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After considering location, school, or work, understanding the healthcare system is one of the first things we think about before moving to a new country, especially when it concerns seniors, families, or people needing regular follow-up. How do you get medical care? How much does it cost? How do you get reimbursed? These are questions whose answers vary greatly from one place to another!
Portugal is fortunate to have an efficient, free, and quality public healthcare system, as well as a private system that is more expensive but faster. How does this ecosystem work? How can you benefit from it? We explain everything here:
The SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) is the Portuguese public health system, funded by taxes. It provides free or low-cost medical services to citizens and residents, such as consultations with a general practitioner, hospitalizations, maternity care, surgeries, and prescription medications.
If you are European and staying less than six months, request a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your home country's health insurance provider. You can use it as a local card and be reimbursed by your home country's insurance.
After that, to be covered by the Portuguese healthcare system, you must:
Although many services are free, some specialized treatments and medications may require a financial contribution, but these costs are often subsidized and inexpensive.
Pharmacies are widely available and provide prescription medications and basic advice. Prescription medications are often subsidized, reducing the cost for the patient.
Portugal benefits from well-trained healthcare professionals and modern facilities. Major cities like Lisbon and Porto have renowned university hospitals.
European retirees and expatriates often benefit from healthcare through the EU social security coordination agreement. Holders of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can receive necessary medical care during temporary stays.
Owners of second homes in Portugal must also register with the SNS to benefit from healthcare during their stay. It is advisable to take out private insurance for more comprehensive coverage and to avoid long waits.
You have two options to contact the SNS:
The downside of the public system is that waiting times are often very long, even for simple routine exams. In addition to the SNS, Portugal has a well-developed private healthcare system that offers complementary medical services with much shorter waiting times.
Portugal is home to many private clinics and hospitals, mainly located in major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. These establishments are often renowned for their quick services, modern equipment, and highly qualified medical staff. Private hospitals cover a wide range of medical specialties, from routine care to complex surgeries.
Booking an appointment in private clinics and hospitals is often easier and quicker. Patients can generally get a consultation within a few days, or even the same day for emergencies.
The costs of care in the private sector vary depending on treatments and establishments, but they can be substantial without insurance. Private insurance helps limit these costs and makes it easier to plan healthcare expenses.
Here is an idea of costs in the private sector:
To avoid public system delays, many opt for private insurance to be reimbursed in the private sector. The cost of health insurance in Portugal varies between €15 and €40 per person on average, but this figure should be taken with caution: it is difficult to give an exact figure as insurance prices vary greatly depending on status (resident or not), age, the number of people in the household, the level of coverage chosen, etc.
Private health insurance generally covers consultations, hospital care, diagnostic exams, and sometimes dental and optical care. Major insurance companies offer various plans tailored to each individual's needs and budget.
The Portuguese healthcare system is efficient and widely accessible, which is a significant advantage for those considering buying a second home or moving there for retirement. It offers peace of mind with easy access to quality care.
