The Portuguese healthcare system, known as the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde – SNS), provides universal health insurance coverage to all legal residents of Portugal, regardless of their financial situation, employment, or social security status.
Like most European countries, there is a local health center (some might have emergency rooms) in nearly every Portuguese town.
In this article, we’ll explore how the system works, where you can go for dental care, what private health insurance can give you, and what to do in medical emergencies.
In this article, we’ll cover:
The Portuguese Healthcare System
The National Health Service (SNS) is primarily funded through general taxation, ensuring accessible healthcare for all without high out-of-pocket costs.
It offers a variety of services, including consultations, hospital treatments, surgeries, and prescriptions, focusing on preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care.
While many services are free or low-cost, a co-payment system exists for certain treatments, varying by income level.
Residents can access primary care at health centers and receive specialized treatment at public hospitals. Patients must register with a family doctor, who acts as the primary contact and can refer them to specialists.
Emergency medical care is available to everyone, regardless of insurance status. The SNS also utilizes an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system for better communication among healthcare providers.
Although essential services are provided, waiting times for non-urgent treatments can lead some to seek private insurance for faster access. Public and private healthcare options coexist, allowing individuals to choose their preferred care.
Who needs health insurance in Portugal?
Anyone visiting Portugal, whether for a short time or a longer duration, will need some form of healthcare.
For tourists and short-term visitors, having your own health or travel insurance is often mandatory when applying for a Schengen visa.
However, the SNS does provide emergency medical care to travelers. If you are an EU/EEA citizen and have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can also use it in Portugal to access necessary medical treatment during temporary stays.
Following Brexit, UK individuals can use their UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of the EHIC. There is no difference between the EHIC and the GHIC. Depending on the nation of travel, both cards provide coverage for required and emergency healthcare treatments at reduced or no cost.
While expats and foreign residents who have made Portugal their new home through the Portugal Golden Visa or the Portugal D7 Visa benefit from SNS, many choose to enroll in private medical insurance, which provides flexibility to access private healthcare services and specialized treatments.
But it’s not just expats who sometimes need additional health insurance in Portugal. Many citizens choose to get extra coverage for services not included in the public healthcare system, such as alternative therapies, elective procedures, and certain prescription medications not fully covered by the SNS.
Additionally, tourists from some countries can access medical care in Portugal with health insurance from their home country. This includes citizens from:
- Andorra
- Brazil
- Canada (Quebec only)
- Cape Verde
- Morocco
- Tunisia
Portuguese Public Health Insurance
Public health insurance in Portugal covers all Portuguese citizens and legal residents, ensuring everyone has access to essential healthcare and emergency treatment, regardless of insurance status. While essential services are covered, non-urgent treatments may have longer waiting times. Public health insurance ensures access to basic medical care without significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Generally, public health insurance covers:
- Doctors and specialists: Consultations with general practitioners and specialists are covered
- Medical emergencies: Emergency treatments and hospital care are provided without cost
- Mental healthcare: Consultations and treatments for mental health conditions are covered
- Maternity care: Prenatal care, childbirth, and postnatal care are included
- Eye care: Eye exams and some vision-related services are covered
How to get Portuguese Public Health Insurance
To be eligible for Portuguese public health insurance, you must have legal residency in the country.
Register at local health center: To register at a health center (Centro de Saúde) in Portugal, visit your nearest location with identification and proof of residency. Complete the provided forms, which require your Social Security number and Portugal tax identification number (NIF), to enroll in the SNS.
Select a family doctor: During the registration process, you will select a family doctor or general practitioner as your primary healthcare provider. This doctor will be your contact for medical needs and specialist referrals. After submitting the necessary forms and documents, you will receive your public health insurance details and a health user card (cartão de utente) once the registration is complete.
Receive a health user card: The health user card is a personal identification card essential for accessing healthcare services under the National Health Service (SNS). It provides access to consultations with doctors and specialists, hospital treatments, surgeries, and prescription medications.
Private Health Insurance in Portugal
Private Portuguese healthcare for foreigners and citizens alike is generally affordable, with monthly premiums ranging from €20 to €50, depending on your age and the level of coverage you choose. This translates to an annual cost of approximately €400 for a basic plan and up to €1,000 for a more comprehensive coverage option.
Coverage: Unlike the public system, private health insurance offers coverage for additional services such as dental care, alternative therapies, and elective procedures, providing a more comprehensive range of healthcare options.
Choice of healthcare providers: Policyholders have the flexibility to choose their preferred healthcare providers, including doctors, specialists, and private hospitals, enabling a more personalized healthcare experience.
