Portugal Healthcare: A Guide for Expats in 2025

If you plan to spend some time in Portugal, a thorough knowledge of accessing healthcare services is essential, especially if you hold Portugal’s Golden Visa or the D7 Retirement Visa.

In this article, we dissect everything about Portugal healthcare for foreigners, the SNS healthcare system, including the medical care available from primary care doctors and family physicians, the benefits of private health insurance plans, and emergency care considerations.

You’ll be able to find out more about:

• Portugal’s private healthcare
• Mental health services in Portugal
• Healthcare for residents and visitors
• Golden Visa health insurance requirements

Portugal’s Public Healthcare System

Portugal has universal healthcare through the publicly financed Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS). It provides free healthcare for children under 18 and people over 65 who contribute to social security. State healthcare provides subsidized medical costs at a low rate for everyone else. Depending on the health center, physicians should administer medication during a procedure or even provide urgent care free of charge.

Basic national health coverage is administered through local (family doctor) and regional health centers and hospitals, which are under the jurisdiction of five regional health administrations.

It is comprehensive throughout Portugal, and while the SNS does not cover dental services for anyone other than those in a ‘vulnerable group,’ such as children, pregnant patients, older adults, or disabled residents, it is cheaper than in many other countries. For example, consulting an English-speaking dentist for dental services costs approximately €50 to €75.

The regions of Madeira and the Azores have their own health systems in place.

What is healthcare like in Portugal?

Portugal’s healthcare system is of a good standard. It is ranked 23rd in Numbeo’s 2025 Health Care Index, and as mentioned before, Portugal has a universal healthcare system. The tax-funded National Health Service (SNS) provides access to both public and private healthcare. Expats and foreigners can access public healthcare by obtaining a residence permit and registering with the local health center, as well as applying for a user card with a healthcare number. Private health insurance is also available, with a variety of plans and affordable rates compared to the US, UK, and other European countries.

The cost of healthcare in Portugal

Healthcare in Portugal is relatively affordable compared to other European countries, offering both public and private options. The public system, Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), is free for residents contributing to social security, as well as for children under 18 and seniors over 65. Some treatments may require co-payments. Expats can access this system by registering with the SNS.

Private health insurance is common and varies in cost based on age and coverage. Basic plans start under €120 per month, with average annual premiums around €400, while comprehensive coverage can be approximately €1,000 per year.

Who is entitled to Portuguese public healthcare?

You are entitled to Portuguese healthcare if you are a citizen or a legal resident. The Portuguese state healthcare system is very similar to those in other countries—for example, it is broadly similar to the National Health Service in the UK, which provides hospitals and local health centers, and where some people have private medical insurance.

This gives citizens and legal residents access to any public health facility or hospital, but not all health centers offer public coverage. For example, medical emergency care is free, but all other services incur a fee, sometimes due immediately. This may apply to consultations, medical emergency room visits, and ambulance services.

Everyone can receive hospital care at a local health center, but you will be charged if the Portuguese national health services, reciprocal healthcare agreements, or private health insurance do not cover you. In some cases, private healthcare systems offer a more seamless process.

How to get free healthcare in Portugal

To get free healthcare in Portugal, expats and legal residents must register with the National Health Service (SNS) and obtain a social security number, which is typically required for employment. Once registered, individuals can access public health services, which are generally free at the point of use. However, some treatments and procedures may involve co-payments. The SNS also provides free healthcare specifically for children under 18 and people over 65, offering good quality support and medical procedures to these age groups.

Portugal’s Private Healthcare

Private doctors and healthcare facilities are widely available through private health insurance.

Improvements to the healthcare system were made by introducing public-private partnerships for new hospitals, changing hospital management structures, pharmaceutical reforms, reorganizing primary care, and creating long-term care networks.

In Portugal, private healthcare costs are relatively low compared to numerous other nations, and private insurance allows you to get an appointment more quickly than the public healthcare system. You can also be assured that virtually all doctors in the private healthcare system speak English.

The average cost for private health insurance in Portugal is about €400 annually. Opting for a more extensive plan would cost you approximately €1,000 annually.

Depending on the services you receive, there are instances where you might need to pay for private treatment at a local health center initially and then seek reimbursement through your healthcare coverage.

