What is the SNS in Portugal?

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Summary: What is SNS in Portugal?

Servico Nacional de Saude is the National Health Service in Portugal. "Yes, to access the Portuguese Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), Portugal's public health system, you must obtain a Numero do Utente from an sns clinic to use the system. If you are not a citizen of PT (or the EU) you will never have full, free or low-cost access to the sns. You will always need supplemental, private coverage. This has NOTHING to do with the Social Security System in Portugal (Segurança Social or caixa), which does cover health benefits but is a system exclusive to persons who legally work in Portugal," explained one expat in Portugal.

About the Author

Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.