On the 12^th and 13^th of October, MEDAL had the privilege of sponsoring once more and alongside Turismo do Algarve the 24^th edition of the BLiP Expo (Better Living in Portugal Exhibition), organised by afpop. This annual event continues to be an excellent opportunity to engage with the expat community and showcase our commitment to delivering personalised insurance solutions for expatriates living in Portugal.  

The BLiP Expo is more than just a business exhibition, it’s a platform where we reconnect with long-standing clients and partners, reaffirming relationships that have been built over the years. Moments like this are essential to be closer to those who have trusted us for many years, as well as to establish new connections that will allow us to continue to grow and serve our customers with the excellence they expect.

We would like to thank afpop for organising this remarkable event and all the visitors who contributed to yet another successful edition.

You can watch the recap video of this year's event, by clicking on the following link: https://youtu.be/8rmMcgvhqvE

On 11th September, the 15th edition of our prestigious afpop-MEDAL Annual Golf Tournament took place at the renowned Penina Hotel & Golf Resort in Portimão.

This event, now a long-standing tradition, strengthens our enduring partnership with afpop and provides participants with an excellent opportunity for networking, sport, and leisure. With a competitive yet relaxed atmosphere, the tournament brought together golfers from various regions, all enjoying a day of fair play and camaraderie on one of the Algarve’s most iconic and challenging courses.

As always, the organisation was impeccable, and participants were able to share moments of conviviality both during the tournament and at the post-event lunch, where stories and experiences were exchanged, reinforcing the spirit of unity and partnership that defines this event.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the participants, alongside with our long-term partner afpop and its team that made this year’s event another great success. Our commitment to excellence remains unwavering, and we are already preparing for next year’s edition, which we hope will be even more memorable.

You can watch the summary video of this fantastic day through the following link: https://youtu.be/qyxYelz-Us4

As has become tradition MEDAL will proudly be sponsoring, once again and alongside with Associação Turismo do Algarve/VisitAlgarve, this year's edition of BLiP - the Better Living in Portugal Exhibition, organised by afpop (Association of Foreign Property Owners in Portugal - www.afpop.com).

Join us in the Portimão Arena, on 12 and 13 October, and discover over 100 businesses and their solutions to your needs, with thousands of visitors in attendance. Don't miss out!

For more info, please visit  www.betterlivinginportugal.com or www.facebook.com/blip.afpop

Portugal continues to be a top choice for those seeking a mild climate, rich culture, and exceptional quality of life. However, the risks of theft, earthquakes, and other natural disasters have been increasing year on year, highlighting the importance of having an appropriate and up-to-date home insurance policy, especially when considering that your home is likely one of the largest investments you will make in your lifetime.

How to insure and what to cover?
At MEDAL, we have developed an exclusive home insurance policy to protect your assets. We offer building insurance, contents insurance, and ‘All Risks’ coverage, including jewellery and valuable items. When taking out insurance, consider the following factors to determine the insured amounts:

•     Reconstruction Cost – this should include not only the building, but also terraces, walls, fences, swimming pools, and other small structures.
•     Contents – the amounts insured should be sufficient to replace the insured items with new ones (New for Old).

Why should you review your insurance annually?
As your home will likely be your biggest investment in Portugal, it is crucial to ensure that both the building and its contents are insured with appropriate values. Theft and natural disasters (such as earthquakes, storms, heavy rains, or even fires) are not that uncommon in Portugal, so an insurance policy with outdated insured amounts could have disastrous consequences in the event of a claim.

Read more about our thoughts on this matter in Portugal Resident's new article: here.

A reminder for the golfers that the fifteenth annual Golf Tournament, sponsored by MEDAL in partnership with afpop, will take place at Penina (Alvor), on 11th of September. As usual it will be a shotgun start at 8h45 and afpop will confirm all details in the upcoming August edition of its UPDATE magazine.

Any Member wishing to take part in the tournament can register their interest by contacting the afpop office on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Are you considering moving to Portugal? MEDAL will once again be taking part as a speaker in the Living in Portugal series of seminars organised by the Open Media Group, which will take place across North America between 15 and 22 June, with the aim of providing essential information about life in Portugal, covering topics such as types of visas, taxation and the property market, as well as healthcare and insurance available in the country.

