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Healthcare for foreigners in Portugal
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Joanna Horanin
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Last updated at 11/11/2025, 11:45
Hi, I'm Joanna, the author of The Blond Travels. In the worlds of Thailand and Portugal, I feel like a fish in water - and it's no coincidence! I've been exploring Thailand for over a decade, and I've settled in Portugal for 6 years now. My mission is to support Dreamers - just like you - in discovering these fascinating countries and helping those in love with them find their own place on Earth, preferably for good! Let's uncover these unique corners of the world together.
My first year in Portugal? Let’s just say I was confused. About everything. The culture felt completely foreign, the bureaucracy was overwhelming, and figuring out which documents I actually needed to live here legally felt like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. Honestly? I’m still figuring some of it out. It’s never really easy.
Healthcare was one of those things I put off way too long. It took me two whole years to get my SNS number and register with a local Centro de Saúde. Two years! Looking back, I’m not even sure why I waited so long – I think the idea of standing in a queue at a health centre, fumbling through Portuguese, just felt too daunting. But I finally did it, and now I actually understand how the system works.
These days, I mostly use private healthcare services because they’re faster and everyone speaks English. But here’s the thing: knowing how the public system works and where to go in an emergency is absolutely essential. Trust me on this.
If you’re an expat in Portugal or planning to move here, start with this guide. I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about Portuguese healthcare – both public and private – so you can feel confident that you’ll be taken care of if you get sick. No more confusion, no more two-year delays. Just clear, practical information from someone who’s been through it all.
Overview of Portugal’s Healthcare System
Portugal operates dual system – it provides free or almost free healthcare, but it also has a highly developed private sector. I read somewhere that healthcare here is considered one of the best in Europe. I tend to disagree, but there are some really good things about it.
Understanding both systems helps you choose the best option for your situation and budget.
Public healthcare in Portugal
Healthcare in Portugal is financed by the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde, SNS). It was created in 1979 and is based on the UK’s NHS. It’s funded by taxes and is based on universal healthcare principles. Your basic check ups will take place in local surgeries. To find the closest surgery, go to Google Maps and search for Centro de Saúde.
Healthcare in Portugal is free for those below the age of 18 and above the age of 65. Other people need to pay a small amount of money if they want to see a doctor. Exceptions are accidents.
Included in the SNS are nearly all type of services – emergencies, specialist consultations, hospital care and prescriptions (sometimes you need to pay for them, but not much). However, it’s worth saying that it’s not so great. There are a lot of people and not enough doctors. This causes very long waiting times. The system is overburden. Better care with English-speaking staff you’ll find in the cities. In rural areas the surgeries are overcrowded, or you need to travel somewhere further to find an open centre.
If you would like to use local healthcare, you need to be a resident in Portugal and pay taxes here.
When the time comes and you want to register with the Centro de Saude, then you’ll need to find one that does the registration. I went to a small centre near me and asked there. I was then given the address. The next day I went there in the morning. It took an hour or so to get the temporary number. After a while you can go and change it to a SNS permanent number. Along with it you’ll get to use the app, which is very handy. It has all your details, prescriptions and vaccines.
As an EU citizen I had to have:
- My NIF number – a tax number, which I recommend getting first when you arrive
- Confirmation of my address – I had a copy of the purchase contract of my flat
- Confirmation from Junta that I live under that address
- Passport
If you’re from outside of the EU, you might need more documents.
Moving to Portugal? Bordr.io takes care of all the paperwork, so you can focus on enjoying your new life. Get your NIF, open a bank account, file your tax return and more, all in one place.
Private Healthcare in Portugal
A lot of people use private healthcare. There are a number of companies you can use. The private sector runs along the public. Here you don’t need to wait that long to see a specialist and it’s easier to find care.
It offers a wide choice of doctors, modern facilities with English-speaking staff and weekend and evening appointments.
Almost 20% of people in Portugal uses this type of healthcare. You can buy it yourself from one of the available companies. If you’re employed here, then your company might offer this as a benefit.
You can use private healthcare without private medical insurance. The cost of visits varies, but in general for a GP appointment you’ll pay from 50 Euros to 75 Euros, for a specialist visit you might be charged from 50 Euros to 100 Euros.
