Healthcare in Portugal VLOG #1 | Understanding Your Options |

[@ItllBeFun]

Bom dia! We want to meet you! If you want to meet others on your journey to live abroad. Join us on Patreon. We have a 'It'll Be Fun Monthly Online Meet up Crew' level and every level currently has access to our new 'Itllbefun Discord server' to talk in real time with a private group of like minded people. Click the link www.patreon.com/itllbefun

[@charmainer3216]

Another great video

[@ItllBeFun]

Ola Charmaine Thanks for watching again! Enjoy your journey Leslie and Alan

[@jesperchristensen5888]

Great video. Beautiful footage and super info! Keep it up:)

[@ItllBeFun]

Olá Jesper Thanks for supporting and watching our channel. Obrigado Alan and Leslie

[@ItllBeFun]

Boa tarde! The bug broke down on our way to a levada walk on the west end of the island today. Alan fixed it! Anyway it is high season here on the island and you will see we are the only ones here. It was great! We hope to earn your subscription today. Enjoy your journey!

[@cleaningtime8156]

Very informative and helpful for a lot of people want to move there. Thanks for sharing.

[@ItllBeFun]

Bom dia Cleaning Time, Thanks for your continued support. As you may know, many people are looking to move here and trying to understand insurance. We wanted people to know that the choices are wide. And the prices they hear on other sites are not necessarily always going to be their experience. It depends on needs, age, covered amount, etc. Have a wonderful day Leslie and Alan

[@expeditionconfidential8853]

The Hubby and I are SOOOOOO appreciative of you. What wonderful, important information. Well researched and thoughtful. Excellent video! Portugal is breathtakingly beautiful. We're grateful. 🙏 Thank you!!!

[@ItllBeFun]

Olá Expedition, Thanks for supporting and watching our channel. This is a wonderful place to be. Obrigado Alan and Leslie

[@lynwill9946]

Excellent video. Thank you

[@ItllBeFun]

Olá Lyn Will, Thanks for supporting and watching our channel. Have a great day Obrigado Alan and Leslie

[@bluedog639]

What an excellent overview and series of points to consider! Thank you!

[@ItllBeFun]

Olá bluedog639, Thanks for supporting and watching our channel. Keep watching; more to come. Obrigado Alan and Leslie

[@feihonggao5531]

so beautiful place❤

[@ItllBeFun]

Olá Feihong, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel Obrigado Alan and Leslie

[@ra9r]

How old is your son? What does he do for a living in Portugal? Does he also have a YT channel?

[@ItllBeFun]

Ola Rodney, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. He is 23 and in school. He is an investor and has his own company. Have a wonderful day!

[@rayvogensen2983]

One of the best public healthcare systems is that of the Netherlands. I have two granddaughters who did their university studies there, so I am familiar with how their system works. It is not free. Every person who lives or works in the Netherlands is legally obliged to take out standard health insurance to cover the cost of, for example, consulting a general practitioner, hospital treatment, and prescription medication. You may also opt to take out additional insurance to cover costs not included in the standard package. If you are from the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EER), you are obliged to obtain health insurance in The Netherlands when: You have a (part-time) job and/or pay income tax in The Netherlands And/or: You are 30 years or older and your stay in The Netherlands is not temporary. If you are not from the EU/EEA you are eligible for Dutch health insurance if you have a permanent Dutch residence permit. The average basic Dutch health insurance premium in 2023 is about 135 euros per month. Compare that to the United States.

[@ItllBeFun]

Thanks for sharing your experience and information regarding Healthcare. Obrigado Alan, Leslie and Wolf

[@democracyforlanka]

Thankyou for your informative and entertaining videos which we enjoy very much. We would be interested to know what organised activities/clubs there are on the island that retirees could join in.

[@ItllBeFun]

Ola Democracyforlan... Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. There are all kinds of things to get involved in. Expats groups. Ladies luncheons, golfing group, tennis, you name it and it is here. We should do a video on all the different things we have found. We will work on it. Have a wonderful day Leslie and Alan

[@John_McFadden]

Olá Alan and Leslie - Thanks for another great video. We appreciated your great tips and suggestions about what you need to take into account when considering the various healthcare options in Portugal. It's something that is so individual, you definitely need to do your own research. Obrigado!