How good is the Portuguese healthcare system?

According to our Global Intelligence Unit’s US Retirement Trend report, Portugal ranks 4th in healthcare.

Portugal offers various insurance options for retirees through companies such as Médis, Multicare, and AdvanceCare, providing plans that cater to different needs, including hospitalization and outpatient care.

According to Numbeo’s Health Care Index for 2025, Portugal ranks 23rd globally and 14th in Europe for healthcare quality. The country has seen significant improvements in medical care, resulting in an increase in life expectancy, which was 82.47 years in 2022 and rose to 82.80 years by 2024.

Investments in telemedicine, electronic health records, and preventive medicine emphasize the country’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services. The Health Regulatory Entity (ERS) oversees both public and private healthcare services in Portugal.

Portuguese Healthcare Services for Women

Hospitals, health centers, and clinics all deliver Portuguese healthcare services for women. The Portuguese health system covers maternity and childcare services, and expectant mothers generally receive care at a public hospital close to home. Private medical care is also an option if the expectant mother has health insurance.

Prenatal care takes place at the hospital. During the initial appointment, the mother-to-be receives a pregnancy booklet, and her doctor will record the ongoing medical information as the pregnancy progresses. Maternity wards offer prenatal classes, although they are not generally subsidized through public health insurance. Midwives are on hand to help with the birth.

Gynecologists can be accessed through your GP. They work at health centers and clinics, providing health advice and performing routine examinations.

Healthcare Service for Children in Portugal

Children receive free healthcare in Portugal. They have regular health checks from birth and can access services such as screenings, examinations, vaccinations, and nutritional healthcare.

They will also have a record that charts their progress. In Portugal, primary doctors and pediatricians are responsible for medical care for children.

Portgual has a national vaccination system for children through the SNS, vaccinating for diseases like Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, COVID-19, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.

Portugal also has a system to help children under six who lag in development, called the Sistema Nacional de Intervernção Precoce na Infáncia (SNIPI). The SNIPI has units in all areas of Portugal, and it employs the following specialists: nurses, social workers, educators, speech therapists, and physiotherapists.

Mental Health Services in Portugal

Mental healthcare services in Portugal are provided through mental health teams that work in hospitals and health centers. Studies have shown that around one in five Portuguese people have experienced mental health problems.

While mental health and substance abuse are issues in Portugal, the mental healthcare system and the provision of mental healthcare are not as developed as in many other countries. Consequently, there is a shortage of mental health specialists relative to the Portuguese population. There are only 12.4 psychiatrists per 100,000 inhabitants, less than the EU average in Portugal.

Your GP should be your first contact to access mental healthcare services through the SNS. Depending on your situation and the service availability where you are living, your GP can:

• Prescribe medication
• Refer you to counseling or a specialist
• Refer you to an emergency or psychiatric unit in more serious circumstances
• Refer you to a community-based program

Portugal’s national health service only provides basic mental health assistance. To access a wider range of services, it is best to have private health insurance.

Pharmacies and Medication in Portugal

Pharmacies, known in Portuguese as farmácias, are widely distributed throughout Portugal. Many medicines, including over-the-counter medication, are subsidized if obtained with a prescription, which makes them very cost-effective.

Remembering the generic name of any medication or prescription drugs you might need is advisable, as brand names can vary from country to country. For example, Fluoxetine is commonly sold under Prozac in the US, but it is often sold under different brand names in other countries. In Portugal, it’s most commonly sold under the name Nodepe.

Urgent and Emergency Care

If you require assistance for a medical emergency, phone the European Emergency Number on 112. This number is directed to the ambulance, police, and fire services.

You can also call the SNS (public health services) information hotline: 808242424, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is available in English and is free of charge. Emergency departments in Portugal include semi-private, curtained-off areas like most US emergency departments.

Healthcare Foreigners Portugal: Healthcare for Residents and Visitors

Short-term residents and visitors

To enter Portugal, short-stay visitors with a Schengen visa need health insurance coverage of at least €30,000, costing around €90 to €130 for three months. For comprehensive options, check quotes from insurers like World Nomads and Atlas Travel, as well as Europ Assistance and AXA for Schengen Zone insurance.

