15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare 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.

"Portugal has a comprehensive public healthcare system that provides free or low-cost medical services to its citizens. The country also has a number of private hospitals and clinics that offer a wide range of medical services. Portugal has a well-developed network of primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals that provide quality medical care. The country also has a number of specialized medical centers that offer specialized treatments and services. Portugal also has a number of medical research centers that are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and treatments," remarked one expat in Portugal.

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

"Healthcare rates are somewhat dependent on your age. I am 69 I pay about $180 a month with MGen. I don't have the lowest benefit or the highest, I am somewhere in the middle. I went with MGen for the following reasons. No limit on renewability...my age will never disqualify me from renewing my plan. They accept pre-existing conditions. I used a service called Serenity to help me navigate the various healthcare providers. You can do this yourself, I just preferred not to. If you join Afpop I believe you can buy MGen through them and get a discounted rate," said one expat.

"I'm closest to a day hospital, but I've never had to use emergency services (yet). So far, I've used only the local health clinic, which is in the public system. The private network is mostly the hospitals like CUF or Lusíadas," mentioned one expat in Porto.

"I don't know because we just moved here. Nearest hospital is Faro which is about 40 km," commented one expat who moved to Algarve, Portugal.

"Emergency services in Portugal are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial 112, the national emergency number. This number is free of charge and can be dialed from any phone, including mobile phones. The operator will then connect you to the appropriate emergency service, such as an ambulance, fire brigade, or police," remarked one expat living in Portugal.

"I'm waiting for a specialist referral for ophthalmology, but there's no indication of whether it's in Porto or further afield," said an expat in Porto.

"Specialists in every field are no more than 30 mins away. Serious health issues are handled at our private hospital, 10 mins away. Care is quickly provided and done well. Tests are given immediately and results available the next day," commented one expat living in Lisbon, Portugal.

"Portugal's largest cities, such as Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Braga and Faro, are generally considered to have the highest concentration of medical specialists in the country. Other cities with notable concentrations of specialists include Figueira Da Foz, Guarda, Evora, Maia and Trancoso. Additionally, Algarve is an area well known for its top-level medical care and its range of highly skilled specialists. Generally speaking, Portugal's major cities are considered to have the highest concentration of medical specialists in the country," wrote one expat.

"I have a few rx that I need. We took out private insurance and I brought my Dr. records with me when I met my primary care Dr. He looked them over and said they were not a problem. One rx is $50 cheaper here than the states," said one expat living in Albufeira.

"Prescription medicines are dispensed by the local pharmacy, as prescribed by the doctor at the local clinic near my home. The prescriptions are sent via message directly from the doctor to the pharmacy. The one time I've had to get medication, I was prescribed 3 meds for a total of less of than 7 euros, which is cheaper than it would've been in Canada," mentioned one expat in Porto.

"Portugal boasts excellent medical facilities and care. With a universal health system funded by the government, Portuguese citizens have access to quality healthcare services and clinical treatments. Medical staff are well-trained to provide specialized expertise and care, while the widespread availability of laboratories, diagnostic centers, and medications make Portugal a modern hub of medical advances. Additionally, the country has a number of renowned research entities dedicated to the advancement of healthcare technology," wrote an expat living in Portugal.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Portugal, you will have access to public healthcare. Portugal has a universal healthcare system, which means that all citizens and legal residents are entitled to free healthcare. The quality of care is generally good, with a wide range of services available, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and mental health services. The Portuguese healthcare system is also well-funded, so you can expect to receive quality care," said one expat.

"No problem even during COVID-19 getting monthly injection of special medication at private hospital (CUF)," wrote an expat living in Lisbon.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the Portuguese healthcare system. The government has implemented a number of measures to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers, including the introduction of telemedicine services, the expansion of hospital capacity, and the implementation of strict safety protocols. Despite these measures, the healthcare system has been overwhelmed by the influx of patients, leading to long wait times and delays in care. Additionally, the pandemic has caused a shortage of medical supplies, such as masks and gloves, which has further strained the system. Despite these challenges, the Portuguese healthcare system has been able to provide quality care to those in need," said an expat in Portugal.