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Expat Exchange - Health Care in Lisbon 2024
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LX Factory - Alcantara, Lisbon, Portugal


Health Care in Lisbon

By Betsy Burlingame

Portugal Residency Advisors
Portugal Residency Advisors

Summary: Dive into healthcare resources for expats and digital nomads in Lisbon: identify leading healthcare providers, hospitals, and medical centers for optimal care.

Lisbon has a public and private healthcare system. The public healthcare system is called Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) and is used by both Portuguese citizens and foreigners. People generally recommend using public hospitals in Lisbon for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Lisbon are typically crowded and wait times can be long, but the quality of care is generally good. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Portugal. Expats may also choose to use private hospitals, which are typically less crowded and have shorter wait times. Private hospitals in Lisbon are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they provide a higher quality of care.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Lisbon

  • Hospital de Santa Maria - public hospital located in the north of Lisbon
  • Hospital da Luz - private hospital located in the center of Lisbon
  • Hospital da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa - public hospital located in the center of Lisbon
  • Hospital de São José - private hospital located in the center of Lisbon
  • Hospital de Santa Cruz - public hospital located in the west of Lisbon
  • Hospital de Dona Estefânia - public hospital located in the center of Lisbon
  • Hospital de Santa Marta - private hospital located in the center of Lisbon
  • Hospital de São Francisco Xavier - public hospital located in the east of Lisbon
  • Hospital de Santa Marta - private hospital located in the center of Lisbon, specializing in orthopedics

Emergency Services in Lisbon

Lisbon has an ambulance service that can be called by dialing 112. Ambulances typically arrive quickly, but there can be delays depending on the time of day and the severity of the emergency.

Health Insurance Companies in Lisbon

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

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


Portugal Residency Advisors
Portugal Residency Advisors

Portugal Residency Advisors
Portugal Residency Advisors

LX Factory - Alcantara, Lisbon, Portugal

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