Pet Insurance in Portugal for Expats and Travellers
This guide is for English-speaking expats living in Portugal, people relocating there with a dog or cat, and travellers bringing a pet on holiday. Yes, pet insurance exists in Portugal, and the market is bigger than most English guides suggest. Pet insurance in Portugal (seguro para animais) usually bundles third-party liability with vet cover, and most policies only pay inside a vet network. We compare Fidelidade, Ageas Pétis, Barkibu, Petki and Generali Tranquilidade on published price, network rules, entry age and English support, using the insurer pages and the 2026 test by the consumer group DECO PROteste.
Last checked: 2 November 2026. Prices change, so confirm on the insurer page before you buy. Comparesies is published by Collatio Media AB. Some insurer links may earn us a commission at no cost to you; that never changes which insurers we list or what we write about them.
Updated November 02, 2026
·
15 min read
Who this guide is for
English-speaking expats who live in Portugal and want cover for a dog or cat.
People moving to Portugal with a pet, from the UK or another EU country.
Travellers bringing a pet to Portugal for a holiday or a longer stay.
Owners of dangerous breeds checking the compulsory liability rule.
*Prices are as published on each insurer website on 2 November 2026. Your quote depends on species, breed and age.
Provider
Price from*
Vet network?
Liability
Entry age
Stand-out feature
Fidelidade Pets
€3.26/month (Pet 1) to €33.56/month (Pet Vital)
Network, plus reimbursement
€50,000 (Pet Vital €250,000)
8 weeks to end of age 8 (Pet 1: any age)
DECO Best of Test 2026
Ageas Pétis
€40/year (Base, liability only)
No network needed
€50,000
Base: birth to 10; other packs 4 weeks to 8 years
Vet limits €600 to €2,200/year
Barkibu
About €20/month
No network, any vet
Check at quote
2 months to under 11 years
Unlimited annual cover option
Petki
€7.90/month
Check at quote
Check at quote
Lifetime surgery cover only if insured before 4
Surgery limits €10,000 to €20,000
Generali Tranquilidade
€6.65/month (Base)
Check at quote
Optional
Check at quote
Three simple tiers
Fidelidade (Fidelidade Pets)
Ageas and Ocidental (Pétis)
Generali Tranquilidade
Barkibu
Petki
Mapfre, Seguros Continente, NSeguros and Victoria (tested by DECO PROteste)
DECO PROteste compared 30 policies from 10 insurers in 2026. Insurers are supervised by the ASF, the Portuguese insurance regulator.
Residency status does not stop you buying cover. You will need:
An address in Portugal and a way to pay the premium; ask whether a non-Portuguese euro account is accepted for direct debit.
A microchipped pet registered in SIAC, the national pet register. Registration is compulsory for dogs, cats and ferrets under Decreto-Lei 82/2019, including pets that arrive from abroad (SIAC FAQ).
A pet within the entry age. Most plans close at 8 to 10 years, and some surgery covers depend on the age at signup (see the age table below).
Some Portuguese, or the right channel. Barkibu works in English in its app, and Millennium bcp has an English page for Pétis. Other insurers work in Portuguese.
Pet 1 €3.26, Pet 2 €9.37, Pet 3 €20.44, Pet Vital €33.56 a month
Liability
€50,000, or €250,000 on Pet Vital
Waiting Periods
60 days check-ups and vaccines, 90 days surgery and hospital, 180 days illness funeral cover; none for accidents and liability
Age Restrictions
Entry from 8 weeks to the end of age 8 (Pet 1: any age)
Pros
✓
DECO PROteste Best of Test 2026 (Pet Vital)
Pros
✓
Network plus reimbursement
Pros
✓
No exit age
Pros
✓
Pet 1 has no entry age limit
Cons
✕
Waiting periods of 60 to 180 days on some covers
Cons
✕
Website in Portuguese only
Fidelidade sells four plans: Pet 1 €3.26, Pet 2 €9.37, Pet 3 €20.44 and Pet Vital €33.56 a month. Liability is €50,000 (€250,000 on Pet Vital). It uses a vet network but also reimburses vets outside it. DECO PROteste named Pet Vital its Best of Test in 2026.
