How does health care work in Portugal, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the health care system work in Portugal?

Health care in Portugal is of very good quality and also affordable.
Once you have received your local citizen service number (número de contribuinte) and residence card (Título de Residência), you will receive a health care number (número de utente) that will register you with the national health care system.
The quality of care varies greatly between cities and rural areas. In rural areas, you have far fewer options and also fewer doctors who speak English.
There are many pharmacies in Portugal, with well-qualified pharmacists. In the cities, most also speak basic English. Most prescription medication is also free or very cheap.
Mental health is a problem in Portugal. Depression rates are higher than average and few psychiatrists are available. To get help, you must first see your family doctor.
Emergency services are generally fast and efficient. Call 112 for a medical emergency.

The country has an extensive public health care system. Under this healthcare system, run by the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), most essential care is free.
EU citizens can use this system for up to 90 days if they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
After 90 days, they must register as residents to continue enjoying care.
Non-EU citizens can use this system only if they have a job in Portugal and also pay for social security here.
You then pay a very small contribution for your medical expenses.
There is a second public system, namely the Health Subsystem Program, which focuses specifically on medical care for people in certain professions (such as police, military, banking).
Also in Portugal, public care is unfortunately overburdened and understaffed.
So many expats choose private care, and have international private health insurance for fuller coverage and better care.

Private healthcare is a lot faster and equipped with the conveniences you may be used to as an expat.
Many expats, as well as locals, still have private insurance to fill the gaps in health care options - such as dental care, for example, and to get their turn faster.
You are more likely to get hold of an English-speaking doctor.
Be prepared that you may have to pay your fees up front.

Often the first thing you do is register with a general practitioner, médico de família, or family doctor. You will be assigned one, or you can choose one yourself in your neighborhood, for example at a local health center (centro de saúde).
If you have private insurance, you can go to any private clinic covered by your insurance.
To make an appointment you will need a numero de identificação fiscal (NIF).
If you don't have time to make an appointment, it's also worth just walking into the healthcare facility and waiting on the spot.

Dental care is not covered by public insurance. So make sure you get private insurance with dental care coverage for this.
Dental visits are quite affordable, especially compared to other European countries.
Quality is high and in the cities you will find modern practices with English speaking staff.

During your pregnancy, you can visit both public and private institutions. Both provide good care.
Make sure that you are registered at a local health center (centro de saúde), otherwise you cannot use the public medical services.
Prenatal care and childbirth are largely covered by the SNS. Care is professional, but crowding in public hospitals can be a challenge.
Medical tests are free, and the national vaccination program is also free.
Most births take place in the hospital, although alternatives are becoming increasingly popular.
Home maternity care, as we know in some other European countries, is not standard in Portugal. Mothers often stay in the hospital for several days after giving birth.
After the birth, you get free checkups for the first 60 days.

The road network is modern and well maintained. The toll roads (autoestradas) are expensive but offer a fast and comfortable travel experience.
The Portuguese are known for their assertive driving style. So be alert, especially on narrow mountain roads.
Avoid driving in downtown Lisbon. The narrow streets and traffic are not for cowards!

Is the trip to Portugal and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

All expats in Portugal must show proof of private health insurance when applying for a temporary residence visa. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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