Health Care in Peniche
Summary: Learn about the health system in Peniche: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Peniche.
Peniche has a public and private healthcare system. The public healthcare system is called Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) and is used by both locals and foreigners. People generally recommend using public hospitals in Peniche for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Peniche are typically well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Portugal. However, many expats choose to use private hospitals for specialized medical care and major surgeries. Private hospitals in Peniche are typically well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. People generally recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Peniche
The most popular hospitals and clinics for expats in Peniche are:
- Hospital de Peniche - public hospital located in the center of Peniche
- Centro Hospitalar de Leiria - public hospital located in Leiria, approximately 30 minutes by car from Peniche
- Clínica de Peniche - private hospital located in the center of Peniche
- Clínica de Leiria - private hospital located in Leiria, approximately 30 minutes by car from Peniche
Emergency Services in Peniche
Peniche has an ambulance service that can be called by dialing 112. Ambulances typically arrive quickly, but there can be delays depending on the situation.
Health Insurance Companies in Peniche
The most popular private health insurers in Peniche are Seguradoras Unidas, Fidelidade, and Lusitania. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although some may choose to use specialized expat health insurance providers.
About the Author
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.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Peniche
- Cost of Living in Peniche
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Portugal
- Best Places to Live in Portugal
- Real Estate in Portugal
- How to Enroll Your Children in School in Portugal
- Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal 2026
- 2026 Guide to Moving to Portugal
- More Advice about Retiring in Portugal


