Portugal Expat Forum

Aleo
Joined 2019
Posts: 38

4 years ago

How NOT to get "attestado medico" for exchanging the driver's license

4 years ago

I want to share my story so that other people can avoid the issues I had.

As a newly minted resident, I need to exchange my US driver's license to a Portuguese one. For this, I need an "Attestado Medico" from a doctor. I have Allianz insurance, so my first step was to go to Allianz website and find a doctor in my area (which is Portimão in Algarve). The web site suggested São Camilo hospital. I called them and scheduled an appointment. I specifically mentioned that I wear eyeglasses, and they said It is OK for me to come for an appointment even though I don't have any papers from an eye doctor and that the attestado would cost me 50 Euros (and it is not covered by the insurance).

However, when I arrived, the doctor said that he cannot give me the attestado because he needs a document from an eye doctor, and he called the reception to explain the problem and give specific instructions. I came back to the reception, and the ladies there said that they cannot schedule an eye doctor in this hospital and I should just go to any "oculista" (the stores where they sell eye glasses) and get the document there.

I went to a local eye-wear store (Alberto Oculista, part of a larger chain) and the doctor there gladly checked my vision and gave me the required document. The document stated that with my glasses on, my vision is fine, and I have no color perception issues. I paid 15 Euros for that because I was not their customer. It would have been free if I bought eyeglasses from them in the past.

Then I called São Camilo hospital back to schedule an appointment, but their soonest available slot was too far in the future. As an alternative, they suggested to schedule me the appointment within several days with Alvor Particular hospital, which I agreed to. They reminded me again that the attestado would cost me 50 Euro.

However, when I came to Alvor Hospital, the receptionists and, later, the doctor, told me that they don't care what I was told before, and they wouldn't accept the document I brought from the "oculista" and that I have to buy the complete package from them, which includes an ophthalmology exam and then a general exam for the attestado itself. The cost went up to 95 Euros.

At this point, my patience overflowed and I left.

Instead, I stopped by a local driving school and ask them for advice. They gladly recommended a local doctor, who was able to see me the same day and after 15 minutes and 30 Euros, I had the attestado. No problems whatsoever.

Bottom line: go to doctors who specialize on the driver's certification.

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Living in Portugal Guide

Our Living in Portugal Guide is a primer on everything about living in Portugal: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, obtaining a driver's license, how to bring your pet with you and more.

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Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Portugal by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.