Healthcare and Health Insurance in Portugal

Summary: The quality of medical care in Portugal is generally considered to be good, with many doctors and hospitals providing high-quality care. Emergency services are also generally reliable, with ambulances responding quickly to calls. To call for an ambulance in Portugal, you can dial 112, the European emergency number. While the quality of medical care in Portugal is generally good, it may not be as advanced as in the US in some areas.

How are healthcare services Portugal?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Portugal, they replied:

"In Portugal, health care services are provided to all residents, both Portuguese nationals and non-nationals, through the country’s universal health care system. Medical care is free of charge and covers a wide range of services including primary, secondary and tertiary care. Outpatient healthcare services include general practice, specialty care and diagnostic testing. Inpatient care covers acute, intermediate and chronic illnesses and is provided in hospital settings. Mental health care and long-term care are also available. Portugal has a network of high-quality public and private hospitals, as well as national health insurance providers. Health insurance is mandatory for all citizens and coverages range from basic to comprehensive, depending on the individual’s income level," commented one expat living in Portugal.

"Speak to locals (especially other expats for have been around for at least a few years) to recommend health care providers, especially specialists," wrote one expat.

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What are medical services in Portugal like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Portugal, they replied:

"Healthcare is superior in Portugal to that in the states at a fraction of the cost," said an expat in Porto.

"Many Drs speak English here in the Algarve. Our insurance costs are higher than the US because I had a huge subsidy but actual Drs, prescriptions, tests and physical therapy are incredibly reasonable in cost," commented one expat living in Algarve, Portugal.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Portugal?

"The cost of public medical care in Portugal is affordable once you're on the National Health System. I have not yet used the private services, so I can't compare their costs, but everyone I know who uses them (especially Americans) says the cost is relatively low. In Portugal there are small co-pays, which are cheaper than in the States (when I lived there), but I've never had to pay a co-pay in Canada (and I've lived in 5 provinces)," remarked one expat living in Porto.

"The cost of a private plan is half or less than charged in the US. Health insurance can be purchased through banks or a few organizations, such as the Automobile Club of Portugal or 'afpop'. These offer even better group rates than the bank rates," said one expat living in Lisbon.

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What are emergency services like in Portugal?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Portugal wrote:

"I don't know because we just moved here. Nearest hospital is Faro which is about 40 km," said an expat in Algarve.

"ClinicaCUF is a company of health care providers, with clinics in each major town between Lisbon and Cascais, and beyond....one is never more than a couple of kilometers from a clinic if living in a major city. Hospital care at the Cascais Hospital is world-class. Both ClinicaCUF and Cascais Hospital accept private and state-insured patients. ," commented one expat living in Cascais, Portugal.

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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Specialists in every field are no more than 30 mins away. Serious health issues are handled at our private hospital, 10 mins away. Care is quickly provided and done well. Tests are given immediately and results available the next day," commented one expat who moved to Lisbon.

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Are common prescription medications available in Portugal?

"Pharmacies are numerous in each major city and at least one exists in the smaller towns. Using a list from our US physicians of regularly taken medications, the pharmacies here continue to dispense this medication. Costs are at least one half less than in the US, and with some scrips can be about a tenth of the cost in the US. Pharmacists will also listen to customer health complaints and offer medication that would have required a doctor visit in the US, such as some allergy medications, cold, muscle pain, stomach ailments, headaches," wrote an expat living in Cascais.

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Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Portugal?

"Portugal boasts excellent medical facilities and care. With a universal health system funded by the government, Portuguese citizens have access to quality healthcare services and clinical treatments. Medical staff are well-trained to provide specialized expertise and care, while the widespread availability of laboratories, diagnostic centers, and medications make Portugal a modern hub of medical advances. Additionally, the country has a number of renowned research entities dedicated to the advancement of healthcare technology," commented one expat living in Portugal.

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As a foreigner living in Portugal, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, foreigners living in Portugal have access to the public healthcare system. Known as the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), its services cover general healthcare, specialized care, emergency health services, hospital care and mental health services. Quality service is provided regardless of nationality or ability to pay. In order to use the SNS, you will need to register with a local health center, where healthcare is available free of charge or with only a minimal fee," said one expat.

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What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Portugal if they have access to public healthcare in Portugal. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"Back in October of last year I had carpal tunnel surgery done at a local hospital. The nurses made sure all precautions were taken to prevent the spread of the deadly virus to its patients. The operation ran smoothly and I was released from the hospital later that afternoon," said one expat living in Leiria.

"Prescription medications are a fraction of the cost compared to the US. With dental insurance, dental work is also a fraction of the cost. Also, the quality of care is better here. All medical and dental healthcare quality is state of the art," mentioned one expat in Porto.

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What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Portugal?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Portugal about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"If you're an expat having a baby in Portugal, it's important to make sure that you have the necessary paperwork in order beforehand. Research the best hospitals or clinics in the area and make sure to book any necessary appointments ahead of time. If you require insurance, research the various options to ensure you get coverage for all necessary medical services. It's also important to have a good understanding of the Portuguese healthcare system and the resources available to help you during your journey as an expat parent. Lastly, connect with fellow expats and take advantage of expat-specific support groups to get advice and assistance in navigating the process," said one expat in Portugal.

Are healthcare services good in Portugal?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Portugal. They wrote:

"There is a CUF private hospital in Cascais. So far, the care is excellent and the prices are a fraction of what they would be in the US," explained one expat.

15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Portugal

How are healthcare services Portugal?

What are medical services in Portugal like?

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Portugal?

What are emergency services like in Portugal?

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

Are common prescription medications available in Portugal?

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Portugal?

As a foreigner living in Portugal, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Portugal?

Are healthcare services good in Portugal?

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