10% of each claim, minimum €25 (vet); liability 10%, minimum €150, maximum €500
Waiting Periods
Accidents from day one, illness after 90 days
Age Restrictions
Base from birth to 10 years; other packs 4 weeks to 8 years
Pros
✓
Any vet, no network needed
Pros
✓
English page through Millennium bcp
Pros
✓
Optional EU assistance and Spain liability extension
Cons
✕
Plus, Platina and Premium only from 4 weeks to 8 years
Cons
✕
Illness cover starts after 90 days
Cons
✕
€5.45 policy fee
Pétis is sold by Ageas and Ocidental (through Millennium bcp). Base costs €40 a year and covers liability. Plus, Platina and Premium add vet cover of €600, €1,200 or €2,200 a year, with a 10% excess (minimum €25). Liability is €50,000 on every pack. You can use any vet.
5 days for accidents, 28 days for illness, 6 months for listed conditions
Age Restrictions
From 2 months to under 11 years at signup
Pros
✓
Any vet, no network
Pros
✓
Unlimited annual cover available
Pros
✓
App and vet chat in English
Pros
✓
€25 off the second pet
Cons
✕
20% of every bill stays with you
Cons
✕
6-month wait for some conditions if the pet is 6 months or older at signup
Barkibu Portugal refunds 80% of vet bills at any vet in Portugal, with a choice of a €3,000 annual limit or an unlimited plan. Prevention is refunded up to €100 a year and the second pet gets €25 off. Pets join from 2 months to under 11 years. Prices start at about €20 a month.
Lifetime surgery cover only if insured before age 4 (DECO)
Cons
✕
Website in Portuguese only
Petki is a digital insurer with four plans at €7.90, €11.90, €13.90 and €16.90 a month and surgery limits from €10,000 to €20,000. DECO PROteste notes that lifetime surgery cover only applies if the policy starts before the pet turns 4.
Generali Tranquilidade sells three tiers: Base €6.65, Mais €11.72 and Top €18.44 a month. Liability cover is optional. The insurer is Generali Seguros, S.A. (ASF register 1197).
Detailed Reviews of Pet Insurance in Portugal
Each card shows the cover, the published prices and whether you can deal with the insurer in English, then who the policy suits and what to watch out for.
Fidelidade Pets
Cover
Liability plus vet cover, four plans
Published price
Pet 1 €3.26, Pet 2 €9.37, Pet 3 €20.44, Pet Vital €33.56 per month
Fidelidade’s Pet Vital plan was named Best of Test by DECO PROteste in 2026, with €250,000 of liability, €750 for consultations, €2,250 for surgery and 70% cover. The other plans include €50,000 of liability. Fidelidade uses a vet network but also reimburses vets outside it. Waiting periods are 60 days for check-ups and vaccines, 90 days for surgery, hospital stays and sterilisation, and 180 days for funeral cover after illness; there is none for accidents or liability. Pets join from 8 weeks to the last day of age 8, Pet 1 has no age limit, and there is no exit age.
✔ Ideal for
⚠ Watch out for
Owners who want the independently tested best plan and a choice of network or reimbursement.
Long waiting periods on surgery and hospital cover.
Ageas Pétis (also sold by Ocidental)
Cover
Liability on every pack, vet cover on Plus, Platina and Premium
Published price
Base €40/year, Plus €9.98/month; higher packs at quote
Pétis lets you use any vet, which DECO found is rare in Portugal. Base is liability only (€50,000). Plus, Platina and Premium add vet and medicine cover of €600, €1,200 or €2,200 a year, refunded up to 90%, with a 10% excess and a €25 minimum per claim. On liability claims the excess is 10%, at least €150 and at most €500. Some covers have a 90-day waiting period, according to Ocidental. Base takes pets from birth to 10 years; the other packs from 4 weeks to 8 years. Options include assistance in the EU and liability extended to Spain, and a €5.45 policy fee applies.
✔ Ideal for
⚠ Watch out for
Owners who already have a vet they trust and want to keep them.
Annual vet limits are modest, and DECO reports that Ocidental health cover stops at age 7, so ask how long cover lasts before you buy.
Barkibu refunds 80% of vet bills at any vet in Portugal. According to its general conditions, you choose between a €3,000 annual limit and unlimited cover. Prevention is refunded up to €100 a year and the second pet gets €25 off. Waiting periods are 5 days for accidents and 28 days for illness, plus 6 months for listed conditions such as dysplasia, cruciate ligament problems and epilepsy if your pet is 6 months or older at signup. Pets join from 2 months to under 11 years. Our Barkibu France review covers the app and claims.
✔ Ideal for
⚠ Watch out for
English speakers who want any vet and the option of no annual ceiling.