The best healthcare hospitals and clinics are CUF, Lusiadas and Luz. There are also smaller ones that offer good care. When you make an appointment ask for the price first as this is not given during the registration.
I have used private medical insurance since I came here. I used Cigna first, SafetyWing and now I’m using Advancecare, which is provided by my husband’s company. There have been some issue with accessing some of the specialists, but overall I’m happy with the quality of private healthcare in Portugal. It’s efficient, there is a good choice of doctors and everyone speaks English. I still use public services sometimes. If there’s an emergency, I go to the local hospital, but I’ve never been to my local Centro de Saude, except that one time when I needed the address for the office where I registered.
Healthcare quality and rankings
The recent reports by WHO place Portugal’s healthcare system on the 12th place in the world. This is pretty significant and gives you some assurance that the SNS is working. It’s consistently praised for its quality and accessibility and it’s one of the reasons why expats from the US come here to live.
There are a number of things Portugal is praised for. In 2022 their life expectancy was 81.5 years old. This is above the EU average. Who knows, it might the wine, the weather and the beautiful nature, but the SNS contributes to that. In Portugal they have strong vaccinations programmes and try to introduce prevention to their citizens. This is also why people here live longer.
Between 2018 and 2025 600,000 more people gained access to free healthcare. The government invests in hospitals and local surgeries and the workforce has grown since 2022. However, there are still shortages of doctors in the rural areas. Mental healthcare remains underdeveloped and there’s still lack of hospitals and surgeries.
Overall, the healthcare system in Portugal is good, especially if you know how to navigate the system. Private sector is very well developed and it’s definitely great to have if you live here. You can feel safe and well-cared for in Portugal.
Who can access healthcare in Portugal?
Your access to healthcare depends on your residency status and your nationality. It can be confusing, but understanding this will make your life easier.
Healthcare for foreigners in Portugal
No matter if you’re coming to Portugal on holiday, or to live and work, you need to know what to do in case you get sick. Here are the most important things.
EU/EEA Citizens
If you’re coming to Portugal as a tourist, you have access to basic services. You can see a doctor or access the emergency services in the public sector if you suddenly fall ill. It’s good to have an European Healthcare Card with you. If you get sick, find your nearest Centro de Saude or a public hospital, show the card at the registration and you can see a doctor or a nurse. This works only for basic services, so if you need a long-term treatment, you’ll have to go to your home country. Remember that the EHC doesn’t cover repatriation – transportation in case of death or accident. It’s good to have a travel insurance for cases like that.
As a long-term resident in Portugal you can use the public and private healthcare. I would advise to get the SNS number. Get your NIF number first. You must have a proof of address, be employed or self-employed, have a residency certificate and your ID. Once you get your SNS number, download the app. Even if you use private healthcare, give that number, too. Sometimes it reduces the fee for certain appointments even more.
SNS number will give you access to public services. For some of them you’ll need to pay a little bit, but the cost is minimal. Once you have the SNS number, you can apply for the EHC, which you can use in other EU countries.
UK citizens (post Brexit)
UK citizens aren’t automatically covered by the EU laws, but don’t panic. Here you can also use the equivalent of the EHC. Simply, use your UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which gives you the same rights as the EHC. Again, this allows you to use public emergency services, but nothing more. You must also have travel insurance. Check out SafetyWing or Genki, which are my favourite travel insurance for long-term travellers, digital nomads and expats. They are also great for shorter trips as you can “switch” them on and off whenever you want.
If you moved to Portugal before 31st of December 2020, you have your previous status and nothing’s changing for you. If you moved after 1st of January 2021, you’ll need to be a legal resident, have your NIF and register with SNS. For your visa, you’ll need private healthcare insurance.
Getting your SNS number is a bit mor complicated than for the EU citizens. You need to apply for a visa, which is complex. It’s also more expensive because you need a private medical insurance. Getting full access to SNS services also takes a long time.
Long term residents from non EU/EEA countries
Long term residents coming from outside the EU must obtain their visa. The process can be daunting and complicated. You can’t access the SNS unless you’re employed, self-employed and pay your taxes in Portugal.
