Health insurance in Portugal does not discriminate in any way, but it is important that each policy meet the specific needs of each insured person.
For example, just as a single person with no desire or plans to have children does not have to pay for maternity coverage, there are some insurance policies that are specifically designed for a certain segment of the population.
In this series of articles, we’ll explore the specific types of coverage—or those best suited—for men and women. This will help you determine whether your health insurance meets the specific needs of every member of your family. In this article, we’ll discuss men’s health, but be sure to read our article on health insurance from a women’s perspective.
The idea that men tend to neglect their health and avoid going to the doctor is becoming outdated. Especially since the pandemic, taking care of one’s body and eating a more balanced diet have become part of daily life for most Portuguese men, as evidenced by the membership lists at any gym in Portugal and the demand for health insurance.
The Impact of Neglecting Preventive Exams and Checkups on Men
Whether due to indifference or negligence, many men neglect preventive care, which can make it difficult to diagnose a disease in a timely manner and to treat it.
One of the most important types of coverage you can find in this type of insurance is, without a doubt, the coverage that focuses on preventive medicine.
One of the situations where this is most evident is in the case of prostate exams for cancer screening. Because the exam is somewhat invasive, many Portuguese people put off scheduling it, which ultimately contributes significantly to prostate cancer having an incidence rate of 82 cases per 100,000 inhabitants—one of the highest in Europe.
The same is true for screenings for cardiovascular disease and lung cancer, which, along with prostate cancer, round out the top three most prevalent diseases among men.
Thus, by choosing a health insurance plan that includes urology coverage and check-ups, for example, you’ll have access to 24-hour monitoring of your physical condition by medical specialists and free diagnostic tests at the best clinics and hospitals in Portugal.
How does health insurance contribute to better physical and mental well-being?
Among all the benefits men seek in health insurance, there is one that is extremely important and allows them to challenge a taboo that has long been ingrained in Portuguese society: mental health conditions.
The idea of what it means to “be a man” has created the myth that men don’t have mental health issues. Nothing could be further from the truth. Being strong isn’t about appearing strong. Being strong means knowing how to ask for help when you need it.
The stress of daily personal and professional life, combined with the pressure to live up to society’s expectations, often results in mental health issues that jeopardize their jobs, social lives, and even harmony within the family.
In addition to health insurance plans that include check-ups—which guarantee you free exams and quick access to specialists without waiting lists—you’ll find coverage for psychological counseling and stress management that allows you to break down the limiting mental barriers that prevent you from living a fulfilling life—and, very importantly, always with financial support.
With a healthy mind, it's time to take care of your body, and in that regard, health insurance policies are generous.
Through our sports medicine and physical therapy services, injuries resulting from working out at the gym, CrossFit, padel, or casual soccer games with friends are monitored and treated so that you can always perform at a high level and your professional career isn’t affected.
Essential Health Insurance Coverage for Men
In a “men’s” health insurance plan, the most common and essential coverages are:
- Annual checkups and early-detection screenings (cardiology, urology, routine tests, etc.);
- Quick access to specialists without waiting lists;
- Sports medicine and physical therapy;
- Psychological counseling and stress management;
- Prevention of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes);
- Telemedicine and 24-hour support.
Tips for Choosing the Right Insurance Based on Your Age and Lifestyle
To ensure that your health and preventive care insurance reflects your age and lifestyle, start by asking yourself whether your budget is tight or flexible, whether you have financial dependents, and what risks are most common in your daily life.
By answering these questions, let’s see which insurance plan to choose if you’re working, want to stay in good physical shape, and want to take care of your health in a practical and quick way:
From age 20 to 30
You're just starting out in your career, you probably don't have any dependents, and you lead a lifestyle that exposes you to more risks.
In this age group, we recommend that you look for health insurance that offers special rates for young people and coverage that includes sports medicine, disability, critical illnesses, and psychological counseling (the incidence of mental health conditions is particularly high among young people).
If you travel frequently, choose an insurance plan that covers medical expenses in a foreign country and guarantees medical repatriation.
This is the ideal time to sign up for health insurance because you can usually get a good plan at lower rates (while you're young and in good health).
Ages 30 to 45
You are in the prime of your personal and professional life. You have a stable career, your family is growing, and you have greater financial resources.
Instead of individual health insurance, consider choosing a a plan that covers all members of your family, including spouses and children, and offer tiered discounts for each additional member.
Try to supplement your health insurance with a life insurance policy that combines coverage for death, disability, critical illnesses, and income protection.
Ages 45 to 65
In this age group, the focus is on protecting one's assets and, of course, on health.
Age and potential comorbidities, which are beginning to have a more pronounced effect, will require a more robust insurance one that not only includes diagnostic tests and specialist consultations, but also surgeries, hospital stays, and a strong network of partner doctors and hospitals.
How can EXS help you find the best health insurance for you?
It’s often said that you shouldn’t take your health lightly; after all, a sound mind in a sound body is what we all strive to have for as long as possible, especially when our professional careers depend on it.
Since you don't have to be sick to see a doctor, choosing health insurance tailored to your age and lifestyle is the best investment you can make to ensure access to quality health care without wasting time on waiting lists.
By seeking support from EXS, you’re taking preventive action rather than waiting to fix problems (or at least addressing them with access to quality services), and you can count on:
- Expert guidance from start to finish;
- Flexibility in choosing coverage options and amounts;
- Sensitivity and discretion in customer service;
- The best protection at the best price.
Conclusion
The myths that surround what it means to “be a man” end up having an extremely negative impact on the way men view their health.
Putting off prostate cancer screenings or neglecting treatment for a physical injury will result, later in life, in permanent problems that will require treatment, surgery, and prolonged, costly hospital stays.
Don't put off until tomorrow the protection you can have today—choose the best health insurance for men With EXS's help, start living a more peaceful life.
This article is part of a special series on health insurance tailored to each person's specific needs.
While it is true that men face their own risks and challenges throughout their lives, the same is true for women—especially when it comes to reproductive and mental health, as well as the stages of motherhood and menopause.
👉 Be sure to also read our article on Health Insurance from a Women's Perspective and find out if your family's health insurance really meets everyone's needs.
