Portugal has launched a new covid-19 travel insurance programme - here’s what it covers and how much it costs

The insurance covers travellers against Covid-19 related risks (Photo: Shutterstock)The insurance covers travellers against Covid-19 related risks (Photo: Shutterstock)
The insurance covers travellers against Covid-19 related risks (Photo: Shutterstock)

A new Covid-19 secure travel insurance programme has been launched in Portugal to allow travellers peace of mind when it comes to Covid-19 related risks.

This is everything you need to know about the package - including what’s covered, and how much it costs.

What is the insurance package?

The new package from Portugal Travel Insurance is designed specifically to cover travellers from Covid-19 related risks.

Portugal Travel Insurance says: “Travel to Portugal with the tranquility of a complete travel insurance and updated to the new reality of the pandemic caused by Covid-19.”

According to Visit Portugal Director Celina Tavares, this insurance plan was created after market analysis identified that travellers would experience new needs and requirements due to Covid-19.

Tavares said: “We are all adapting to the ‘new normal’ and for tourists to have guarantees of a smooth trip is essential at this time.

“Thus, our insurance provides for special coverage related to an event derived from Covid-19 and has the purpose of guaranteeing more peace of mind to those who have a scheduled trip to Portugal.”

What does the insurance offer?

The insurance is designed to cover travellers from Covid-19 related risks, and offers a variety of solutions and guidance.

Under the package, travellers will be able to claim unlimited access to medical advice, online medical consultation, information about hospitals and assistance with any luggage theft in Portugal as well.

Travellers will also benefit from a doctor being sent to the hotel or resort and the urgent shipping of medicines where required.

Medical, surgical, pharmaceutical and hospital expenses in Portugal will be covered, as well as any follow up cases of hospitalisation, with transport and accommodation included.

Child care, a return ticket in case of illness and accident and hotel staying extensions will also be covered under the package.

What isn’t covered under the insurance?

Several things are not covered under this particular type of insurance, including:

  • Actions taken by the insured person when under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol level of 0.5 grams per litre or under the use of narcotics outside of a medical prescription or when unable to control their actions
  • Accidents that originated in attacks of “madness and epilepsy”
  • Injuries that already existed before the trip started
  • Situations resulting from natural disasters, such as cyclones, winds, volcanic ash, earthquakes, tsunamis, other similar phenomena in their effects
  • Other epidemics and pandemics apart from Covid-19

You can read the full list of risks that are not insured by the package on the Portugal Travel Insurance website.

How much does it cost?

The travel insurance is priced per person and it varies depending on how long you plan to stay in Portugal:

  • Up to 10 days: €37.20 per person (£33.30)
  • 10 to 15 days: €43.20 per person (£38.70)
  • 16 to 30 days: €48.20 per person (£43.18)
  • 30 to 60 days: €65.20 per person (£58.40)

The coverage extends to Madeira Archipelago, Azores Archipelago and mainland Portugal.

Will I need to self isolate after a visit to Portugal?

If you have a trip planned to Portugal, you will not need to self isolate upon return to the UK.

Portugal was added to England’s exempt list at 4am on Saturday 22 August. If you arrived in England from Portugal before 4am on 22 August, then you would have been required to self isolate.

The country was also added to the exemption lists for Scotland and Ireland.