First, you’ll need to get your visa. After you arrive in Portugal, get your NIF and your residence permit. I really recommend Bordr.io for this. I got my NIF through them and didn’t even need to go anywhere. They sorted it all out for me. They also provide help with bank accounts and other formalities in Portugal. After you get the necessary documents, you’ll need to start paying your taxes. Only then, you can access SNS.
Remember that in order to use public healthcare services in Portugal and to obtain your visa, you’ll need a private medical insurance. This is also handy because it might take months for you to access the basic services here.
This is all quite complicated and can take you a long time. I’d advise also to keep your status in your home country, just in case. Cancel it only once you get access to SNS in Portugal.
Tourists and short term visitors from non-EU countries
You can use emergency services and for example call the 112 line, but you’ll be charged for everything. In this case, insurance is absolutely essential. Check out my advise on travel insurance here. Adjust it to the activities you’ll be doing. If you’re planning on surfing, hiking etc. then make sure that your policy covers you in case of accidents while doing these activities.
Always keep your insurance card with you. If you have an accident, show it to the staff. Sometimes you’ll have to pay yourself and apply for your money back later. In other cases, your insurance will take care of it straight away.
Remember that without insurance you’ll have to pay for everything yourself. Visits, hospital stays and consultations quickly add up and you might end up with a huge bill. Don’t risk it, just get your insurance.
I’ve had friends caught up in emergencies without insurance and it’s really not a great place to be. Whenever I travel, even to a European country, I buy a policy, just to be on a safe side.
Digital nomads
If you come from the EU, you don’t need a special visa. You’re technically a tourist, so you can use your EHC if necessary up to 90 days. If you’re staying in Portugal longer, you must apply for residency.
Digital nomads from outside the EU, must apply for a visa. Portugal offers digital nomad visas or for a temporary stay. I’m not really familiar with the details, but you’ll find plenty of information about these options online. Once you’re registered and paying taxes, you can access the SNS services.
Regardless where you’re from, you’ll need good international medical insurance. There are some great options for digital nomads. I recommend SafetyWing, which you can buy while abroad. It offers you a full global coverage, not only in Portugal. If you decide to travel while staying here, or move somewhere else, you’re still covered! In my opinion the best is the customer service. You can chat to a consultant 24/7 and the response time is very quick. Their claim process is great, too. Your case is reviewed within 48 hours. There are two plans to choose from – Essential, which is more like a travel insurance – and Complete – which gives you routine and emergency medical care abroad.
Most digital nomads, if staying in Portugal for a few months, use medical insurance. It’s easier than using SNS and applying for the number.
Non-habitual residents (NHR)
NHR – non-habitual residency was introduce a while ago to attract highly skilled workers. This is a special tax regime. The NHR was discontinued, but there are still plenty of people who had gotten it before it was taken away by the government. It’s very popular with retirees, professionals and digital nomads.
NHR doesn’t exclude you from using public healthcare system in Portugal. If you pay your social security, you can use it like everyone else.
Getting your SNS Number (Numero de Utente)
Your SNS number is a number that gives you access to public services. This is not your NIF number and you must apply for it separately. It links you to the public system, so every time you want to go to a public surgery or a hospital, you’ll be asked for it.
In order to apply for it you must:
- Get your NIF number and your proof of residency
- Find our local Centro de Saude
- Tell the reception you need to register for NIF
- Provide your documents
You’ll be provided with the number and a card. Sometimes you’ll get it straight away, but sometimes it can take a few weeks.
You don’t need to make an appointment to get your SNS number, but take a book with you. Queues can be long, but don’t worry. It’s really not that bad and it’s probably one of the easiest things you’ll have to do. I was dreading doing it as I really hate all the admin work, but it wasn’t that bad. I even didn’t have to wait that long.
Remember that getting the SNS number doesn’t mean you’ll get all the services for free. You must pay your social security. If you don’t, you can get the SNS number, but you might have to pay for some things.