Temporary visa applicants must secure health insurance from their home country, with options like Allianz Care and Cigna for EU expats. Non-EU/EEA students also require full private health insurance for visa and school enrollment.

Long-term residents

Those living and working in Portugal who are not covered by reciprocal healthcare agreements with their home countries have two options for medical care. Legal residents can either pay into the social security system, which is incremental to income, or opt for one of the many private healthcare insurance plans.

EU Citizens

Visiting EU citizens are covered by Portugal’s SNS through reciprocal agreements. When traveling to Portugal, they should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC card) and present it to any hospital or doctor to guarantee government-funded care.

There are also many private health clinics all over Portugal, which are relatively inexpensive. You can expect to pay around €40 for an appointment with a general practitioner.

Short-term working residents

If you’re working in Portugal, you can get a Número de Utente (SNS), which grants access to the public health system. This can be assigned to you by a local doctor. With an SNS number, you must obtain a NISS number to contribute to the social security system in Portugal.

If you’re not a permanent resident but have been in Portugal for at least 90 days, you can get a document from the local Junta de Freguesia. With this document, a photo ID, IRS number, and proof of address, you can also obtain an NSNS for discounted access to national health services.

Public employees are covered by government-funded subsystems, while private health insurance is more common among workers in larger companies.

Portugal Golden Visa Applicants and Health Insurance Requirements

Portugal Golden Visa healthcare requirements

Applicants of the Portugal Golden Visa scheme who travel to Portugal before obtaining the Golden Visa must purchase private health insurance and travel insurance from their country of origin. Travel insurance documents should state that coverage is valid and renewable in Portugal.

Portugal Golden Visa recipients are eligible for the National Health Service (SNS) after registering, but dental costs are not covered. They can also choose private healthcare, which typically offers faster treatment. Allianz and Cigna Global are two well-known providers of comprehensive private healthcare plans, making this option appealing for those seeking a higher average life expectancy.

D7 Portugal health insurance requirements

The Portugal D7 Visa requires applicants to obtain travel insurance in their home country for one year, which must be presented when applying. A four-month visa is issued upon initial application approval, during which applicants must visit the Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA). The travel insurance covers applicants until their D7 residence permit is issued, which lasts two years. Once they have the D7 Residence Permit, they can access public healthcare by registering with SNS and can also choose to purchase private insurance.

Language Barrier in Portuguese Healthcare

Portugal has a history of positively dealing with immigrants in terms of healthcare, and many medical professionals are sensitive to language barriers. Virtually all doctors in the public and private systems speak English.

Exploring Visa and Immigration Options for Portugal

If you're considering making the move to Portugal, it's essential to be informed about the various visa and residency options available. The Golden Visa Portugal program is an attractive option for many, offering residency to investors and their families. For those eyeing retirement in this beautiful country, the Portugal D7 Visa is tailored for you. Digital nomads can take advantage of both short and long-stay options with the Digital Nomad Visa (D8). 

For the entrepreneurial spirit, Portugal offers the Entrepreneurship/startup Visa (D2) - Start-up Visa (open company) tailored for those looking to establish their businesses in the country. Those with specialized skills can explore the Work visa for highly qualified employees (D3). Additionally, if you have Portuguese ancestry, you might be eligible for Citizenship by descent. 

However, moving to a new country isn't just about visas. If you're thinking of buying property, our guide on Buying Property in Portugal can offer invaluable insights. Dive deeper into the immigration process with our comprehensive Portugal immigration guide. For Americans specifically looking to relocate, we have curated information on Americans moving to Portugal. Lastly, one can't forget the importance of the NIF (Tax Identification Number), a crucial step in any relocation process. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Portugal's Healthcare for Foreigners

Is healthcare in Portugal good?

The Portuguese healthcare system is ranked amongst the highest in the world and has only improved over the past decade. Portugal’s healthcare ranking is higher than the UK, Ireland, Spain, and Italy in terms of patient rights, accessibility, information, waiting times, and overall health outcomes.

Is healthcare free in Portugal?

Portugal has a universal healthcare system called the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), which is primarily funded through taxes. This system provides free or low-cost access to primary care services for all residents. While the SNS offers comprehensive coverage, it can sometimes lead to long wait times for specific services. As a result, many people choose to use private healthcare options alongside or instead of the public system.

