Healthcare System in Portugal: everything you need to know

How does the Portuguese healthcare system work?

The health care system in Portugal has improved a lot in recent years and today is one of the best in Europe. There are three main operating systems.

The first, the National Health Service, is a universal and free system that is financed through taxes on workers contributing to the social security system. The system guarantees coverage for unemployed people, dependents and retirees. The services offered by the public system are general practitioner appointments, maternity and hospital services. Patients are required to pay a small fee (about 5 euros) at the time of their visit to cover doctor's fees and prescriptions. Most Portuguese pay out of pocket for dental and vision care.

There is also a special program for public employees, i.e. members of the police and military. This is called the health subsystem program and is responsible for providing coverage to public sector workers.

Finally, there is also a private health system to which about 20% of Portuguese residents are enrolled. It provides broader coverage than the public system by including dental and eye care. It also allows its users to schedule appointments with specialists quicker than if they were doing it through the public system. However, the patient is usually asked to pay for the entire service at the time of service and then go to the insurance company for reimbursement. This can be a problem when dealing with very expensive procedures. 

What should I know as a foreigner in Portugal?

The most important thing to know is that the public health system does not cover tourists who are not residents of a member country of the European Union. Therefore, if you are going to travel to Portugal and do not have a European Health Insurance Card, as a requirement, you must have medical insurance, either travel or international. To learn about the best insurance options with coverage in Portugal, go to InternationalHealth.com to compare, quote and purchase the insurance plan that best suits your travel needs.  

There are some countries, including Brazil, that have reciprocal agreements with Portugal. This means that citizens of these countries can receive care in the public health system at no cost, or at a very reduced cost.

If you are planning to move to Portugal and live there for an extended period of time, you have options for joining the health care system. The first thing to do is to obtain a contributor (contribuinte) number. Together with your residence permit, you can go to a health center and apply for the system and then you will be given your health number that allows you to receive medical care.

Please note that in order to apply for a visa to study or work in Portugal you must have health insurance coverage in the country. Visit InternationalHealth.com to see the best insurance options for your visa. 

What do I do if I have an emergency in Portugal?

To contact the medical emergency service, you should dial 112 from any landline or cell phone. Through the same system you can request assistance from the fire department, police or any other service you require.

How do pharmacies operate in Portugal?

Prescriptions issued by doctors abroad are valid in all member countries of the European Union. However, the recommendation is to ask for a "cross-border prescription" because some of the drugs prescribed in one country may not be available in Portugal.

You can go to any local pharmacy and the pharmacist in charge of the establishment will tell you what alternative you can take for your prescribed medication.

Over-the-counter medicines are available in pharmacies and supermarkets in Portugal. 

Entry Requirements

Currently, there are no restrictions in place to enter Portugal because of the Covid-19 pandemic

You must show your ticket of departure from the country before the three months you are allowed to stay for tourism. Also remember to carry proof of where you will be staying in case you are asked for it.