Required documents
The essential documents you will need:
- Valid passport
- Portuguese residence permit
- NIF
- Proof of address
- Social security number
Additional documents that might be requested:
- Proof of employment
- Proof of social security contributions
- Marriage certificate – if registering for a spouse
- Birth certificate – if registering children
For EU Citizens:
- Certificado de Registo (your EU residency certificate)
- NIF
- Passport/ID Proof of address
For non-EU Citizens:
- Título de Residência (residence card)
- NIF
- Passport
- Proof of address
- Proof of employment/social security
Healthcare cost in Portugal
One of the best things about Portugal? Healthcare won’t bankrupt you. Whether you’re using public or private services, costs are refreshingly reasonable compared to the US, UK, and many other countries. Here’s exactly what you’ll pay for different services.
Public healthcare cost
SNS is not free. You’ll always have to pay something, but luckily it’s not very expensive. Usually you’ll have to pay around 15 Euros for a doctor’s visit. That’s not much and you’ll be contributing to fund the healthcare. It’s similar with prescription. Using SNS is not so easy. It always means that you’ll have to wait for a long time to see a doctor, but at least it doesn’t cost much.
Some people don’t have to pay at all. These include – children under 18, people over 65, pregnant women, people with certain conditions, unemployed and those receiving social benefits.
Standard co-payments:
- GP consultation at Centro de Saúde: €5
- Specialist consultation (with referral): €7
- Emergency room visit (non-urgent): €20
- Emergency room visit (urgent): Free
- Diagnostic tests: €3-€10 depending on test
- Day surgery: €15-€20
- Hospital stay: Usually free, may have small daily charge
If you need to pay, you’ll have to pay at the registration desk after your visit. They normally accept cards, but in some surgeries or hospitals, only Portuguese cards are taken.
Private healthcare costs
You can use private healthcare, you can pay out of your own pocket or buy medical insurance. The cost of it will differ.
Without insurance, you’ll pay:
- General practitioner (GP): €40-€70
- Specialist: €50-€150
- Pediatrician: €50-€80
- Dentist check-up: €30-€50
- Dental cleaning: €50-€80
Diagnostic tests:
- Blood tests: €20-€60 (depends on how many tests)
- X-ray: €30-€60
- Ultrasound: €60-€120
- MRI scan: €150-€400
- CT scan: €200-€500
Emergency care:
- Private emergency room visit: €100-€200
- Ambulance (private): €100-€300
Common procedures:
- Dental filling: €50-€150
- Root canal: €200-€500
- Minor surgery: €500-€2,000
- Cataract surgery: €1,500-€3,000 per eye
Hospital stays:
- Private room per night: €150-€400
- Varies significantly by hospital and treatment
If you prefer to have medical insurance, then you can use different types of companies and the cost will be different, too.
- Age 20-30: €30-€50/month (basic coverage)
- Age 30-40: €40-€70/month
- Age 40-50: €60-€100/month
- Age 50-60: €80-€130/month
- Age 60+: €120-€200+/month
- Family plans: €200-€400/month for couple + children
Typical co-payments with insurance:
- GP visit: €10-€20 co-pay (or fully covered)
- Specialist: €15-€30 co-pay
- Emergency room: €20-€50 co-pay
- Hospital stays: Usually fully covered after deductible
- Diagnostic tests: Fully covered or small co-pay
Your premium will depend on your age, your pre-existing conditions and on your deductible.
Recommended private medical insurance:
- Médis: €50-€120/month – Most popular, extensive network
- Multicare: €45-€110/month – Good value, solid coverage
- Allianz: €55-€130/month – International options
- Fidelidade: €40-€100/month – Budget-friendly
- Advance Care: €60-€140/month – Premium service
- Cigna/Bupa (international): €100-€300/month – For expats who travel
In the past I used several insurance companies. I was very happy with Cigna and SafetyWing. After a few years, I decided to move to Advance Care, which I’m using now. I get it through my husband’s company.
Prescription medication costs
Not all medications are subsidized. Quite often, you don’t pay the full price and you pay only the difference.
Subsidy categories:
- Class A (90% subsidy): Serious/chronic diseases – you pay 10%
- Class B (69% subsidy): Common chronic conditions – you pay 31%
- Class C (37% subsidy): Less essential medications – you pay 63%
- Class D (15% subsidy): Basic medications – you pay 85%
- No subsidy: Over-the-counter and non-essential drugs – you pay 100%
Health insurance in Portugal
Portugal has great healthcare system, but you’ll need health insurance in some cases. In my opinion it’s also good to have it in general, in case SNS fails.