Coverage options: Private health insurance plans can be customized to suit individual needs, offering a variety of coverage options to match different lifestyles and medical requirements.
International coverage: Some private health insurance plans in Portugal may include international coverage, allowing policyholders to access medical services while traveling abroad.
Additional benefits: Private health insurance may offer additional benefits, such as health screenings, wellness programs, and coverage for certain prescription medications not fully covered by the public system.
Popular among expatriates: Expatriates and foreign residents in Portugal often opt for private health insurance to ensure continuity of care and access to specialized treatments in their preferred language and with familiarity of international medical practices.
How to choose a private insurance provider in Portugal?
Choosing the right private health insurance in Portugal involves evaluating your needs, budget, and the available options. Portugal has a robust public healthcare system, which is accessible to residents.
However, private health insurance is often chosen to complement public services or provide faster access to private hospitals, specialized care, and English-speaking medical professionals.
Popular private insurers in Portugal include Médis, Multicare, Allianz, and Fidelidade. Many international companies like Cigna and Bupa also offer health plans tailored for expats. Here’s a guide to help you make a decision:
Research providers: Conduct thorough research on private healthcare providers in Portugal. Look for reputable hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that offer the services you need. Consider factors like the provider’s reputation, quality of care, and patient reviews.
Check accreditation: Ensure that the private healthcare providers you are considering are accredited and licensed by the Portuguese health authorities. This guarantees that they meet the necessary standards and adhere to the country’s healthcare regulations.
Coverage: Review the coverage and services offered by each private provider. Compare the healthcare plans available and check if they align with your healthcare needs and budget. Look for plans that offer the level of coverage you desire.
Providers: Find out if the private provider has a broad network of healthcare professionals, including specialists and hospitals. Having access to a diverse network ensures that you can choose from a wide range of healthcare options.
Cost: Compare the costs of different healthcare plans and assess their affordability. Consider factors like premiums, deductibles, co-payments, and any out-of-pocket expenses. Ensure that the chosen plan fits within your budget.
Recommendations: Seek recommendations and referrals from friends, colleagues, or healthcare professionals you trust. Personal experiences can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and services offered by the provider.
How much does Portuguese health insurance cost?
The cost of Portuguese health insurance can vary based on several factors, including the type of coverage, the level of benefits, the age of the insured individual, and any pre-existing medical conditions. Generally, private health insurance in Portugal can range from €30 to €150 or more per month, depending on the chosen plan and the insurance provider.
To obtain the best health insurance coverage for your needs, it’s advisable to request quotes from multiple insurance companies. This allows you to compare coverage, benefits, and costs before making a decision.
Portuguese pharmacy costs
In Portugal, pharmacy costs are generally affordable, especially for prescription medications covered by the National Health Service (SNS). The SNS provides a list of medications that are partially or fully subsidized, making them available to residents at reduced prices. The amount of co-payment for these medications can vary based on the type of medication and the patient’s income level.
Health Insurance for Seniors
While the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is hugely popular among young people, there are plenty of seniors who choose to retire in Portugal through the D7 Visa or travel through Europe on extended holidays. Just as with regular tourists, seniors who’ll be visiting Portugal will need to have health insurance in place when applying for a visa.
However, if they intend to stay in Portugal for longer than 90 days, they will be covered by Portugal’s public health insurance. Seniors and pensioners from EU countries can apply for a Certificate of Entitlement to Healthcare if they don’t live in the country where they are insured. For example, a retiree with German health insurance but lives in Portugal. The senior must apply for the certificate in the country where they are insured before coming to Portugal.
In Portugal, early retirees can also pay voluntary social security contributions or get private health insurance. Several healthcare providers offer specialized packages for retirees.
Health Insurance for Unemployed or Low-Earning Residents
In addition to SNS, low-income families may be eligible for additional healthcare assistance through social welfare programs. These programs are designed to ensure that even those with financial constraints can access necessary medical care.
Unemployed individuals who have previously contributed to the Social Security system may still have access to healthcare benefits as contributions made during previous employment can provide coverage even during periods of unemployment.
Subsidies: The Portuguese government provides health subsidies and assistance for those with limited financial resources. These subsidies may cover co-payments for medications, medical consultations, and other healthcare services, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
Integrated Continuous Care (Cuidados Continuados Integrados – CCI): The CCI program offers a range of health and social care services for individuals with chronic health conditions or in need of long-term care. It caters to the specific needs of vulnerable groups, including the unemployed and low-earning residents.
Co-payment exemptions: Certain low-earning individuals or those facing financial hardship may be exempt from co-payments for prescription medications under the SNS, reducing the cost burden for essential drugs.
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