Expat Community > Portugal

robbie627
Joined 2017
Posts: 6

Repatriation and (Again) Deductible

4 years ago

I have two very specific questions, which both concern requirements for the Portuguese Temporary Residence Permit lodged with the SEF.

QUESTION 1: APPLICATION FOR THE RESIDENCE PERMIT AT THE SEF REQUIRES PROOF OF PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE. I CAN FIND NO LANGUAGE OR EVIDENCE THAT REPATRIATION COVERAGE IS REQUIRED? IS IT?
Note: I believe the requirement for Repatriation Coverage is required by the Schengan Agreement only when one applies for the 120-day Type 1 Visa. Schengan is not applicable, I believe, when applying for the Temporary Residence Permit at the SEF. Please See Portugal Article 77, Para. 1 (SEF) which requires “Health insurance or supporting evidence that he/she is covered by the National Health Service”. There is no mention of requiring an applicant to have “repatriation insurance coverage”.

QUESTION 2: AM I CORRECT THAT THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE RESIDENCE PERMIT AT THE SEF ALLOW PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE WHICH CONTAINS A DEDUCTIBLE?
Note: Many posts on this site assume, and probably correctly, that health insurance deductibles are not allowed when applying at the Consulate for the Type 1, 120-day Visa. Again, I believe the “no deductible” policy is a Schengan Agreement requirement. This may be inferred by Schengan’s language that the health insurance should “… cover any expenses…” for medical care. I believe “any expenses” means all expenses up to the policy limits. For example, if the insured had a policy with a $1000 deductible, and submitted a claim for a doctor’s bill of $500, the policy would NOT COVER the bill because the insured must pay the first $1000. Thus, only zero-deductible policies would satisfy the coverage requirements for “any expenses” (up to policy limits).
When one considers the requirements for health insurance on the SEF website and some of the legislation, there is no mention of “any expenses” or “deductible” at all. Indeed, unlike the Schengan requirement that a Visa applicant’s health insurance must provide a minimum of €30,000, the SEF language only requires “health insurance” with no specific coverage limits mentioned.

Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Living in Portugal Guide

Our Living in Portugal Guide is a primer on everything about living in Portugal: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, obtaining a driver's license, how to bring your pet with you and more.

Portugal Forum
Join our Portugal forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Portugal.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.

Best Places to Live in Portugal

If you're thinking about living in Portugal, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Portugal in 2023.

Healthcare in Portugal

Expats in Portugal with a residency visa can participate in the national health care system. Here's what you need to know about the SNS and the combination of public and private services you'll need to manage your health in Portugal.

Cost of Living in Portugal

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Portugal.

Moving to Portugal Guide

Expats moving to Portugal are drawn by a variety of places to live, a rich history and so much more. Here are some tips on what it means to move there, and how to make it happen.

Real Estate in Portugal

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Portugal.

Pros & Cons of Living in Portugal

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Portugal.

Retiring in Portugal

Advice for people retiring in Portugal.

Portugal Visa & Residency Guide

Thanks to Susan Stults Korthase for this helpful overview of current requirements to begin the process of obtaining a Residency Visa when moving from the US to Portugal.

10 Tips for Living in Portugal

If you've recently arrived in Portugal, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Portugal.

Additional Information:

Visit our Portugal Index for a Full List

Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Cigna Global Health

Get a quote in 2 minutes from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Portugal by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Portugal

Repatriation and (Again) Deductible

Login