Essential Guide to the Health System in Portugal

Portugal has a public and private healthcare system, both of which are available to foreigners. The public healthcare system is called Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) and is funded by taxes. It is free for Portuguese citizens and permanent residents, and foreigners can use it for a fee. Public hospitals are generally recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, and the quality of care is generally good.

Portugal's Public Healthcare System

Portugal's public healthcare system, Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), is funded by taxes and is free for Portuguese citizens and permanent residents. Foreigners can use the public healthcare system for a fee. Public hospitals are generally recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, and the quality of care is generally good.

Portugal's Private Healthcare System

Portugal also has a private healthcare system, which is used primarily by expats and digital nomads. Private hospitals are more expensive than public hospitals, but they offer more personalized care and shorter wait times. Private hospitals are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, and the quality of care is generally excellent.

Portugal's Top Hospitals

Some of the most well-known hospitals in Portugal include:

• Hospital de Santa Maria (public hospital in Lisbon)
• Hospital da Luz (private hospital in Lisbon)
• Hospital de São João (public hospital in Porto)
• Hospital da Boavista (private hospital in Porto)
• Hospital de São José (public hospital in Coimbra)
• Hospital da Luz Arrábida (private hospital in Vila Nova de Gaia)

Health Insurance Companies in Portugal

The most popular private health insurers in Portugal are Seguradoras Unidas, Fidelidade, and Lusitania. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

Insider Tips from Expats in Portugal: How to Navigate the Health System

"Finding a specialist takes trail and error. But that is true even in my home country," commented one expat living in Lisbon, Portugal.

"Most of the medical professionals speak excellent english. If you choose to live outside the city, I recommend reaching a conversational level of portuguese to make sure you can communicate your needs," mentioned one expat living in Portugal.

"Is a crime what the US charges for same services I get in Portugal for a lot less," said an expat in Portugal.

"Public care is available to all...it's just slower and more crowded. Easily affordable private care is like 5 star service," remarked one expat in Portugal.

"Very happy with the ease of navigating the public system and the swiftness, kindness and efficiency of healthcare staff," said one expat living in Portugal.

"Connect with other expats to obtain physician references and sources of private insurance so you can benefit from their research and experience. Bring copies of your medical records with you. Quality of care can be very high in Portugal's major communities. Costs are much lower, by about half, and prescriptions range from a tenth to a half of the costs in the US," commented one expat living in Cascais, Portugal.

"Choose a healthcare insurance company that has a strong network in your area; some are focused on the Southern region, some across the middle and so on. Look into brokers for lower rates rather than buy the coverage directly from the insurance company or from your bank," mentioned one expat living in Portugal.

"Much confusion exists for Americans and other third country nationals residing in Portugal and our access to Portugal's national health system. While we will always have access to the national health services and won't be turned away from a hospital or clinic, our primary care is served by the private health system for which we buy private international health insurance. We register at the Portuguese 'Center de Saude' or local health clinic and get a "numero de utente', a health ID number, which we can use with your private physician to enjoy the lower Portuguese citizen's prices for prescriptions, but we will pay out of pocket if we incur charges at the public hospital.. So our first option is to use the private health system, which exists in all major cities and is extensive, inexpensive and state of the art. When first coming to Portugal, bring with you a list of the prescriptions you're taking, with the Latin name, generic name, dosage and reason for taking....your current doctor will give you this. Be certain it includes your name, US address, date issued and doctor's signature. You can take these to any farmacia to be filled immediately without any issues," said an expat in Portugal.

"Speak to locals (especially other expats for have been around for at least a few years) to recommend health care providers, especially specialists," remarked one expat in Portugal.

"Portugal offers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, hospital care, mental health services, and specialized care. The public healthcare system in Portugal is funded by the government and is free for all citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare in Portugal is generally good, with modern facilities and well-trained staff. Foreign residents in Portugal are also eligible to use the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for certain services. Expats in Portugal can use the public healthcare system by registering with the local health authority and obtaining a health card. This card allows them to access the same services as Portuguese citizens, including free or discounted medical care," said one expat living in Portugal.