School insurance in Portugal is free for all students enrolled in the compulsory education system. In the event of a school-related accident, it provides coverage and support in addition to what is offered by the national health care system.

School insurance in Portugal

First, let’s review what is considered an accident school-related, incidents that occur at school or on the way to or from school, whether the student is walking, taking public transportation, or riding a bike.

Everything you need to know about the right to school insurance is legally set forth in Ordinance 413/99 of June 8, 1999, which is a document that parents and teachers can consult to clarify any questions they may have about the law.

However, to help you protect your child or children, we have compiled all the essential information on this topic.

What do we consider to be a school accident?

The following is considered a school accident:

• The incident occurred at the location and time of the school activity that resulted in the student’s injury, illness, or death; ;
• An accident resulting from an activity conducted with the consent of or under the supervision of the governing bodies of the educational institution; ;
• An accident on the way to school or a school activity.

The School Insurance Regulations, published in the order The aforementioned document also includes a section containing guidelines for preventing accidents at school, namely « information and training initiatives for students, faculty, and staff aimed at preventing or reducing the risk of school accidents; and programs initiated by regional education offices or central agencies of the Ministry of Education, which include, in particular, a comparative study of the methods used by other similar institutions, both domestic and foreign" .

School Insurance in Portugal: What Is It, and How Does It Work?

School insurance in Portugal provides a regulated set of protections for all students and was created to ensure adequate coverage for damages resulting from potential accidents that occur in a school setting.

This support is an essential educational supplement provided to students by their regional education authorities to address situations not covered by the National Health System (SNS).

How much does it cost?

There is no cost to students for attending preschool and compulsory education. It is also free for students with disabilities.

For other students, the insurance premium is set at 1 % of the national minimum wage and is paid at the time of enrollment.

Who and what activities are covered?

• Children who are enrolled in and attend public kindergartens; ;
• Students at private and cooperative educational institutions operating under an association agreement; ;
• Students enrolled in formal and extracurricular education courses organized by or in collaboration with the Ministry of Education; ;
• Children enrolled in preschool and students in the first cycle of basic education who participate in socio-educational activities organized by parent associations or municipalities at educational institutions; ;
• Elementary and secondary school students who are completing internships or participating in workplace training experiences, which constitute the necessary extension of time and curriculum required for certification; ;
• Students who participate in school sports; ;
• Children and youth enrolled in recreational activities or vocational programs organized by educational institutions or schools and held during school breaks; ;
• Elementary and secondary school students, including those in vocational and arts programs; ;
• Students who travel abroad as part of field trips, exchange programs, and athletic competitions in the area of school sports.

How do I get school insurance coverage?

You can obtain insurance coverage at the educational institution through an association agreement with middle schools or school districts.

When parents file an insurance claim, they must inform the school of the consequences of a specific accident that occurred on school grounds. This notification must be provided immediately upon their arrival at the health office, where the student must have received specialized care.

If the death or permanent disability of the injured student is suspected, the administrative and management body of the educational institution must initiate a special investigation or, alternatively, report the incident to the regional office.

The same organization must also provide parents with adequate information on the steps they need to take to ensure they comply with the terms of the insurance policy.

What types of coverage are provided?

All treatment-related costs not covered by the social security system, such as the SNS, are covered.

Coverage is guaranteed as long as the medical care provided or hospitalization takes place in public health care facilities, that is, through public hospital services.

Therefore, we can say that the insurance covers the following situations in the context of a school accident:

• Medication and medical care for the injured student; ;
• Transportation to the public health facility, as well as the necessary food and lodging during this assistance; ;
• It also provides for possible compensation for emotional distress or disability; for this, a medical evaluation is required; ;
• The insurance also provides various other types of coverage in the event of damage caused to third parties or the death of the injured student.
• In the event of a school-related accident, documented expenses are reimbursed within 24 hours for situations already recognized as school-related accidents.

In all other cases, the reimbursement period is 20 days. If medical advice is required, reimbursement takes about four weeks.

Are school accidents that affect the teeth also covered?

Yes, that's true. This insurance should also provide coverage for any damage resulting from accidents that occur in a school setting and that affect the injured student's teeth, particularly in cases of total or near-total tooth loss.