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Portuguese Healthcare System: A Guide for Expats
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min read
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As you start your new life in Portugal (or plan to do so soon), one of your main priorities must be a full understanding of the country's healthcare system.
One of the greatest advantages of moving to Portugal is its highly ranked healthcare system. Portugal has great-quality healthcare, ranking among the best in the world, and it's also highly affordable, even in private healthcare.
In this article, you'll have a full overview of how the healthcare system works in Portugal and how easily you can navigate it.
How medical care works in Portugal?
The medical system in Portugal is divided into three separate systems:
- The Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), also known as the National Health Service, public service;
- Social health insurance schemes called occupation-based health subsystems that are used in the public sector and in specific professions like police, military, and banking;
- Private health insurance;
Portugal has strong public and private health care systems. Qualified medical staff and the latest technology equip the hospitals.
The Portuguese healthcare system covers the mainland, whereas the Azores and Madeira have their own separate healthcare systems. There are five regional health administrations in Portugal that provide healthcare services. These include the North, Central, Lisbon, Tagus Valley, Alentejo, and Algarve regions.
Is Portuguese healthcare good?
Portugal's healthcare services are of high quality, with a significant number of doctors and a strong focus on preventive treatment, including cancer screenings.
According to the 2023 Health Care Index, Portugal's healthcare system is currently ranked 25th. Thanks to advancements in medical care over the past few decades, the people of Portugal are now living longer lives.
In 2022, the average life expectancy in Portugal was 82.47 years. The healthcare system in Portugal operates under a hybrid model, offering both private and public services that are known for their high quality.
⚠️ It's crucial to emphasize that Portugal's public healthcare system suffers from long wait times and overcrowding due to a lack of human resources.
Can I access Portuguese healthcare as an expat?
Any person who is a legal resident of Portugal has the right to access healthcare services and receive benefits from the national health system in Portugal.
This means that individuals living abroad can also take advantage of the healthcare services in Portugal if they have legal residency. These groups of people consist of individuals who are unemployed under specific circumstances, individuals who have retired, or individuals who are dependent family members.
As an EU citizen, can I use my European Health Insurance Card in Portugal?
When people from the EU/EEA/Switzerland visit Portugal for a short period of time, they can use the public healthcare system as long as they have their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with them. However, the card is only valid for emergency services. If you need to seek treatment or schedule an appointment or exam with a doctor, the card won't cover these situations.
What if I'm not a legal resident yet, how can I find medical care coverage in Portugal?
If you are not a resident or you are on a short-term visitor in Portugal, it is advisable to get private health insurance (travel health insurance) to make sure you are covered during your stay.
People from Andorra, Brazil, Cape Verde, and Morocco can access public healthcare in Portugal either for free or at a reduced cost. This is possible because Portugal has reciprocal healthcare agreements with these countries.
How can an Expat register in the Portuguese National health service (SNS)?
If you want to sign up for public healthcare in Portugal, you can get an SNS user number (número de utente do SNS) by registering at a health center (centros de saúde) in your local area. Be sure to bring a few items with you, including:
- Passport or national ID card.
- Portuguese residence permit, CRUE or visa.
- Proof of address in Portugal.
Once you have a user number, you can register on the SNS online portal to gain access to healthcare information, locate healthcare providers, and schedule appointments online.
⚠️ If you plan on staying in Portugal for an extended period of time but haven't obtained a residence permit yet, you can still temporarily register by calling 808 24 24 24 and requesting a temporary user number.
⚠️ Some health centers also require you to present a NISS (Social Security National ID). Though it's not a rule, it can happen.
What happens after I register with the Portuguese National health service?
Your primary point of contact for Portuguese healthcare will be a family doctor, also known as a Médico de Família or General Practitioner.
Your family doctor will direct you to exams, specialist care, or emergency services.
⚠️ Due to long lines and overcrowded facilities, you may not be assigned a family doctor immediately but instead be placed on a waiting list. You'll still be able to access healthcare services and attend appointments at your local health center.
How does the National Health Service (or SNS) work in Portugal?
Portugal's SNS (National Health Service) is under the supervision of the Ministry of Health, also known as the Ministério da Saúde in Portuguese. Portugal has an extensive tax-funded public healthcare system.
It's as simple as that: it's free and available to all residents, including expats who live in Portugal. The public healthcare system in Portugal offers coverage for both primary and secondary medical care.
Local and regional health centers and hospitals in the public healthcare system are responsible for administering basic national health coverage.
⚠️ Fees for various services have recently been implemented or increased.
How is the SNS funded in Portugal?