[@ItllBeFun]

Ola John, Nice to here from you again. We appreciate your support and comments. Have a wonderful day Leslie and Alan

[@MaryannCn]

I didn’t know Madeira’s health system was separate. How does it work if you go to mainland Portugal? Can you use their national system? Does your private insurance cover you there?

[@ItllBeFun]

Bom dia Maryann Conner, Thanks for watching and commenting. Madeira is an autonomous region. The public healthcare works throughout Portugal. Hope this helps Enjoy your journey Leslie and Alan

[@elizabetesousa174]

❤️

[@ItllBeFun]

Olá Elisabete , Thanks for the continued support for our channel. Obrigado Alan and Leslie

[@hermes6587]

Well done and helpful.

[@ItllBeFun]

Olá Hermes, Thanks for supporting and watching our channel. More to come. Obrigado Alan and Leslie

[@rachelcronin916]

Illinois LP! I'm in MO! Been looking at Portugal for 2 yrs. Watching every You Tube vid on it I can find. They are not all created equal for sure. I appreciate the informative ones in earnest. Liking your vids very much. Glad I found you guys. I pay individual Life Insurance at $900 per month includes dental-oh boy! Never hardly use it in all the years I've paid this price (ie almost 25yrs!---self employed). Ready to get off this merry-go-round. I'd ship my small vehicle and want to being my dog as well. Working on selling or renting it all through a property mgmnt co so I can continue with monthly stipends and take early retirement. Never to return! That's my goal as I continue to learn learn learn prior to the leap of faith!

[@ItllBeFun]

Bom dia Rachael, Nice to hear from you again. Glad you found us. Thanks for sharing. Sounds like you have time a way to get off the merry go round. We did a video on the bringing the car and one on bringing the pets. Enjoy your journey Leslie and Alan

[@desertdweller8520]

Thank you for this helpful video! I am using Winsurance and they will help find the correct policy. The trick is what to do with my Medicare coverage. I have a long-term care policy that is only good in the US.

[@ItllBeFun]

Olá DesertDweller, Thanks for the continued support for our channel. Yes, unfortunately Medicare only works in USA. But, if you ever go back, it is nice to have. Thanks for sharing. Obrigado Alan and Leslie

[@tomg1247]

I love how you structure your sightseeing with Q&A. So much better than a talking head sitting in their living room. Wonderful job!

[@ItllBeFun]

Olá Tom G Thanks for your continued support of our channel. We are glad you like the format. It is fun to produce. Have a great day Obrigado Alan and Leslie

[@angielu3273]

Is a private health policy a requirement before moving to Portugal?

[@ItllBeFun]

Olá Angie, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀 Travel insurance is required to get a visa. When you arrive, you will be required to have travel insurance. Once you have established residence, you will sign up for the public Healthcare. You can also pay for and obtain private health insurance, too. Obrigado Alan and Leslie

[@billingram4317]

Thanks again Alan for your info. We are also thinking if MGEM or possibly Medis, if Medis is available on Madeira. Would Elmigrante know the answer or an insurance broker? What insurance broker did you use? PS, we booked our flights for the month of October in Madeira!. Hope to see you there! We'll book a time soon with you.

[@ItllBeFun]

Boa tarde Bill Ingram, Thanks again for your support. We used Win Insurance out of Lisbon. I still need to find a good broker to recommend here on the Island. It is getting closer to the time when you will be here. Have a wonderful day Alan

[@BaBaYaga1999-p7u]

Alan, would you mind telling us *approximately* how much money a couple in their 50s would need to have in savings to live a similar lifestyle to your own? Just looking for a rough back of the envelope number. Based on your videos (which I enjoy!), my wife and I have a similar circumstance, and needs, of your own. We currently own a house in the Pacific NW and are looking to retire immediately from healthcare. Thanks in advance!