You will have no choice, but to buy a policy if you are outside of the EU and you’ll need to apply for a visa. This is one of the requirements for digital nomad visa and other ones that specifically target expats. It’s also highly recommended to have health insurance during your transition period, when you are waiting for your NIF, don’t have the SNS number yet or haven’t started paying into social security.
Health insurance is very useful if you don’t speak Portuguese. Finding an English speaking doctor in Portugal can be difficult, especially if you live in a rural area. It also gives you a greater choice of hospitals and clinics.
Over 20% people in Portugal use private medical insurance and supplement their SNS care. SNS doesn’t cover dental care nor vision check ups and private healthcare usually covers these services.
Concierge doctor in Portugal
I have recently discovered this service and I thought I would mention it here. Concierge doctor is a new type of appointment offered in Portugal. The first company that is doing it currently is Tejomed. What is it exactly? With a subscription you get your dedicated family doctor, who knows all your medical history and access to medical advice 24/7, also from abroad. There are no rushed 15-minute consultations that only focus on one issue. My initial meeting lasted 2 hours!
Tejomed is not a private medical insurance, but it can be a great addition to your policy that you already have. Contact them through this link and check what they can do for you.
Finding doctors and healthcare facilities in Portugal
Knowing where to go is half the battle in a new country. Portugal has healthcare facilities everywhere. It’s quite easy to find them. Here’s what you need to know if you want to find a doctor or a healthcare facility.
Centro de Saude
Centro de Saude is a doctor’s surgery that provides you with basic care. The staff here are mainly nurses and family doctors. This is your first point of contact in non-emergency situations. It’s a public facility, so remember that not everyone will speak English.
You are assigned to a centro de saude based on your address. You can’t choose a facility. In my area there are two of them and I was assigned to one, which is further away. I can change it, but that requires me to go there and sort it out. I still haven’t had time to do that.
If you’d like to find your nearest centro de saude, just put this name in Google Maps. You can check reviews and waiting times, too. Another way is to use the SNS app. If you have your SNS number, you can simply look for your nearest centro by putting the address there.
Usually there’s no need to make an appointment. Just show up with your documents, go to the registration desk and wait for your turn. Walk-ins are accepted every day.
In theory you should be able to get your own GP. However, the reality is rather different. There is a huge shortage of doctors and too many patients. Some people wait ages to be assigned to a GP. I’ve never had one. It’s not ideal, but it’s really hard to get your family doctor. That’s why I recommend Tejomed, which I wrote about earlier. You get your own GP, who can see you whenever you need an appointment.
Private clinics and hospitals
There are a few private clinics and hospitals. You can find them online. The biggest are CUF, Luz and Lusiadas. They have their own apps, but I don’t recommend using them as they never work properly. It’s best to call the clinic and make an appointment. You can also go there and register at the registration desk.
These hospitals and clinics have a department called Urgencia. This is for non-life threatening conditions. Usually it takes less time to be seen than in a public hospital and you can find English speaking staff.
To find one of their clinics, Google the name or put it in Google Maps.
English – speaking doctors
Portuguese in general speak very good English, but sometimes it might be challenging to find staff who can communicate with you. If you don’t speak Portuguese, then your best bet is to go to a private hospital or clinic. In the public sector and in rural areas doctors and nurses rarely speak English.
To find an English speaking doctor in Portugal, you can first call your insurance provider and ask them for advice. Some people post on Facebook groups. Other expats have good knowledge of where to go. Private hospitals have information in English and sometimes add information about the level of English of their doctors. You can also call them and check with the customer service.
I have had different experiences with it. I speak Portuguese on a communicative level, but when it comes to my health, I prefer English. In my local centro de saude, where I registered and in the local public hospital no one speaks English. I went once to the hospital and I had to use Google Translate. I mainly use private healthcare and I’ve never had a problem with communicating. Everyone, from nurses to specialists speak great English.
What to do when you get sick in Portugal
If you get sick in Portugal and it’s not urgent, you can go to your local centro de saude. There you will be seen by a family doctor. You can also make an appointment in a private clinic.
