The Portuguese healthcare system, known as the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde – SNS), provides universal health insurance coverage to all legal residents of Portugal. This means that every individual has the right to access healthcare services, regardless of their financial situation or employment status.
In this article, we’ll cover:
The Portuguese Healthcare System
The National Health Service (SNS) is primarily funded through general taxation, ensuring that healthcare services are accessible to the entire population without imposing high out-of-pocket expenses. It offers a wide range of medical services, including consultations with family doctors and specialists, hospital treatments, surgeries, and prescription medications.
The goal of the SNS is to address all aspects of preventive, curative, and rehabilitative healthcare.
While the SNS provides free or low-cost healthcare services, a co-payment system is in place for certain treatments and medications. These co-payments are typically nominal and vary according to the patient’s income level.
The SNS operates a network of health centers (Centros de Saúde) throughout the country, where residents can access primary healthcare services. Additionally, public hospitals and specialized medical facilities are available for more complex treatments and surgeries.
The SNS follows a gatekeeping system, requiring patients to register with a family doctor or general practitioner at their local health center. The family doctor serves as the primary point of contact for healthcare needs and can refer patients to specialists or hospitals for further evaluation and treatment when necessary.
Portuguese hospitals provide emergency medical care to anyone in need, regardless of their insurance status. In emergency situations, patients can seek immediate treatment without worrying about insurance coverage.
The SNS has implemented an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system that allows healthcare professionals to access patients’ medical records electronically. This ensures seamless and efficient communication between different healthcare providers, leading to better-coordinated care.
While the SNS provides essential healthcare services, waiting times for certain non-urgent treatments can vary. As a result, some individuals may consider private health insurance to expedite access to specialized care.
The Portuguese healthcare system also involves collaboration between public and private medical insurance providers. Some public hospitals and clinics offer private healthcare services alongside their public offerings, allowing individuals to choose between public and private treatment options.
Who needs health insurance in Portugal?
Anyone visiting Portugal, whether for a short time or a longer duration, will need some form of health insurance.
For tourists and short-term visitors, having your own health or travel insurance is often mandatory when applying for a Schengen visa. However, the SNS does provide emergency medical care to travelers. If you are an EU/EEA citizen and have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can also use it in Portugal to access necessary medical treatment during temporary stays.
Following Brexit, UK individuals can use their UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of the EHIC. There is no difference between the EHIC and the GHIC. Depending on the nation of travel, both cards provide coverage for required and emergency healthcare treatments at reduced or no cost.
While expats and foreign residents who have made Portugal their new home through the Portugal Golden Visa or the Portugal D7 Visa benefit from SNS, many choose to enroll in private medical insurance, which provides flexibility to access private healthcare services and specialized treatments.
But it’s not just expats who sometimes need additional health insurance in Portugal. Many citizens choose to get extra coverage for services not included in the public healthcare system, such as alternative therapies, elective procedures, and certain prescription medications not fully covered by the SNS.
Additionally, tourists from some countries can access medical care in Portugal with health insurance from their home country. This includes citizens from:
- Andorra
- Brazil
- Canada (Quebec only)
- Cape Verde
- Morocco
- Tunisia
Take a Look at our Portugal Golden Visa Ultimate Guide
Portuguese Public Health Insurance
Public health insurance in Portugal covers all Portuguese citizens and legal residents, ensuring everyone has access to essential healthcare and emergency treatment, regardless of insurance status. While essential services are covered, non-urgent treatments may have longer waiting times. Public health insurance ensures access to basic medical care without significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Generally, public health insurance covers:
- Doctors and specialists: Consultations with general practitioners and specialists are covered
- Medical emergencies: Emergency treatments and hospital care are provided without cost
- Mental healthcare: Consultations and treatments for mental health conditions are covered
- Maternity care: Prenatal care, childbirth, and postnatal care are included
- Eye care: Eye exams and some vision-related services are covered
How to get Portuguese Public Health Insurance
To be eligible for Portuguese public health insurance, you must have legal residency in the country.
Register at local health center: Locate and visit your nearest health center, known as Centro de Saúde in Portugal. Present your identification documents and proof of residency to initiate the registration process. The health center staff will provide you with the required forms to complete the registration. These forms will collect essential information to enroll you in SNS. During the registration process, you will need to provide your Social Security number and your NIF number.
Select a family doctor: As part of the registration process, you will be asked to choose a family doctor or general practitioner. This doctor will act as your primary healthcare provider and will be your point of contact for medical needs and referrals to specialists if necessary. Submit the filled forms and necessary documents to the health center staff for processing. Once your registration is complete, you will receive your public health insurance details and a health user card (cartão de utente).
Receive health user card: The health user card is a personal identification card that contains your health insurance information. It is essential to present this card when accessing healthcare services under the SNS. With your health user card, you can now access a range of healthcare services provided by the National Health Service (SNS). This includes consultations with doctors and specialists, hospital treatments, surgeries, and prescription medications.
Private Health Insurance in Portugal
Private Portuguese healthcare for foreigners and citizens alike is generally affordable, with monthly premiums ranging from €20 to €50, depending on your age and the level of coverage you choose. This translates to an annual cost of approximately €400 for a basic plan and up to €1,000 for a more comprehensive coverage option.
Comprehensive coverage: Unlike the public system, private health insurance offers coverage for additional services such as dental care, alternative therapies, and elective procedures, providing a more comprehensive range of healthcare options.
Choice of healthcare providers: Policyholders have the flexibility to choose their preferred healthcare providers, including doctors, specialists, and private hospitals, enabling a more personalized healthcare experience.
