Portugal's Healthcare System Ranked Top Choice for Expats and Affluent Families Globally

Portugal was ranked No.1 for its public and private healthcare system based on quality, access, and affordability, increasing its appeal to those relocating abroad.

Healthcare systems worldwide are under strain, plagued by long waiting times, systemic inefficiencies, and limited access to timely, premium care.

However, Portugal's healthcare system has been praised for offering high-quality treatment with shorter waiting times at more affordable rates and accessible and unique personalised care solutions such as 24/7 access to a personal doctor.

According to International Living, a lifestyle and relocation publication for expats, Portugal is the best location for affluent relocators because it offers consistent and affordable medical care across both public and private sectors.

Portugal placed above the remaining top five: Costa Rica, France, Spain, and Italy.

Terry Coles, a US expat in Portugal, praised the country for its superior affordability:

"For my husband (Clyde) and me, our private insurance costs around $550 a month, which also includes coverage for up to 60 days of travel outside Portugal. Compared to what we were paying in the US, this is an incredible deal."

"Every time we visit the pharmacy, Clyde laughs at how little we spend. For instance, I use Prolia, an injectable medication for osteoporosis. With a prescription, I pay $66 per injection—or $200 without. In the US, that same drug costs $1,786 per shot."

"One standout moment was during my husband's ophthalmology appointment. I mentioned that I'd been wearing hard contact lenses since I was 11 and was hoping to get cataracts so I could switch to implanted lenses."

"To my surprise, the doctor said, "Why wait? You can have the surgery now, and your insurance will cover it." A few months later, I had the procedure, and the total cost to us was just $750."

‍Learn more about private health solutions and arrange a no-obligation discovery call outlining what you want to know and the type of solutions you are interested in.

Despite Portugal's healthcare affordability, Coles believes the quality of healthcare is still higher than in the US:

"In the six years we've lived in Portugal, we've been consistently impressed with the care we've received. Doctors here take their time, nurses are compassionate, and the overall standard of care surpasses what we experienced in the US."

"Portugal also offers world-class specialised treatment. In Lisbon, the Champalimaud Clinic, a leading cancer research and treatment facility, has saved the lives of several friends."

"Another standout facility is the Campus Neurológico Sénior in Torres Vedras, which specialises in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's care. Friends who've used these services have nothing but praise for the level of care they received."

Portugal's healthcare system has outperformed the US, UK, and Canada for multiple years now. ​Despite allocating only 20% of the per capita health care expenditure of the United States, Portugal boasts a life expectancy nearly four years longer, according to the University of Texas.

Life expectancy in Portugal is also higher than in the UK. Portugal's National Statistics Institute found the country's per capita health expenditure in 2023 was €2,574.20, compared to the UK's figure of roughly €5,100 for the same year, according to the UK's Office of National Statistics.

"Portugal continues to lead the way in offering world-class healthcare that's both affordable and accessible — a powerful combination that's attracting discerning international families, professionals, and retirees alike," said Paul Stannard, Founder and Chairman of Portugal Pathways, a community and platform for affluent expats and international investors exploring life, residency, and investment opportunities in Portugal, and the Portugal Investment Owners Club, an exclusive members-only community offering access to curated opportunities in Portugal.

"Portugal Pathways itself has seen a growing demand for tailored private health solutions that not only meet residency requirements but also deliver peace of mind through comprehensive cover, fast access to top-tier specialists, concierge doctor services, and support across public and private systems."

"Our community benefits from exclusive rates, expert guidance, and seamless integration between services in Portugal and abroad — empowering people to thrive whilst living secure and healthy lives in Portugal."

"Alongside this, Portugal Pathways and Portugal Investment Owners Club provide exclusive access to unique and exclusive private healthcare solutions in Portugal, such as 24/7 access to a personal doctor and annual health wellbeing report. Access to such specialised and high-quality healthcare at such affordability is rare and to be taken advantage of."

"Portugal is rapidly becoming a global hub for healthcare innovation, with a wave of exceptional medtech and health tech spinouts emerging from its ecosystem," said Paul Sheedy, Special Advisor to the Portugal Future Fund, an alternative investment approved for Golden Visa in Portugal that has healthcare as part of its investment thesis.

"Healthcare and technology are core pillars of our investment thesis, and we see immense long-term potential driven by Portugal's deep talent pool, research excellence, and collaborative innovation culture. This momentum is creating better outcomes for patients and powerful opportunities for investors and founders alike."

To learn more about Portugal Pathways' private health solutions, arrange a no-obligation discovery call outlining what you want to know and the type of solutions you are interested in.

Register for an upcoming webinar, ‘Health and Wealth in Portugal,’ on April 15th at 4 PM Lisbon Time. The webinar will explore the essentials of a successful and fulfilling life in Portugal, including navigating healthcare in Portugal and long-term wealth management insights.

Register Here.