Petki is a digital insurer with four plans and surgery limits from €10,000 to €20,000. DECO PROteste points out that surgery is only covered for life if the policy starts before the pet turns 4.
✔ Ideal for
⚠ Watch out for
Young pets, insured early for large surgery bills.
The insurer is Generali Seguros, S.A. (ASF register 1197). Liability cover is optional rather than included, so check the box if you need it.
✔ Ideal for
⚠ Watch out for
Owners who want a simple choice of three prices.
Liability is not included by default.
Other insurers in the DECO test
Mapfre, Seguros Continente, NSeguros and Victoria also sell pet policies. DECO notes that Victoria covers rodents and Mapfre offers liability cover for horses. We could not verify their prices on the insurer websites, so we do not quote them.
Pet Insurance for Expats in Portugal
English-speaking insurers, residency, vet networks and buying cover as a newcomer.
Residency status does not stop you buying cover in Portugal, but most insurers work in Portuguese and many policies only pay inside a vet network. These are the points that matter most when you have just moved.
From an EU country: microchip, valid rabies vaccination and EU pet passport.
From Great Britain: an Animal Health Certificate, because GB pet passports are no longer valid.
After you arrive, register your pet in SIAC. Full checklist below.
Vet Network or Any Vet?
This is the biggest difference between Portugal and countries like Spain or France. DECO PROteste found that most Portuguese policies only pay inside a network of partner vets. Of the insurers it tested, only Ocidental (Pétis) and Barkibu have no network, and Fidelidade has a network but also reimburses outside it.
Before you buy a network plan
Before you buy a network plan, check that your vet, and the nearest emergency clinic, are in it. If you live outside Lisbon or Porto, or you already have a vet you like, an any-vet plan is often simpler.
The Age-Limit Trap: When You Buy Matters
Entry ages are only half the story. Some Portuguese policies change what they pay depending on how old your pet was when you signed up. These are the rules we found:
Insurer
Rule
Source
Fidelidade
Entry from 8 weeks to the last day of age 8; Pet 1 has no age limit; no exit age
Fidelidade
Ageas Pétis
Base: birth to 10 years; Plus, Platina, Premium: 4 weeks to 8 years
Ageas / Millennium bcp
Ocidental, Seguros Continente
Health cover stops at age 7
DECO PROteste
Mapfre, Seguros Continente, NSeguros
Surgery covered for life only if the policy starts before age 3, otherwise until age 10
DECO PROteste
Petki
Surgery covered for life only if the policy starts before age 4
DECO PROteste
Barkibu
Entry from 2 months to under 11 years
Barkibu
✔ The lesson
Insure young, and read the age clauses before you compare prices.
Is Pet Insurance Mandatory in Portugal?
Only for dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs. Under Decreto-Lei 315/2009 and Portaria 585/2004, their owners need liability insurance of at least €50,000. According to a DGAV leaflet, the owner must also be 16 or over, hold an annual licence from the junta de freguesia and keep the rabies vaccine up to date, with fines from €500.
DGAV lists these breeds as potentially dangerous: Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu, and their crosses.
For other dogs and cats, insurance is optional; DECO PROteste confirms liability is only compulsory for dangerous breeds. Microchipping and SIAC registration, on the other hand, are compulsory for every dog, cat and ferret.
The rules at a glance
Who
What is required
Source
Dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs
Liability insurance of at least €50,000, owner aged 16 or over, annual licence from the junta de freguesia, rabies vaccine up to date; fines from €500
Decreto-Lei 315/2009, Portaria 585/2004, DGAV
Other dogs and cats
Insurance is optional
DECO PROteste
Every dog, cat and ferret
Microchip and SIAC registration
Decreto-Lei 82/2019
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in Portugal?
Prices as published on 2 November 2026:
€3.26/month
Cheapest plan we found (Fidelidade Pet 1)
€40/year
Pétis Base liability cover
€33.56/month
Fidelidade Pet Vital, DECO PROteste Best of Test 2026
Insurer
Cheapest plan
Top plan
Fidelidade Pets
€3.26/month (Pet 1)
€33.56/month (Pet Vital)
Ageas Pétis
€40/year (Base, liability)
Plus €9.98/month; Platina and Premium at quote
Generali Tranquilidade
€6.65/month (Base)
€18.44/month (Top)
Petki
€7.90/month
€16.90/month
Barkibu
About €20/month
At quote
Key pricing factors
Network or any vet: network plans can look cheaper but limit where you go.