[@ItllBeFun]

Ola Heron, Thanks for your continued support. When applying for your VISA you will be required to put 2 Years worth of minimum wage in your bank account plus another 50% for your spouse. You will also want a nice cushion for rainy days. And make sure you can cover your monthy expenses with your pension or SS. Plus we add 15% to be safe. For inflation and things we didn't plan for. Also you will want funds for your initial move. Shipping, Visa costs, rental deposits, furniture and household supplies to get settled. Airplane tickets. Pets. We had 20k set aside for this. Hope this helps. Happy 4th. Leslie and Alan

[@ItllBeFun]

Bom dia! New and Improved! Join our Patreon community! Click the link www.patreon.com/itllbefun As always we would like to thank you for watching and for being our subscribers. Each and every one of you mean the world to us! And if you are not already, we invite you to subscribe and become part of our KZbin community. We would love for you to join us on our journey! Enjoy your journey, Alan and Leslie

[@lauras8674]

Thank you for the information! Sounds complicated but healthcare is complicated. My question is are costs lower for general care in Portugal?

[@Alfablue227]

Yes, much less

[@ItllBeFun]

Olá Laura S, Thanks for supporting and watching our channel. Much less. Ill report later. We have an experience to share with everyone. I think on Wednesday. Obrigado Alan and Leslie

[@lauras8674]

@@carlferreira6905 Thank you!😄

[@Susan.I]

My husband is a military retiree and our cost for healthcare is quite inexpensive.

[@ItllBeFun]

Olá Linda, Thanks for the continued support for our channel. You are fortunate. Obrigado Alan and Leslie

[@corilane6644]

Hello Alan, Just stumbled onto your videos and I am finding them very informative. I was hoping you could clear up my confusion on one issue though. Is a monthly passive income required along with the 2 years of minimum wage for the visa income requirement, or is it just the 2 years of minimum wage only (as the passive income)? I am wanting to begin remote working once living in Madeira, instead of prior to moving. Too young for pension or SS. I have researched multiple sites but can't seem to clarify this. Thank you so much for all you do! Cori

[@ItllBeFun]

Ola Cori, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. We were required to show both for the D7 Visa application. Go to the consulate website and you can see the details of requirements for other visas available. One of these.may work better for you. Or look on VFSglobal.com site. Hope this helps Have a wonderful day Leslie and Alan

[@corilane6644]

@@ItllBeFun Thank you so much!

[@tedtalksstamps]

Olá Alan and Leslie. My wife and I have been enjoying your videos. We have a 3 month vacation booked for Sep-Nov which will include going to Madeira on a fact-finding mission (I’m 67/retired). I hope we have the chance to meet. Obrigado por todas as informações valiosas.

[@ItllBeFun]

Ola Ted Talks Stamps, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. We would love to meet you when you come. Just let us know. Enjoy your journey Alan and Leslie

[@fotmar]

Thank you for these informations but its from the perspective of usa private insurance.Can you gives us more information about the social health care system/ pensions,olderly people care etc???

[@ItllBeFun]

Ola Mapia, Thanks for supporting our channel. We truly appreciate it. I think we must have said something confusing. The private insurance we are talking about is for Portugal not the US. Once you have official residency in Portugal you qualify for public Healthcare. We have both public and private health insurance. This will allow us the best options as we age. Some people choose to only have the public. The choice is personal. Hope this helps. Leslie and Alan

[@fotmar]

@@ItllBeFun Goodmorning !!!No-no i understand what you said /i said that your vision is from the American side and experiense for the Insurance and Health care and your conclusion is that is good .But you come from a rich country to a cheeper.I asked how is the level for insurance and pensions and the salaries and health care for the Economical level of the Portugese People .

[@ajs966743]

@@fotmar The level of pensions is lower than the American one. Health care is free and much better. Free is a utopia. They are paid by the taxes of the Portuguese people.

[@fotmar]

@@ajs966743 thank you very much for your answers

[@geoposting]

Hi Alan and Leslie. Awesome videos! Regarding private insurance in Portugal, online resources state that past the age of 70 no private insurance is generally available in Portugal. Since it sounds like Alan is in that "neighborhood", how are you planning to have continued healthcare coverage after that point? Is this the situation where as long as you first sign up before 70, they won't drop you once you reach that age? Thanks!

[@ItllBeFun]

Olá geoposting Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. I have the ability to continue , but costs will increase. Obrigado Alan and Leslie

[@tonywagner4836]

Thanks for the information. My only comment is about how you were overly optimisc in describing US Healthcare. It is hugely more expensive than anywhere else. Health care employer coverage in the private sector is very poor.

