, two options adapted to the new pandemic caused by Covid-19.Does my EHIC card cover me in Portugal?
The card cannot be used within Portugal unless it has been issued elsewhere in the EU. Doctors and dentists: To benefit from treatment go to the nearest Health Centre (Centro de Sa\xfade) and show a passport or EHIC card and ask to be treated under the EU arrangements.Which do I choose? International Travel Insurance | Schengen Visa Requirements
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Answer 2
In any instance of travelling it is always recommended to have a valid travel insurance policy, but there is nothing to say that you have to. In the event of anything happening you will simply not be covered for that incident and you will have to pay the full amount of health cover.
However the European Health Insurance Card gets you free or discounted treatment in state run medical practices in the EU and other countries. Which basically entitles you to the same level of cover as a local of the country you are in would expect.
To get cover in the EU (Including Portugal for your example) and other countires/teritories you need a valid European Health Insurance Card which is free, but does not replace travel insurance. It entitles the holder to free or discounted medical treatment at state-run hospitals and GPs in any European Union country, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. It replaced the old E111 form in 2005.
As a UK resident and not a EU/Switzerland citizen you can apply by post with proof of address and proof of residency (visa, HO letter, employer letter or approved forms).
Beware of fake EHIC websites. There are a few out there. Always use the official site ehic.org.uk
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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