Healthcare System in Portugal

Portugal is a beautiful country located in southwestern Europe, renowned for its rich history, pleasant weather, and friendly people. It is a popular destination for expats from all over the world looking to live and work in a peaceful and welcoming environment. One of the crucial factors to consider when moving to any country is the healthcare system. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the healthcare system in Portugal and what expats should expect.

Overview of Healthcare System in Portugal

The healthcare system in Portugal is a universal, public-funded system known as the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS). It is accessible to all residents, including expats, who are registered in the Portuguese social security system. The SNS is the primary healthcare provider in Portugal, providing free or low-cost medical care to everyone, regardless of their income or social status.

The SNS covers a wide range of healthcare services, including general practitioner consultations, hospital treatment, prescription drugs, diagnostic tests, and emergency services. However, as with most public healthcare systems, there are often long waiting times for non-emergency procedures, and many expats choose to opt for private healthcare to avoid these delays.

Private Healthcare in Portugal

Private healthcare in Portugal is generally of high quality and more readily available than public healthcare. It is important to note that private healthcare can be expensive, so it is essential to consider health insurance if you plan on using private healthcare services.

Private healthcare providers offer a wide range of services, including specialist consultations, elective surgeries, and diagnostic tests. Private hospitals in Portugal are modern and well-equipped, with English-speaking staff, making them a popular choice for expats. Private health insurance is widely available and can be obtained through a variety of providers, including international insurers and local companies.

How to Access Healthcare Services in Portugal

To access healthcare services in Portugal, you must have a social security number and be registered with a healthcare provider. Expats who work and pay social security contributions in Portugal are entitled to use the public healthcare system free of charge. If you do not have social security contributions, you can still use the public healthcare system, but you will need to pay a fee for each visit.

Expats who do not wish to use the public healthcare system can opt for private healthcare. Private healthcare providers require patients to have health insurance or pay for services out of pocket.

Registering with a Portuguese Doctor

To register with a Portuguese doctor, you will need to bring your passport, residency permit, and proof of social security contributions to a local health center (Centro de Saúde). You will then be assigned a general practitioner (GP), who will become your primary point of contact for healthcare services.

Your GP will provide you with a health card (Cartão de Utente), which you will need to present whenever you visit a healthcare provider. The health card contains your personal details, including your name, address, and social security number. It also contains information about your healthcare entitlements, including the services you are entitled to under the SNS.

Prescriptions and Medications

Prescription drugs in Portugal are only available from pharmacies (Farmácias) and can be obtained with a prescription from a doctor. The SNS covers the cost of prescription drugs for eligible patients, and the cost of medications is heavily subsidized for others.

Expats who are not eligible for SNS coverage can still obtain prescription drugs from a pharmacy but will need to pay the full price. Private healthcare providers often include prescription drug coverage in their health insurance plans, so it is essential to check your coverage before seeking medical treatment.

Emergency Medical Services

In case of a medical emergency, you can dial 112 to reach emergency medical services in Portugal. Emergency medical services are available 24/7 and provide fast and efficient care to patients. The emergency services in Portugal are operated by the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) and include ambulance services, air rescue, and mobile medical teams.

Emergency medical services are free for all patients, regardless of their insurance status or nationality. If you need to be hospitalized after receiving emergency care, you will be transferred to a public or private hospital, depending on your preference and insurance coverage.

Public Hospitals in Portugal

Public hospitals in Portugal provide a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, inpatient care, outpatient care, and specialist consultations. They are generally of good quality, but waiting times for non-emergency procedures can be long. To access public hospitals in Portugal, you must have a referral from your GP or specialist. Referrals are necessary for specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and elective surgeries.

Public hospitals in Portugal are operated by regional health authorities (ARS) and are distributed throughout the country. They are generally well-equipped, with modern facilities and English-speaking staff. Some public hospitals are also affiliated with medical schools, providing opportunities for research and advanced medical training.

Private Hospitals in Portugal

Private hospitals in Portugal are often the preferred choice for expats, as they offer faster access to medical care and a higher level of comfort and privacy. Private hospitals in Portugal are generally of high quality, with modern facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and highly trained staff.

Private hospitals in Portugal offer a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, inpatient care, outpatient care, and specialist consultations. They also offer elective surgeries, including cosmetic procedures, which are not covered by the SNS.

Private hospitals in Portugal are typically more expensive than public hospitals, and patients are required to have health insurance or pay for services out of pocket. Private health insurance plans in Portugal vary widely in coverage, so it is essential to shop around and compare plans before selecting one.

Dental Care in Portugal

Dental care in Portugal is generally of good quality and readily available, both in the public and private sectors. Dental services in Portugal include general dental care, orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery.

Dental care in the public sector is provided by the SNS and is free or low-cost for eligible patients. Dental care in the private sector is more expensive but often provides faster access to treatment and a higher level of comfort and privacy.

Expats who wish to use private dental care services in Portugal are advised to obtain dental insurance or pay for services out of pocket.

Mental Health Care in Portugal

Mental health care in Portugal is provided by both public and private healthcare providers. The SNS provides mental health care services, including consultations with psychiatrists and psychologists, and outpatient care. Inpatient mental health care services are also available in public hospitals.

Private mental health care services in Portugal are also available and offer a higher level of privacy and comfort than public services. Private mental health care services in Portugal include consultations with psychiatrists and psychologists, outpatient care, and inpatient care.

In conclusion, the healthcare system in Portugal is generally of good quality and accessible to all residents, including expats. The SNS provides free or low-cost medical care to eligible patients, while private healthcare providers offer faster access to medical care and a higher level of comfort and privacy.

Expats who are considering moving to Portugal should carefully consider their healthcare needs and insurance coverage before making the move. It is essential to register with a GP and obtain health insurance, especially if you plan on using private healthcare services.

Overall, the healthcare system in Portugal is well-equipped to meet the medical needs of expats, providing high-quality medical care at an affordable cost.