Age at signup: see the table above.
Liability included or optional: Fidelidade and Pétis include it; Tranquilidade sells it as an option.
Fees: Pétis adds a €5.45 policy fee.
Multiple pets: Barkibu takes €25 off the second pet.
We have no reliable source for average vet fees in Portugal, so we do not quote one.
Moving to Portugal with Your Dog or Cat
Portugal applies the EU rules for dogs, cats and ferrets: a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an EU pet passport when travelling from another EU country. The DGAV travel page and the European Commission pet travel page set out the details, including the rules for pets coming from outside the EU.
Moving from the UK
Pet passports issued in Great Britain are no longer valid for EU travel. You need an Animal Health Certificate from a vet, as explained on GOV.UK.
After you arrive: SIAC
Every dog, cat and ferret living in Portugal must be registered in SIAC, the national pet database, and pets that arrive from abroad are included. Your vet can do the registration. Many insurers ask for the microchip number, so do this before you buy cover. Vets are regulated by the Ordem dos Médicos Veterinários.
Travelling to Portugal with Your Dog or Cat
Short stays, holiday cover and the EU pet passport.
Check what your current policy pays outside your country of residence before you leave. If you live in Portugal and travel, Pétis offers an EU assistance option and an extension of liability cover to Spain.
Short stays and holidays
The EU entry rules apply even for a short trip: a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an EU pet passport. The DGAV travel page lists the details.
Does your home policy cover you?
Ask your insurer what it pays outside your country of residence, and for how long. If you live in Portugal, Pétis offers an EU assistance option and liability extended to Spain.
The EU pet passport
Issued by a vet in an EU country. Passports issued in Great Britain are no longer valid for EU travel, so UK visitors need an Animal Health Certificate.
Yes. DECO PROteste compared 30 policies from 10 insurers in 2026, including Fidelidade, Ageas, Generali Tranquilidade, Barkibu and Petki.
Only liability insurance for dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs, with at least €50,000 of cover. For other pets it is optional.
DECO PROteste named Fidelidade Pet Vital its Best of Test in 2026. If you want any vet, Pétis and Barkibu work without a network.
From €3.26 a month at Fidelidade (Pet 1) to €33.56 for Pet Vital, and €40 a year for Pétis Base liability cover, as published on 2 November 2026.
Often not. Most policies use a network. Pétis and Barkibu let you use any vet, and Fidelidade also reimburses outside its network.
Yes. Most plans close at 8 to 11 years, and some cover surgery for life only if you start before age 3 or 4.
Yes. Microchipping and SIAC registration are compulsory for dogs, cats and ferrets, including pets moved from abroad.
Barkibu works in English in its app, and Millennium bcp has an English page for Pétis.
Residency status does not stop you buying cover, but insurers ask for an address in Portugal and a way to pay, and policies are built for pets that live there. If you are only visiting, ask your home insurer what it pays abroad.
It depends on the policy. Check what it pays outside your country of residence, and for how long, before you travel. Once you live in Portugal, compare a Portuguese policy and register your pet in SIAC.
From another EU country, yes, together with a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination. Passports issued in Great Britain are no longer valid, so from the UK you need an Animal Health Certificate from a vet.
About the authors
Louis
Author
Louis has worked in the comparison industry for 5 years in Sweden after founding another company in France. His industry experience, and strong communication skills have been invaluable in building the bridge between our community and our content. Louis is our ideas man and is responsible for sourcing user and specialist opinions.
Elin Viberg
Author
Elin is a passionate dog lover with roots in Sweden and a background in the service industry. With several years of experience working closely with customers, she has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver outstanding service. Elin's love for animals, especially dogs, drives her to constantly seek the best information and products for pet owners. At Comparesies, she contributes her dedication and expertise by ensuring that our content reflects the care and quality our readers expect.
Thibault Helle
Editor
Thibault has an engineering background from both France and Sweden. Comparesies is his second company after successfully founding a tech scaleup. His experience is vast within insurances and customer satisfaction. Thibault is responsible for maintaining the website and sharing his knowledge through page editing.
Mason
Editor
Mason was born and raised in New Zealand before moving to US and then Sweden. Despite looking so youthful, he worked as a senior website manager for 5 years before founding Comparesies. Mason's expertise in insurance is the most valuable asset for our users. Today he is the primary author/editor on Comparesies.
