Get packing for Portugal!

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR PORTUGAL

Modern cities meet ancient castles in this former maritime superpower. Scroll on down for our handy guide on visas, getting around and the must-see spots in this magical destination. Zoom's Portugal travel insurance has you covered for any unexpected holiday hurdles. Cover includes medical expenses should you fall sick or become injured, as well as cover for trip cancellation, lost luggage, family emergencies and more! What are you waiting for? Zoom to it!

WHY BUY WITH ZOOM

Medical cover

medical cover

Relax knowing that your hospital expenses are covered with Zoom's unlimited medical coverage. Zoom to top notch cover!

travel delays

Travel delays

Setbacks on your sojourn are never much fun. Cover your Portugal travel disruptions in a flash with Zoom travel cover. We keep things zippy!

luggage cover

LUGGAGE COVER

Your stuff is precious and we get that. Take off on your European adventure knowing your luggage is protected with Zoom.

Family emergencies

Family emergencies

Had to rush home or cancel your trip due to a family emergency? We'll cover your non-refundable deposits so you can focus on the rest.

kids go free

kids go free

Family holiday to Europe? Save your euros with all dependants under 19 included under your policy at no additional cost.

Car Hire Excess

rental car excess

Soaking up the splendour of 800km of coastal roads? Our rental vehicle excess add-on is a must for roadtripping travellers.

easy claims

easy claims

We've done away with lengthy forms and have kept our claims process simple. We guarantee to assess fully documented claims in a flash.

Car Hire Excess

Peace Of Mind

Zoom to Zen. You can sit back and relax on your holiday knowing that you’re covered by award winning travel insurance.

PORTUGAL QUICK GUIDE

With a plentiful coastline and lush countryside, Portugal is the go-to place for fresh, local delicacies sold straight from seller's front door. Traditional architecture mixes Roman, Germanic and Arabic influences in villages, fortifications and cathedrals that will simply take your breath away.

Go on, zoom to Portugal and find out for yourself!

No matter which kind of Portuguese experience you're planning, Zoom can cover your trip with a range of plans.  You can minimise your costs with Medical Only cover, or choose to buy Comprehensive Travel Insurance for extra protection to cover things like travel delays and cancellation. Compare Zoom's Travel Insurance plans online today.

VISAS FOR PORTUGAL

Aussies and Kiwis visiting Portugal score up to 90 days visa free before you either need to apply for one, or leave the Schengen Area. If you leave the area for 180 days, you can come back for another 90 visa-free days. Too easy! 

While you might not need a visa, you do need:
- Passport with at least six months validity on entry
- Proof of sufficient funds in the form of a bank statement or cash
- Return airline tickets/proof of onward travel
- Documents showing proof of purpose of trip
- Documents and visas required for the next destination, if applicable

These rules can change quickly. Contact your nearest Portuguese Embassy or Consulate before you travel for the most up to date information. 

ON ARRIVAL

Lisbon and Porto airports take in dozens of international airlines. The Metro trains will get you to the city for less than €2, or a get a public transport day pass for €6. Otherwise, take a Aerobus (also eligible for the day pass), or grab a taxi (it should be around €15-20).

GETTING AROUND

Portugal is on the smaller side, with a comprehensive public transport system. Trains are a cheap and quick way to get around the city, or between cities, and it unusual to buy tickets in advance - be prepared for long lines to buy a ticket though. Going off the straight and narrow? There is usually a bus that will get you there. Day passes for public transport are €6 - great if you have lots of desintations to see in one day.

Smaller, older towns have narrower roads and not much parking during peak tourist seasons. So while cars give you more freedom, Portugal might be a place to leave the car behind, and walk, bike or take public transport instead.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Like the rest of the Mediterranean, avoid the big crowds and big prices during July and August. Instead, visit during the shoulder seasons of May, June and September for great weather and less bustle.

WHERE TO GO

Not sure where to start your travels? A trip to Portugal is incomplete without a trip to the capital, Lisbon. Castles, churches, museums and aqueducts abound in this historic city. Be sure to see the Torre de Belem, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gothic tower.

