Portugal's Healthcare: What Expats Need to Know

Moving to Portugal offers numerous perks, from beautiful landscapes to rich cultural experiences, but for expats, understanding the healthcare system is crucial. Portugal provides high-quality healthcare services to residents and visitors, and its healthcare system stands out compared to other countries for its affordability, quality, and accessibility. Here’s a breakdown of what expats need to know about accessing healthcare in Portugal.
Portugal’s healthcare system is a combination of public and private services, giving residents a choice depending on their needs and preferences.

Public vs Private: Understanding Your Options

Portugal’s public healthcare system, known as the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), is available to residents and provides affordable access to essential health services, including primary care, hospital care, and specialized treatments. The SNS is generally well-regarded for quality but may come with waiting times for non-urgent treatments.
The private healthcare sector offers more immediate access, greater comfort, and often, English-speaking staff, which is appealing to many expats. However, private care comes at a higher cost and may require health insurance to cover expenses.
Eligibility and Access for Expats

Who Can Use the Portuguese Healthcare System?

Access to the SNS is available to Portuguese citizens and residents, including expats with residence permits. Expats who are legally residing in Portugal, whether employed, self-employed, or retired, can register in the SNS system and receive public healthcare services at reduced costs or sometimes even free.
Temporary residents and tourists also have access to emergency services but may need to pay out-of-pocket for non-urgent care if they don’t have European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or other relevant travel insurance.

The SNS covers essential medical needs, such as primary healthcare, emergency services, specialized consultations, and maternity care. To access these services, expats need to register with their local health center and obtain a user number (número de utente). This number allows you to schedule appointments and access services within the SNS network.
The SNS operates with general practitioners (GPs) as the first point of contact. Expats are assigned a GP, though English-speaking doctors might be limited in public clinics, so it’s recommended to bring a translator if necessary.

Private Healthcare in Portugal

Benefits and Considerations for Expats

Private healthcare in Portugal offers faster service and more flexibility in scheduling appointments. Many private hospitals and clinics also have English-speaking staff, making it easier for expats to communicate effectively. Specialized treatments, private rooms, and shorter wait times are some of the benefits.
Expats without a residence permit may still use private services, but it’s advisable to have private health insurance to help cover the higher costs. For those working in Portugal, employers sometimes offer private insurance, which can be a valuable perk.

Cost Comparison

Public vs Private: What to Expect Financially

While the SNS is affordable and subsidized by the Portuguese government, it’s not entirely free. Fees are modest, often under €10 for doctor visits, but charges can add up for specialized care and prescriptions. For serious medical conditions, the SNS still provides coverage at very low rates.
In contrast, private healthcare costs are significantly higher, with consultations often starting around €50-€100 and hospital stays or specialized procedures costing much more. Private insurance can offset these costs, and many expats choose this option for peace of mind and better access.

Language Barriers

Overcoming Communication Challenges in Medical Settings

Language can be a challenge for non-Portuguese speakers, especially in public health facilities. While English is widely spoken in larger cities and by many healthcare professionals in private clinics, not all public healthcare workers are fluent. Expats are encouraged to learn basic medical terms in Portuguese or to bring someone who can help translate during appointments.
In private facilities, expats will find it easier to locate English-speaking staff, especially in cities with large expat populations, like Lisbon and Porto. Additionally, some clinics offer translation services or have bilingual staff on hand.

Prescription Medications

Availability and Costs for Expats

Medications are widely available in Portugal and are generally affordable. Most medications require a prescription, which can be obtained from a GP or specialist, and pharmacies are well-stocked. SNS users receive a subsidy on prescriptions, making many medications very cost-effective.
Expats with private insurance may find certain prescriptions covered in part by their plan. However, for unique or specialized medications, expats may need to pay more, or in some cases, import certain medications if they are unavailable locally.

Specialized Care and Treatments

What’s Covered and What’s Not

The SNS covers a range of specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, and mental health services. However, there can be long waiting times for non-urgent specialized care in the public sector.
For expats seeking specific treatments, private healthcare may be more efficient but comes at a cost. It’s worth researching what treatments are essential for you and whether private insurance might cover them.

Health Insurance Options

Choosing the Right Coverage as an Expat

Expats in Portugal have various insurance options to choose from. Those who rely on the public system may find it beneficial to supplement SNS coverage with a private insurance plan to reduce waiting times for specialist visits and ensure quick access to elective procedures. Private insurance plans vary in coverage, so it’s wise to compare options based on needs, from comprehensive to basic packages.
For EU citizens, the EHIC provides temporary access to public healthcare but is not a substitute for long-term insurance. Non-EU expats should explore international health insurance providers if planning an extended stay in Portugal.

Maternity Care

What Expectant Expat Parents Should Know

Maternity care is well-supported in Portugal, with prenatal and postnatal care available through the SNS for residents. The public healthcare system offers a range of services for expectant mothers, including prenatal consultations, ultrasounds, and labor and delivery services, often at low or no cost.
Private healthcare offers a more personalized experience, with shorter wait times and sometimes more luxurious facilities. Many expats choose private facilities for childbirth to ensure comfort and English-speaking staff, though this comes at a higher cost. Health insurance can often cover maternity care in private clinics, so it’s beneficial to check if maternity is included in your policy.

Portugal’s healthcare system offers expats high-quality care that is both accessible and affordable. With the option of public and private healthcare, expats can choose the level of care and convenience that best suits their needs. Public healthcare is robust and inexpensive, though it might come with language barriers and waiting times. Private healthcare provides faster, often English-speaking services at a premium. For peace of mind, many expats find a combination of public and private coverage to be ideal, allowing them access to urgent care in the public sector and faster specialist care through private insurance.

For expats considering a move to Portugal, understanding the healthcare system is essential – and Relyon Relocation is here to help. Specializing in relocation services, Relyon Relocation assists newcomers with essential aspects of settling in, from navigating healthcare registration to finding the right insurance plans. Their team of experts guides clients through the complexities of the Portuguese healthcare system, making sure expats feel supported and informed every step of the way. With the help of Relyon Relocation, your transition to Portugal can be smoother, ensuring you and your family are well-prepared to enjoy life with quality healthcare options in this beautiful country.