Fact Sheet

Basis principle

The Department of Protection against Occupational Risks – International Processes, ensures the coordination of Portuguese Social Security with the competent services of other countries, ensuring that posted workers maintain social protection in Portugal, particularly against work-related accidents and occupational diseases.

Financial compensation

The Department of Protection against Occupational Risks – International Processes ensures that posted workers maintain the right to cash benefits arising from workplace accidents or occupational diseases.

Medical treatment responsibilities

Healthcare is provided in the country where the work accident occurred, but is covered by the company for which the beneficiary works or by the insurance company to which that company assigned responsibility, through the mediation of the Portuguese Social Security Institute, more specifically the Department of Protection against Occupational Risks.

Prevention responsibilities

Responsibility for prevention and compliance with occupational health and safety legislation lies with the employer, who must comply with the regulations of the country where the work is carried out.

Research in OS&H issues responsibilities

The authorities of the country where the accident or occupational disease occurred are responsible for the investigation, in cooperation with the Department of Protection against Occupational Risks whenever necessary for the purposes of registration and recognition.

Rehabilitation of victims of occupational injuries responsibilities

The rehabilitation and reintegration of workers who are victims of an accident or occupational illness is ensured by the local health system, but under the financial responsibility and monitoring of the Department of Protection against Occupational Risks/Portuguese Social Security.

Specific insurance against accidents at work and occupational diseases

In Portugal, all workers are required to have occupational accident insurance taken out by their employer, while occupational diseases are covered by the public scheme managed by the Department for Protection against Occupational Risks.

Is this insurance compulsory?

Yes. Workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory for employees and self-employed workers.

Contributions

Contributions to Portuguese Social Security include protection against occupational illnesses. Occupational accident insurance is paid directly by the employer to an insurer.

People covered

Employees posted abroad and self-employed workers are covered.

Is insurance different for accidents at work and for occupational diseases?

No. The insurance and benefits are similar in both cases.

Risks covered

• Work-related accidents: all those that occur during or as a result of professional activity abroad.
• Occupational diseases: all those that appear on the official list or that are recognized as directly linked to the activity performed abroad.

Web: www.seg-social.pt
Contact email: www.seg-social.pt/ptss

Information provided by DPRP – September 2025