Details of the upcoming events:

New York Seminar
- Date: 15 June 2024
- Venue: Millennium Hilton, New York, USA

Chicago Seminar
- Date: 19 June 2024
- Venue: Park Hyatt, Chicago, USA

Toronto Seminar
- Date: 22 June 2024
- Venue: The St. Regis, Toronto, Canada

Don't miss this opportunity to clarify your doubts with a panel of professionals specialised in several areas of expertise. Secure your place now by registering here.

During 2024 MEDAL will continue to participate as speaker and partner in the “Living in the Algarve” series of free seminars, that are planned to take place along the Algarve. Organised by the Open Media Group, the Living in the Algarve events provide an excellent opportunity for anyone who is planning to either move to the Algarve or buy a property in the region.

Living in the Algarve’s 10th seminar is just around the corner and will take place at Vila Galé Tavira Hotel, on May 23rd.

The main objective of the event is to inform future foreign residents about several practical aspects of life in the Algarve, bringing together expert speakers on many different areas, including taxation, residency, healthcare, legal matters and property. MEDAL's COO, João Pinheiro, will address in his intervention the topic of healthcare and health insurance in Portugal. 

After the various speeches and respective presentations, participants will be able to ask questions, clarify doubts and participate in a tasting of regional wines from the Algarve. 

Two sessions are planned, one in the morning, at 11 am, and another in the early afternoon, at 3 pm. 

Participation is free, but online registration is required.

The healthcare landscape in Portugal is evolving, notably post-pandemic, with escalating medical costs and doctors opting out of insurance agreements. Hence, choosing a suitable health insurance has become pivotal, especially concerning competitive reimbursements outside insurers’ networks.

Some key considerations when choosing a health insurance in Portugal:

1. Coverage assessment – evaluate if coverage aligns with medical needs;
2. Exclusions and pre-existing conditions – understand waiting periods and exclusions;
3. Provider network – ensure access to a wide network of healthcare providers;
4. Deductibles and copayments – understand additional costs on top of the premium;
5. Additional services and customer support – assess supplementary services and customer support;
6. Premiums and financial conditions – compare costs, coverage and especially terms for an informed decision;
7. Territorial scope and coverage abroad – confirm if a domestic policy is enough or if you also need coverage outside Portugal;
8. Role of an insurance broker for expats – brokers offer vital guidance and comprehensive understanding for expats navigating local insurance dynamics.

Read more about our thoughts on this matter in Portugal Resident's new article: here.

MEDAL is delighted to recap and reflect on the recent BLiP Expo 2023, held on the 14th and 15th of October and organised by afpop. With over 4.000 visitors in attendance and more than a hundred exhibitors, this event stood as a testament to the Algarve's spirit of community and growth: watch here.

At MEDAL, our dedication to the Algarve, its Expats community and our unwavering support for BLiP Expo remains resolute. We take great pride in our longstanding support of this remarkable event, having been there from its inaugural edition, as it embodies the core values of progress, prosperity, and community. Our commitment to serving the unique insurance needs of the region only deepens as we move forward.

If you attended BLiP Expo 2023, we extend our gratitude for your participation and the opportunity to connect with you. For those who couldn't make it, rest assured that we are always here to provide the insurance solutions and expert guidance you need to enhance your quality of life in Portugal.

The dates are booked for 2024, so mark you calendar for 12th and 13th of October and be sure not to miss the Algarve’s premier business expo in Portimão next year.

Professional Liability Insurance
Together with Hiscox, S.A. (represented in Portugal by Innovarisk, Lda.) we offer a professional liability solution to protect your business. 

Because mistakes and/or unforeseen events happen:

•     We can transfer the obligation to indemnify third parties to an insurance policy, guaranteeing the continuity of the company/operation;
•     Clients are increasingly demanding insurance to win more important contracts;
•     Even the best professionals make mistakes, and those mistakes cost money;
•     We're all subject to claims, even if we're right.

This policy guarantees:

•     Unintentional breach of contract;
•     Defence costs;
•     Professional errors, omissions and negligence;
•     Breach of the duty of confidentiality;
•     Defamation;
•     Costs to avoid a Potential Claim;
•     Material or Bodily Damage (Civil Liability Exploitation);
•     Insured's Own Losses:
    a) Employee dishonesty; b) Loss of Documents.

Some examples of Covers essential to IT activity:

Breach of Contract
When the deadline for completion of a project is exceeded, causing damage to the client, because the "Key Person" has been ill or has left the company.
- Our policy covers it!

Professional errors, omissions and negligence
When the work carried out by the professional does not meet the expectations of the end client.
- Our policy covers it!