For anything that is more urgent, call your insurance or go to the public hospital. For emergencies use 112. This is a general European number for emergencies. It is free and works 24/7/365. You’ll be connected to the local dispatch team. Operators speak Portuguese primarily, but some speak English, too.
Remember to always carry your health insurance card with you.
Pharmacies in Portugal
Portuguese pharmacies are everyone and often they can be a life saver. They are very well stocked and the staff is really helpful. They can be your first point of contact if you’re ill and it’s not an emergency.
The staff in pharmacies are we well-trained. They can dispense your medication, advice you on what to take, administer vaccines, check blood pressure and glucose. They also do pregnancy tests and minor wounds dressings.
It’s not difficult to find a pharmacy in Portugal. They are in small towns, big cities and shopping centres. Just look for a big green cross. If you can’t find one, check on Google Maps.
When you enter a pharmacy, check if you need to take a number. There’s usually a little machine next to the door, which dispatches queue numbers. Take one and wait for your turn.
Many pharmacists speak great English, so don’t worry. You’ll be able to communicate.
Common FAQs
1. Is healthcare free in Portugal?
Not exactly – it’s complicated. Portugal has universal healthcare through the SNS (public system), but it’s not completely free for everyone.
Who gets free healthcare:
- Children under 18
- Adults over 65
- Pregnant women
- People with certain chronic conditions
- Emergency care is free for everyone
Who pays small fees:
- Everyone else pays co-payments (taxas moderadoras)
- €5 for GP visit at Centro de Saúde
- €7 for specialist consultations
- €20 for non-urgent emergency room visits
- These are incredibly cheap compared to most countries
The catch: You need to be a legal resident paying social security contributions to access the SNS fully. Just being a tourist or having a NIF isn’t enough.
Private healthcare costs real money – either pay per visit (€40-70 for GP) or get insurance (€30-150+/month depending on age).
2. Can I use my health insurance from my home country in Portugal?
Usually no, but it depends on what insurance you have.
What typically WON’T work:
- US health insurance (almost never covers care abroad)
- UK NHS (doesn’t cover Portugal unless you have GHIC)
- Most national health insurance plans
- Employer health insurance (unless specifically international)
What WILL work:
- EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) – for EU/EEA citizens
- GHIC (UK Global Health Insurance Card) – for UK citizens post-Brexit
- International health insurance plans (Cigna, Bupa, etc.)
- Travel insurance (while visiting)
- Some expat-specific insurance policies
My advice: Don’t cancel your home country insurance until you have Portuguese coverage sorted. The gap in coverage could be expensive and risky, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
3. How long does it take to see a doctor in Portugal?
Depends entirely on whether you use public or private healthcare.
Public (SNS):
- GP at Centro de Saúde: 1-4 weeks for routine appointment
- Urgent same-day: Possible if you show up early and it’s genuinely urgent
- Specialist appointments: 1-6 months (sometimes longer)
- Non-urgent surgery: Months to years
- Emergency: Immediate (but you’ll wait in triage)
Private:
- GP: Same day or next day
- Specialist: Within a week
- Surgery: Within weeks
- Emergency: Immediate with shorter waits
The reality: This is the main reason most expats get private insurance. Waiting weeks to see a doctor when you’re sick is really frustrating, especially when you don’t speak Portuguese well enough to navigate the system confidently.
4. Do doctors in Portugal speak English?
Some do, some don’t – it really varies by location and public vs private.
Where you’ll find English speakers:
- Private hospitals and clinics (most common)
- Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve (expat-heavy areas)
- Younger doctors (studied in English or abroad)
- International patient departments
- Shopping center clinics
Where English is rare:
- Public Centros de Saúde
- Rural areas
- Older generation doctors
- Small towns
- Administrative staff (even in private facilities)
My experience: In Lisbon using private healthcare, I’ve never had trouble finding English-speaking doctors. But at my local Centro de Saúde? Hit or miss. I always ask when booking: “Tem médicos que falam inglês?”
5. How much does health insurance cost in Portugal?
Depends on your age, coverage level, and health status.
