Interested in Portugal, pursuing countries

Member since 22 March 2025

LionLoverNew member22 March 2025 03:00:05

Hi, I love joining expat groups as I explore possible countries to move to.聽 I am in my 70's and am researching countries to move to.聽 Presently I live in the US. I plan to visit Portugal to get a feel for the country, and from there will return to stay聽 the 90 days. I join this group as before my travels as I have questions, wanting to know about the country from expats that have moved there. . There are a few things that would be deal breakers for me as I explore other countries. Everyone one has priorities for their lifestyle.聽 I was a foreign exchange student in Spain long long ago, and loved Spain, Europe. I think my biggest hurdle will be聽 getting private healthcare at age 74 as many countries will not offer it. (interim before residency.) And some companies charge an exorbitant amount that defeats my budget. I am returning to Panama for possible relocation but Europe keeps "haunting" me so to speak as I once travelled to Portugal, France, Belgium and lived in Valencia Spain. I have been watching YouTubers that live in Portugal and has peeked my interest.聽 Would love feedback: pros and cons. Thanks!

daphnelavern Active member

Member since 18 December 2023

daphnelavernActive member22 March 2025 06:46:59

@LionLover

Hello ~ My 馃悎 (6yo) and I (60yy 馃檪) moved from CA to the PT countryside (approx 1 hr north of Lisboa) in Sep 2024 on a D7 and we are loving it!

Visa approval was smooth; AIMA appointment was set with my visa; and I received my resident card approx 3.5 months later (in early Mar 2025).

Biggest issue now is navigating the IMT DL situation (since I have to exchange my US DL due to being 60).

My experience with health insurance has been costly (for my budget) and is tied to my age of 60. I am changing to another plan in April as I am relatively healthy and only have a couple of RX鈥檚, so the high cost that I am paying is not worth it (for me). I have my SNS (PT health #), the district hospital is across the street from my flat, and I can see the private hospital from my balcony, so I feel confident I could get any needed medical attention in an emergency.

Coming from the US, the shocker of no central heat was expensive for me bc I had to use electric space heaters all Winter. I am NOT looking forward to the Summer as it can get into the triple digit F here鈥ut, my flat faces NW, so I hope to be spared a lot of the heat (due to no direct sun).

Just a glimpse into my experience in case it gives you another perspective on your plans.

Best Wishes!!

donn25 Serial expat

Member since 31 May 2022

donn25Serial expat22 March 2025 08:35:39

272

Yeah, medical is expensive.聽 I could be a little fuzzy on the details, because it wasn't really a factor in deciding to move here, but ... it's an expensive first world country.聽 I seem to still be pretty healthy, and have never needed much medical attention, but neither does anyone else - until they do, and then the cost is astronomical, and that's what makes the insurance expensive.聽 The real question is whether they're going to pay, when that happens.聽 I suppose I hope I don't find out.

JohnnyPT Portugal Expert

Member since 23 May 2020

JohnnyPTPortugal Expert22 March 2025 09:20:10

4716

@LionLover,

It's very difficult to get health insurance after the age of 75. In Portugal, I think only MGEN has no age limit.聽 Here's a simulator:

Orlacat New member

Member since 06 October 2017

OrlacatNew member22 March 2025 10:40:06

@LionLover

I have lived in 6 countries. I have been in Portugal for nearly 10 years. I lived in Spain previously. I am returning to Spain - the good health care system and security.