In Portugal, the government funds medical care through taxes and contributions from people's salaries (Social Security discounts). However, people who do not have a job, family members who rely on others for support, and retired individuals do not contribute.
In 2021, Portugal allocated 10.5% of its GDP towards healthcare, reaching two thousand euros per habitant per annum.
What services are offered by the Portuguese public healthcare?
In Portugal, public hospitals offer a range of health services to patients. These services include emergency treatment, outpatient treatment, nursing care, psychiatric care, specialized care for individuals with terminal illnesses, post-operative care, and maternity care.
Public healthcare also offers co-participation in prescription medicine, with varied ranks ranging from 15% to 90%.
What are the costs in the Portuguese public healthcare?
In Portugal, the government provides healthcare services that are free of charge and available to all citizens and legal residents. You can access these services at any public health center or public hospital. However, it's important to note that not all health centers offer public coverage.
Residents of Portugal no longer have to pay for doctor or specialist visits, hospital treatment, or prescriptions. In only two specific cases, medical care is not free:
- If you need emergency services, it is important to first seek a recommendation from the SNS through a health center, a family doctor, or over the phone.
- If you need emergency services but don't need to be hospitalized afterwards.
In Portugal, the national health system offers free healthcare to children under 18 and individuals who are 65 years old or older. For everyone else, state healthcare offers medical costs at a reduced price. During exams, the cost will not exceed €40.
How do Portuguese health centers work?
A variety of healthcare professionals staff health centers in Portugal, which typically operate from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
You can find a variety of medical services, including general doctors, maternity and childcare services, basic non-life-threatening emergency care, and occasionally dental services.
You can visit the SNS website to find out where your local health center is in Portugal.
What if I need emergency care in Portugal as an expat?
If you need help for a medical emergency, you can call the European Emergency Number: 112. This number connects you to emergency services such as the ambulance, police, and fire departments. If you need assistance, you can contact the SNS (public health services) information hotline (SNS24) at 808 24 24 24. The hotline is available 24/7. The service is offered in English and there is no cost to use it.
⚠️ Please remember that if you did not receive a referral and you are not admitted to the hospital after your visit, you will be required to pay for the treatment expenses.
What if I need a medical appointment in Portugal as an expat?
The local health facility assigns family doctors. Remember that your doctor may not be available when you need them. They might put you on a waiting list and assign you to another doctor.
On the SNS website, you can book an appointment using their online booking system. However, certain health centers may not allow that. If so, call the health center. If it fails, visit the health clinic in person.
On certain days, doctors accept walk-in patients at health centers. On those days, even if you're on the waiting list, you can see doctors.
As mentioned, visit your primary doctor before seeing a Portuguese specialist. Your doctor will suggest a specialist. However, specialized appointments can take months. You can't choose your specialist; they'll be assigned based on availability.
How do pharmacies and prescriptions work in Portugal?
Portugal has pharmacies (farmácias) in town centers and malls. Pharmacy hours (when located in town streets) in Portugal are 9:00–19:00 on weekdays and 09:00–13:00 on Saturdays.
For emergencies, duty pharmacies (farmácias de serviço) are open 24/7. The SNS website lists 24/7 pharmacies.
Portuguese public health insurance covers some prescription medicine expenditures. However, you must usually pay. Whether you're vulnerable and need the prescription determines your cost. Classification is:
- Grade A: 90 percent
Medication for diabetic treatment, like insulin, or non-diabetic treatment, like immunosupressors and hormonal medication.
- Grade B: 69 percent
Covering antibiotics.
- Grade C: 37 percent
Applicable to anti-inflammatory medications.
- Grade D: 15 percent
Pensioner discount bracket. It's cumulative with the other discounts.
How Private healthcare works in Portugal?
The private healthcare system in Portugal provides a high standard of care and includes many amenities that expats would typically anticipate.
Private healthcare may be more expensive, but it offers the benefit of allowing expats to avoid the long queues and waiting lists often found in the public system.
It is recommended for individuals who are not from the European Union to obtain private health insurance before coming to Portugal, especially as it is required for a visa grant. This insurance will assist in covering any necessary medical treatments during the settling-in process.
How can an Expat hire a Portuguese private health insurance?
With private health insurance, there are many private doctors and healthcare facilities to choose from. All you need to do is contact a broker, or directly on the provider's website, your Portuguese NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal), and pay the fee.
The average cost of private health insurance in Portugal can start in €400 per year. If you choose a more comprehensive plan, it would amount to around €1,000 per year. Depending on the services you receive, you may have to pay for private treatment at a local health center first and then receive reimbursement through your healthcare coverage.