Ballpark monthly costs:
- 20s-30s: €30-70/month
- 40s: €60-110/month
- 50s: €80-140/month
- 60+: €120-250+/month
- Couples: Add both ages, maybe small discount
- Family with kids: €150-350/month
What affects cost:
- Your age (biggest factor)
- Pre-existing conditions
- How comprehensive the coverage
- Dental and vision add-ons
- Deductible amount
Compared to other countries: Way cheaper than US insurance. Similar to UK private insurance. Very affordable compared to most Western countries.
6. Can I get private health insurance if I have pre-existing conditions?
Yes, but there are waiting periods and limitations.
The reality:
- Portuguese insurers usually accept you
- BUT you’ll have waiting periods (6 months to 2 years)
- Some conditions may never be covered
- Need proof of continuous coverage to waive waiting periods
- Don’t let coverage lapse even for one day
Critical advice: Get insurance BEFORE you move to Portugal or before canceling your home country insurance. That continuous coverage proof is gold.
Some pre-existing conditions might increase your premium by 20-50%, and some might be permanently excluded from coverage. Read the policy carefully.
7. What happens if I get sick as a tourist in Portugal?
You’ll get treatment, but you’ll need to pay (unless you have EHIC/GHIC or insurance).
Emergency care:
- Call 112 for genuine emergencies
- Go to any hospital emergency room
- You will be treated regardless of insurance
- EU/EEA citizens: Use EHIC for free/reduced cost
- UK citizens: Use GHIC (same coverage as EHIC)
- Others: Pay and claim from travel insurance
Non-emergency:
- Need travel insurance
- Private clinics will see you (pay cash)
- €50-150 typical consultation
- Keep all receipts for insurance claim
Don’t skip travel insurance. Even though Portugal is cheaper than many countries, medical bills add up quickly, especially if you need hospitalization or evacuation.
8. How do I register for public healthcare (SNS)?
It’s actually simpler than it seems – I just avoided it for too long because it felt intimidating!
Step-by-step:
- Be a legal resident in Portugal
- Get your NIF (tax number)
- Start paying social security (if employed/self-employed)
- Find your local Centro de Saúde (Google Maps: search “Centro de Saúde”)
- Go during opening hours with documents:
- Passport/ID
- Residence permit
- NIF card
- Proof of address
- Social security number (if you have it)
- Tell reception you want to register: “Quero inscrever-me no SNS”
- They create your SNS user number (número de utente)
- Healthcare card arrives by mail in 2-4 weeks
Cost: Free to register Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on queue Don’t need: Appointment (just walk in)
9. Can I choose my own doctor in Portugal?
Depends on the system you use.
Public (SNS):
- You’re assigned to a family doctor (médico de família) when you register
- BUT many people never actually get assigned due to doctor shortages
- You see whoever is available at your Centro de Saúde
- No choice in specialists without referral
- Limited control
Private:
- Total freedom to choose any doctor
- Book directly with specialists
- Switch doctors if you don’t like them
- Research doctors online and pick based on reviews
- Much more control
This is another reason I prefer private healthcare – I can choose doctors I trust and who speak English, rather than seeing whoever happens to be on duty.
10. What’s not covered by public healthcare?
The SNS covers a lot, but not everything.
Not covered by public SNS:
- Dental care (except children and emergencies)
- Vision care and glasses
- Cosmetic procedures
- Private hospital rooms
- Most alternative therapies (physio, chiro, acupuncture)
- Some advanced treatments
- Elective procedures
- Experimental treatments
Partially covered:
- Prescription medications (you pay co-payment based on subsidy level)
- Some diagnostic tests (small fees)
- Medical devices (partial subsidies)
Private insurance covers:
- All of the above (depending on your plan)
- Dental, vision, alternative therapies
- Choice of doctors and private rooms
- Faster access
In my opinion, healthcare in Portugal is not bad. Yes, there are lots of things that could be done better, but overall, I’m pretty happy with the way things are run. I don’t really use the SNS here because the waiting times scare me, so I go for private appointments only. They are mainly good and for what you get for your money it’s pretty affordable.
My final advice to any expats that come here – keep your home insurance first, buy one for Portugal and apply for SNS. Once you have that, cancel your insurance at home. If you’re a tourist, don’t forget your travel insurance!