THE ESSENTIALS
Before you start
- Say that this is your first policy, without inventing a previous insurer.
- Separate available details from questions still to be clarified.
- Ask for confirmation of terms and the effective start before relying on protection.
First, clarify your circumstances
The general rule in Portugal requires self-employed workers to take out this insurance. A specific exemption concerns production exclusively for their own and their household's use or consumption.
Explain whether you are starting an activity or already self-employed. Do not turn an assumption about your case into a conclusion; raise the question with the intermediary and ask for clarification.
Prepare a short, concrete description
Rather than simply writing 'providing services', describe a typical working week. Administration, client visits and preparing materials, for example, are different details to bring to the discussion.
Fictional example: Inês starts an activity and asks Rui to read her description before sending it. He asks where she works and what she does when visiting a client. Inês adds two sentences. The result is not a promise of acceptance: it is a clearer request.
What details should you organise for an individual quotation?
Prepare your Portuguese tax number (NIF), entity type, full name, mobile number, address, postcode, locality and email. For an individual request, also organise your economic activity code (CAE), occupation, monthly salary, current insurer and intended start date.
If you have no current insurer because this is your first contract, say exactly that. Do not enter an arbitrary name just to complete a list. Mark any information you do not know for clarification.
The NIF belongs in the initial quotation preparation; use only the appropriate channel indicated for the request. Do not share identifiers in public comments. An IBAN is not part of this initial quotation collection.
Missing details should not look confirmed
A small table can help: 'already available', 'needs checking' and 'question for the intermediary'. An activity code you have not confirmed belongs in that column, rather than appearing in the request as validated.
If the start date is still an intention, label it as intended. You do not need to invent certainty to begin clarifying a request.
When the proposal arrives, return to your original list
Compare the proposal with the activity and details you provided. Ask how remuneration was considered and where to check the relevant terms. Note differences before deciding.
Receiving a quotation does not, by itself, confirm that insurance has started. Ask for confirmation of acceptance, terms and the effective date. Keep that reply with the policy documents.
Take the next step
Visit the Occupational Accidents guide on rmachado.group and use the website request to explain your situation. Prepare current information and state what you still need to clarify.
Do not post documents, tax numbers or other identifiers in social media comments. The request should follow the appropriate channel, with the necessary explanations before sharing details.
KEEP THESE QUESTIONS
Your checklist for the next conversation
- State that this is your first policy.
- Describe your usual tasks and work locations.
- Prepare the individual request fields.
- Mark details still to be confirmed.
- Distinguish the intended date from the effective start.
- Check the proposal and keep confirmation before relying on insurance.
FROM THE ARTICLE TO YOUR SITUATION
Let us discuss your situation
Tell us what you want to protect. We review your request and help compare relevant terms. Requesting a quotation does not activate insurance.
Sources and transparency
Sources consulted on 18 October 2026. Numerical examples are fictional and explain concepts. Editorial interpretations are identified in the text.
Information from RMACHADO GROUP. This is not an insurance offer or individual advice. Covers, acceptance, exclusions, sums insured and costs depend on the policy. The intermediary does not underwrite the risks.