What services are offered by the Portuguese private healthcare?
If you have private insurance, you can receive additional services and special treatments in addition to hospitalization and surgery.
Ambulatory services include appointments with doctors and specialists, as well as exams, tests, and physical therapy. They also cover childbirth, dentistry, ophthalmology, and prosthetics.
What are the costs in the Portuguese private healthcare?
Private healthcare costs are quite affordable in Portugal compared to many other countries. Additionally, having private insurance enables you to secure appointments more promptly than relying on the public healthcare system.
An average doctor's appointment typically costs between €40 and €50. On the other hand, private healthcare does have certain benefits compared to public healthcare (faster appointments).
Additionally, private hospitals offer a wider range of services that are available for patients to access (like alternative medicine). Moreover, it is more probable that you will come across staff members who are fluent in English.
How to choose your private insurance in the Portuguese private healthcare?
Prior to selecting a private health insurance plan in Portugal, ascertain what kind of coverage you require, such as maternity care, dental, vision, and general health. Make sure the plan sufficiently covers any pre-existing conditions or particular medical needs. To identify a trustworthy supplier, look out for insurance businesses that serve foreigners in Portugal and compare their reputations and client testimonials.
Check if the policies cover emergency care, specialist consultations, and inpatient and outpatient services. Make sure you can easily reach insurance network facilities (like hospitals and clinics) from where you are. This guarantees ease of use and prompt access to healthcare, offering complete security and comfort.
How do special areas work in Portugal?
How senior healthcare works in Portugal for expats?
Portugal provides numerous advantages for its elderly population. For instance, individuals who receive the Social Supplement for Seniors (Complemento Solidário para Idosos – CSI) can enjoy discounts on medication when purchasing them. Additionally, individuals have the option to receive a voucher that covers the cost of dental care at no charge.
The country also offers various forms of social support and care for older individuals, such as:
- Home support, also known as serviço de apoio domiciliário, offers help with personal hygiene, meal preparation, entertainment, and other daily tasks.
- Community centers, also known as "centro de convívio," are social venues that aim to combat loneliness and promote active participation in local community life.
- Family care, also known as acolhimento familiar, is an option that offers individuals the opportunity to stay with families either temporarily or permanently. These families are able to provide a safe and secure environment for those in need.
Portugal's universal healthcare system provides coverage for most medical needs. However, if you prefer a broader selection of treatments and want to avoid waiting lists, it may be beneficial to explore international health insurance options. Expats in Portugal commonly opt for a private health insurance.
How women healthcare works in Portugal for expats?
You can access gynecologists through your general practitioner (GP) or through private medical care. They offer health advice and conduct routine examinations.
Contraception is readily accessible and commonly used in Portugal. Moreover, you do not require a prescription to obtain the birth control pill. Portugal has legalized abortion during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Before proceeding, it is important to consult with your doctor and wait for three days.
How children healthcare works in Portugal for expats?
In Portugal, children have unrestricted access to healthcare. The social security payments of the children's parents or guardians cover their care.
Since they are born, they undergo regular check-ups, and their progress is recorded. In Portugal, people have access to services such as vaccinations, examinations, and nutritional healthcare.
The national plan includes vaccinations against Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.
How mental healthcare works in Portugal for expats?
If you need mental healthcare services through the SNS, it's best to start by reaching out to your GP (general practitioner). Your GP can provide different services depending on your situation and the availability of services in your area:
- Provide a prescription for medication.
- Recommend that you seek counseling or consult with a specialist.
- For more serious cases, you may be referred to an emergency or psychiatric unit.
- Suggest that you consider participating in a community-based program.
The social networking service (SNS) only offers limited support for mental health. We recommend private health insurance if you wish to access a greater variety of services.
How dentist care works in Portugal?
If you are part of a vulnerable group, such as children, pregnant patients, older adults, or disabled residents, free dental care is not available on the SNS. If you are eligible for free dental care, the first step is to schedule an appointment with your general doctor. During the appointment, you can request a voucher that will allow you to see a dentist for free.
If you visit a dentist in Portugal, you can expect to pay the standard fees for dental procedures. Thankfully, dental care is affordable in Portugal. However, if you require a significant amount of dental work, such as crowns and bridges, it might be beneficial to consider private insurance as an option to assist with the expenses.
Final words
Portugal has a healthcare system that is well-prepared to cater to the requirements of expatriates. Expats can make informed healthcare decisions by understanding the options available to them, both public and private, as well as considering the costs and quality of care.
Portugal provides excellent healthcare services for all residents, whether through the complete public system or the tailored private sector.
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