Tailored coverage options: Private health insurance plans can be customized to suit individual needs, offering a variety of coverage options to match different lifestyles and medical requirements.
International coverage: Some private health insurance plans in Portugal may include international coverage, allowing policyholders to access medical services while traveling abroad.
Additional benefits: Private health insurance may offer additional benefits, such as health screenings, wellness programs, and coverage for certain prescription medications not fully covered by the public system.
Popular among expatriates: Expatriates and foreign residents in Portugal often opt for private health insurance to ensure continuity of care and access to specialized treatments in their preferred language and with familiarity of international medical practices.
How to choose a private insurance provider in Portugal?
Choosing the right private health insurance in Portugal involves evaluating your needs, budget, and the available options. Portugal has a robust public healthcare system, which is accessible to residents.
However, private health insurance is often chosen to complement public services or provide faster access to private hospitals, specialized care, and English-speaking medical professionals.
Popular private insurers in Portugal include Médis, Multicare, Allianz, and Fidelidade. Many international companies like Cigna and Bupa also offer health plans tailored for expats. Here’s a guide to help you make a decision:
Research providers: Conduct thorough research on private healthcare providers in Portugal. Look for reputable hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that offer the services you need. Consider factors like the provider’s reputation, quality of care, and patient reviews.
Check accreditation and licensing: Ensure that the private healthcare providers you are considering are accredited and licensed by the Portuguese health authorities. This guarantees that they meet the necessary standards and adhere to the country’s healthcare regulations.
Coverage and services: Review the coverage and services offered by each private provider. Compare the healthcare plans available and check if they align with your healthcare needs and budget. Look for plans that offer the level of coverage you desire.
Network of providers: Find out if the private provider has a broad network of healthcare professionals, including specialists and hospitals. Having access to a diverse network ensures that you can choose from a wide range of healthcare options.
Cost and affordability: Compare the costs of different healthcare plans and assess their affordability. Consider factors like premiums, deductibles, co-payments, and any out-of-pocket expenses. Ensure that the chosen plan fits within your budget.
Recommendations and referrals: Seek recommendations and referrals from friends, colleagues, or healthcare professionals you trust. Personal experiences can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and services offered by the provider.
How much does Portuguese health insurance cost?
The cost of Portuguese health insurance can vary based on several factors, including the type of coverage, the level of benefits, the age of the insured individual, and any pre-existing medical conditions. Generally, private health insurance in Portugal can range from €30 to €150 or more per month, depending on the chosen plan and the insurance provider.
To obtain the best health insurance coverage for your needs, it’s advisable to request quotes from multiple insurance companies. This allows you to compare coverage, benefits, and costs before making a decision.
Portuguese pharmacy costs
In Portugal, pharmacy costs are generally affordable, especially for prescription medications covered by the National Health Service (SNS). The SNS provides a list of medications that are partially or fully subsidized, making them available to residents at reduced prices. The amount of co-payment for these medications can vary based on the type of medication and the patient’s income level.
Health Insurance for Seniors
While the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is hugely popular among young people, there are plenty of seniors who choose to retire in Portugal through the D7 Visa or travel through Europe on extended holidays. Just as with regular tourists, seniors who’ll be visiting Portugal will need to have health insurance in place when applying for a visa.
However, if they intend to stay in Portugal for longer than 90 days, they will be covered by Portugal’s public health insurance. Seniors and pensioners from EU countries can apply for a Certificate of Entitlement to Healthcare if they don’t live in the country where they are insured. For example, a retiree with German health insurance but lives in Portugal. The senior must apply for the certificate in the country where they are insured before coming to Portugal.
In Portugal, early retirees can also pay voluntary social security contributions or get private health insurance. Several healthcare providers offer specialized packages for retirees.
Health Insurance for Unemployed or Low-Earning Residents
In addition to SNS, low-income families may be eligible for additional healthcare assistance through social welfare programs. These programs are designed to ensure that even those with financial constraints can access necessary medical care.
Unemployed individuals who have previously contributed to the Social Security system may still have access to healthcare benefits as contributions made during previous employment can provide coverage even during periods of unemployment.
State-sponsored health subsidies: The Portuguese government provides health subsidies and assistance for those with limited financial resources. These subsidies may cover co-payments for medications, medical consultations, and other healthcare services, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
Integrated Continuous Care (Cuidados Continuados Integrados – CCI): The CCI program offers a range of health and social care services for individuals with chronic health conditions or in need of long-term care. It caters to the specific needs of vulnerable groups, including the unemployed and low-earning residents.
Pharmacy co-payment exemptions: Certain low-earning individuals or those facing financial hardship may be exempt from co-payments for prescription medications under the SNS, reducing the cost burden for essential drugs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance in Portugal
How much is medical insurance in Portugal?
Private medical insurance in Portugal can cost between €30 to €150 per month, depending on the coverage and the individual’s age.
How does an American get health insurance in Portugal?
An American living in Portugal can obtain private health insurance through various international insurance providers that offer coverage for expatriates and foreign residents.
Can US citizens get healthcare in Portugal?
Yes, US citizens can access healthcare in Portugal, either through private health insurance or the public healthcare system, as long as they are legal residents.
Does Portugal have good health insurance?
Portugal’s public healthcare system, the National Health Service (SNS), provides universal coverage and is well-regarded for its comprehensive services. Private health insurance also offers additional options and benefits to residents and expatriates.
What happens if I am not covered by health insurance?
If you are not covered by health insurance in Portugal, you will still have access to the public healthcare system provided by the National Health Service (SNS), provided you have registered with your local health center.