[@ItllBeFun]

Olá Tony, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. We try to be objective, and share pertinent information. We have first hand experience with the Portuguese health system, and think it is very good. We truly appreciate your comments and personal opinions. Thanks for sharing 👍 Obrigado Alan, Leslie and Wolf

[@admindesk2760]

Very informative and NECESSARY topic. After a lifetime of contributions and being taxed by the US Gov't far beyond what I received or used, the entire Medicare and medical insurance issue bothers me. I was a caregiver and responsible party for several elderly people in my family -- more than most, I'd say. I witnessed how elderly relatives experienced a decline in cognitive ability. Yet the government bombards seniord with forms and documents and Part A, Part B, Part C, Co-Pay and Supplements and lab work not covered and prescriptions and more co-pays. So again, after a life-time of having approx 35+% of my income seized annually by the government, why, in the twilight of life, can't we just do away with all the incredibly expensive bureaucratic nonsense. Give the elderly an ID card, it entitles them to everything they need at no charge, no co-pay, no supplemental insurances, none of it!!! Sorry for rambling, but in the sunset of my life, I'm not certain I'll be able to keep it all straight. Just keep paying and it never ends. We all know there must be a better way, glad for you that you escaped when you could.

[@ItllBeFun]

Olá Admin Desk, Thanks for the continued support for our channel. No apologies needed, as you share the same concerns of many people. Obrigado Alan and Leslie

[@joevelosa7056]

If you're a resident in Portugal you will be eligible for public health care, it's just as good and free.

[@ItllBeFun]

Ola Joe Velosa, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Enjoy your journey

[@carlosgarcao2847]

Medicare Advancecare Medis

[@ItllBeFun]

Obrigado Alan and Leslie

[@jimjensen9139]

Not really anything other than how to shop for insurance.

[@ItllBeFun]

Ola Jim, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Yes, this video is about the public healthcare program and the private insurance. Is there something were wanted to know that you are not asking? Have a wonderful day Leslie and Alan

[@millermusicstudioofsimpson6085]

Thank you. Next question: how are the Portuguese dealing with climate change?

[@ItllBeFun]

Olá Miller Music, Thanks for supporting and watching our channel. I can tell you, Madeira Island has reached 50% in renewable energy of solar, wind and hydro generation. Obrigado Alan and Leslie

[@Alfablue227]

Just adding that MGEN is great cause it accepts pre-existing conditions, however, it is offered to families only, and not individually. Also afraid to say that when u shop for private insurance in 🇵🇹, if you declare pre-existing conditions, most ins. co. will not accept you. My aunt is a heavy lady, and was interviewed by various insurance companies to do a phone medical review. She has been healthy so far but at 185lbs =93kg she is overweight and declared such. She got turned down by 4 different companies until a kind health insurance rep told her she needed to lose at least 5kg. She did, gave a lower weight at another medical ins. interview and got approved. The best coverages are given by Zurich, Medis, Medicare amongs other insurers. I have my policies with Fidelidade Seguros. They work with our own Medicare plan (nothing to do with the 🇺🇸 version) for health coverage. I am 60 yrs old and I have had my health policy for two years. I ve used it for physical therapy, orthopedic specialist visits, EKG's and 3 MRI's and because of that and increasing age, my rate already went up by €12, but I can live with that. My MRI's were €60 out of pocket each. It covers pretty much everything I might need including International care. This costs me now €120 per month and I have no pre existing conditions.

[@OhMyPortugal]

I need to add that MGEN does cover individuals. I've had an MGEN Policy since April, live by myself in beautiful Porto and couldn't be happier.

[@Alfablue227]

@@OhMyPortugal it does??? 😳 That must be new cause I went on the Deco Proteste (Consumer Help Organization) Simulator site to try to apply for it and it denied me based on this issue!! When did u get your policy, if I may ask..

[@Alfablue227]

Ohh never mind u did enter April, assuming this year, so it must have changed. Going to chk into it.

[@JP7onEarth]

@@OhMyPortugal Hi Jeff, can you provide contact information for MGEN? I appreciate it! Will be living there in early 2023. Thanks

[@970pedro]

@@Alfablue227 Just go to the site, choose families and put 1 on number of persons. What they don't accept is having only part of a family insured.