Miguel Albuquerque says health insurance is becoming increasingly important for travellers but acknowledges that making it compulsory for all tourists visiting Madeira would be difficult.
Speaking on Tuesday, the 20th of October, during a visit to Safe Away, a company providing healthcare to tourists, including medical assistance in hotels, the President of the Regional Government was asked whether compulsory insurance could help ease pressure on public health services.
“It is difficult to impose this,” he replied, citing the scale of Madeira’s tourism industry and the range of airlines and airports serving the island.
Albuquerque said many tourists, particularly those from English-speaking countries, already travel with health insurance that enables them to access private care in the event of illness or an accident.
He argued that these services could reduce demand on the public health system, particularly for conditions that do not require hospital treatment. More serious cases, however, would still require emergency services.
Albuquerque also highlighted the role healthcare plays in choosing a holiday destination. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, he said, travellers, particularly older visitors, have become more concerned about the availability and quality of medical care.
He added that access to both public and private healthcare is also an important consideration for foreigners planning to settle in Madeira.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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