A visit to Porto is incomplete without seeing Igreja de São Francisco, a church which has existed in many forms since the 1200s. Its current incarnation is an amalgamation of Baroque, Gothic and Neo-Classical styles, with an ornate interior almost entirely gilded in gold-leaf. It is truly a thing of wonder.

Sintra is a picturesque town historically frequented by the wealthy, and a popular day trip from Lisbon. Visit the Quina da Regaleira, a century-old gothic estate. While the manor itself is impressive, the true wonder is in the spralling gardens, with mystic symbols, secret tunnels, and the famed Intitiation Well. Head next to the Palacio de Monserrate, a stunning blend of Indian, Gothic and Arabic architectural styles which has remained largely intact since its construction in 1860.

MUST KNOW TIPS

If you're looking for convenience, the Lisbon Card or Porto Card tourist cards give you free public transport and free entry or discounts on a range of attractions. The Lisbon Card is valid for one, two or three days and costs between €19 and €13 a day, and the Porto Card is valid for one to four days and costs between €13 and €8 a day. To make savings out of these tourist card, you have to plan to see a lot of attractions in one day. If you're looking for a more relaxed experience, or want to spend a lot of time at less attractions, instead consider getting one-day public transport passes for around €4.

Travel forums are littered with complaints about being charged for free bread - that's because it's not free! Waiters will often bring your table small bowls of bread, olives, cheese and cold meat - but they aren't free unless a part of a set menu. If you're trying to save money, you can either politely say you wouldn't like them, or ask for the price before diving in. 

Tipping is more common here than elsewhere in Europe as wages are comparatively very low, especially in the hospitality industry, but travellers often report that servers won't try to guilt them like they might elsewhere. So round up bills and be sure to tip well when service is very good - it makes a huge difference to people.

ZOOMING ELSEWHERE?

Are you planning to zoom somewhere else on your holidays? Whether you're holidaying to siesta in Spain or you're going to Greece, we've got plenty of helpful advice on other popular travel destinations to check out. What are you waiting for? Zoom to it!
 

PORTUGAL TRAVEL INSURANCE FAQs

Got some curly questions in regards to your Portugal travel insurance cover?
Be in the the know before you go with answers to the most common queries below.

  • Am I covered medically while holidaying in Portugal?
  • Yes, all our policies cover for unlimited medical coverage. Zoom provides cover for your overseas medical expenses including hospital stays, surgery, doctor visits, emergency evacuation and repatriation home if required. We can provide written guarantees of payment of reasonable expenses directly with your hospital in emergency situations. Phew!

  • What happens if I need medical assistance in Portugal?
  • Have complete peace of mind on your Portuguese adventure. Zoom provides immediate support through our emergency assistance provider, First Assistance. Help is just a phone call away any time of day 365 days a year. This includes access to medical advisors, medical transfers and emergency evacuation if required. We also assist with passing on messages to family and returning unsupervised dependants back to Australia.

  • How do alcohol and drugs affect my cover?
  •  When it comes to alcohol we advise you to drink in moderation. One too many vinhos verdes could see you jeopardizing your cover. Please note that we may exclude any claims where excessive drugs or alcohol have been involved.

  • I have high value items; how much can I insure them for?
  • If you have an expensive item that you just can’t leave behind you can insure it separately for up to $5,000. Please note that high value item cover is only available under our comprehensive plan.

  • Am I covered for pickpocketing in Portugal?
  • Yes, you’re covered for muggings, provided of course you were acting with reasonable care (i.e. did not leave your belongings unattended). If you’re the victim of a pickpocket, you’d be covered for loss, theft and damage to your luggage and personal effects. If you are robbed it’s important that you get a police report and contact us as soon as possible.

  • What age limits apply to Zoom travel insurance policies?
  • You must be under the age of 85 to buy a policy with Zoom. Those under 79 years can purchase a policy for a maximum trip duration of 365 days. Those aged between 80-85 years can purchase a policy for a maximum trip duration of 184 days only. You must also be under the age of 69 to purchase our add-on ski or adventure packs.

  • Can I reduce my excess with Zoom products?
  • Yes you can reduce the standard excess of $200 by paying a excess reduction fee within the payment process. 

  • What is a dependant?
  • This means your dependant children or grandchildren under the age of 19 at the date of policy issue who are travelling with you.