Are you entitled to healthcare in Portugal?

Whether you’re on the Portugal Golden Visa, the D7 Visa, or another visa option, any legal resident in Portugal who has a social security number is entitled to access the Portuguese healthcare system, including pregnant women, people struggling with substance abuse, and in need of medical procedures.

Do healthcare professionals in Portugal speak English?

When it comes to Portuguese healthcare for expats, the vast majority of healthcare professionals speak English in Portugal. However, a rural family doctor providing medical care might not.

Following my Golden Visa or D7 Visa application, when can I start using the Portuguese National Health Service (SNS)?

Expats can use public health care services when their Portugal Golden Visa or D7 Visa is approved. However, you must first register with the SNS to benefit from the national health care system.

Do I need private insurance if I move to Portugal under the Golden Visa or the D7 Visa?

As an expat living in Portugal under the Golden or the D7 Visa, you can benefit from Portugal’s public health care once registered. The national health care system is very good.

However, expats are welcome to purchase a private insurance policy if they require or wish to have extra coverage. Private health care is widespread across Portugal.

Is healthcare in Lisbon, Portugal, affordable?

If you are a resident of Portugal, you have access to the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) and will only pay a small fee. The Portuguese health care system is affordable and of high quality compared to other Western European countries.

Private medical insurance offers access to private hospitals and health care services. English is widely spoken in both public and private health care, ensuring good communication with doctors and practitioners.

What is healthcare like in Madeira, Portugal?

Madeira has three major public hospitals. Public health care in Portugal is both affordable and very good. If you are a Portuguese resident, you will have access to the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) in return for a small fee. You will also find excellent private services if you want to go this route.

Where does Portugal rank in healthcare?

Portugal ranks 25th in the 2023 Health Care Index, making its health care system one of the best globally. Portugal’s health care system is a hybrid system, offering excellent public and private health care services, with private health care being relatively affordable compared to other Western European countries.

Which EU country has the best healthcare?

Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Germany are often considered to have excellent health care systems. Portugal’s health care system is also very good.

Is there healthcare for tourists in Portugal?

Portugal’s health care system does not offer free medical treatment for tourists and visitors and requires non-EU citizens to have medical insurance covering emergency medical treatment.

Are there specific health insurance requirements for the Portugal Golden Visa? 

Portuguese Golden Visa holders do not automatically get access to public health care. Those who do not decide to live in Portugal full-time are required to get private health care insurance that covers their health care while they are in Portugal.

Can I use public healthcare in Portugal to meet the Golden Visa healthcare requirement? 

No, Golden Visa holders do not automatically get access to healthcare services if they are not a full-time resident in Portugal.

Do I need to prove that I have comprehensive healthcare coverage for my family as well?

If your family members are coming to stay in Portugal for under half the year, it is a good idea to get healthcare coverage for them.

If you become a full-time resident, then dependent family members are also entitled to medical care under the public healthcare system in Portugal.

How does the Portugal's healthcare system work?

Portugal’s healthcare system consists of the National Health Service (SNS), special social health insurance, and private healthcare. The system provides a high standard of care with mostly free access through its public system.

How much does healthcare cost in Portugal for foreigners?

The cost of Portugal healthcare for foreigners is relatively low. Portugal offers both public and private healthcare options, and costs vary depending on the system used, age, and health conditions. Costs for private health insurance depend on age, coverage, and provider.

Is private healthcare in Portugal better than public healthcare?

Overall, healthcare in Portugal is of good quality. However, the private healthcare system offers some advantages, including shorter waiting times and more convenient access to English-speaking doctors.

How to register for healthcare in Portugal as a foreigner?

Any foreigner who is legally resident in Portugal can register for healthcare by obtaining a National Health Service (SNS) user number, which entitles them to medical assistance at public SNS units. This number is issued the first time you visit a public health unit, such as a health centre or hospital. To register, go to the health centre in your area of residence and present the required documentation.

What documents do I need to access healthcare in Portugal?

To register and access public healthcare services in Portugal, you will need to provide a valid residence permit, an identification document, your Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF), and your full address in Portugal.

Does Portugal have universal healthcare?

Healthcare in Portugal for expats and native residents is universal. This means that all residents of a country have access to a full range of quality health services they need, without falling into financial hardship.