Navigating healthcare as an expat in Portugal

written by

Steve Loader

Portugal boasts a high-quality healthcare system, balancing between public and private sectors. Here's what you need to know as an expat about accessing healthcare services in Portugal:

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Public Healthcare in Portugal

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Portugal's National Health Service, Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), provides comprehensive healthcare services to residents, including GP visits, hospital care, maternity care, paediatric care, and dental care.

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‍Accessing Public Healthcare: To access the SNS, you must be a legal resident in Portugal. Upon receiving your residency permit, you can register with a local health center, bringing your residency permit, passport, and social security card.

Costs: Most SNS services are heavily subsidized, but there's usually a small patient contribution, known as a 'moderating fee' (taxa moderadora). These fees vary but are generally very affordable.
Prescriptions: Prescriptions in Portugal are digital. Medication costs are partially covered by the state, with patients contributing a percentage of the cost. The percentage depends on the type of medication.

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Private Healthcare in Portugal

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Private healthcare is also widely available in Portugal and is popular for its shorter waiting times and choice of specialists.

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Accessing Private Healthcare: Anyone can access private healthcare services, but it's typically used by those with private health insurance due to costs.
Costs and Insurance: Costs for private healthcare vary widely. Many expats choose to take out private health insurance to cover these costs. Various providers offer different plans, so it's advisable to shop around for a policy that suits your needs.

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European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

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EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens should obtain an EHIC before moving to Portugal. The EHIC covers necessary healthcare services during temporary stays in Portugal. However, it's not an alternative to health insurance, as it does not cover all medical services or repatriation costs.

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Pharmacies in Portugal

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Pharmacies are widespread throughout Portugal. They are recognized by a green cross outside the premises. Many medications that require prescriptions in other countries are available over the counter in Portugal.

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Navigating healthcare as an expat in Portugal can seem challenging, but with the right information and preparation, you can access excellent healthcare services to keep you and your family healthy while enjoying all that Portugal has to offer.

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Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Pathways website and in email communications is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. You should consult and check with a qualified professional advisor before relying on any information provided on this website or in email communications. As it relates to investments in Golden Visas or other wealth management solutions offered by regulated and professional advisors, it is important to note that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Private equities can be highly illiquid and come with risk and should always be under professional independent advice.

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