If you live in Portugal, or are planning to move, healthcare will undoubtedly be close to the top of your list of things to sort out. The national health service in Portugal is known as the SNS and has a good reputation, while private healthcare is also a popular option. It is fairly easy to sign up for a public health card in Portugal, and if you are a foreigner living or working in Portugal, you will be able to access the healthcare system. We have all the details about healthcare in Portugal and how expats can take advantage.
How much does healthcare cost in Portugal?
Do expats get free healthcare in Portugal? Portugal has state-provided healthcare, which is free for all citizens and legal residents in Portugal. Therefore, if you are an expat living in Portugal and have officially registered as a resident, healthcare will be free for you. However, it is important to keep in mind that in Portugal, while the system is generally free, not all types of treatment are available for free, and some require a patient contribution (but with vastly subsidised costs).
Who can access healthcare in Portugal?
All foreigners in Portugal typically have the same healthcare rights as the Portuguese if they are residents or employed and pay social security taxes in the country. These are the most common requirements to access the state healthcare system in Portugal for free:
- Residents/employees and their dependants: public healthcare in Portugal is open to all residents who pay social security and their dependants (children, for example).
- Pensioners: those who choose to retire in Portugal are eligible for public healthcare under certain circumstances. EU citizens can qualify for free healthcare for a certain period of time by filling in an S1 form, or choose to pay social security contributions voluntarily.
- Tourists/Short-term visitors: those who are visiting Portugal for a short period of time can access public healthcare in Portugal but will have to pay if not covered by some sort of medical insurance. Those travelling from the EU will be covered by their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This includes students coming to Portugal.
How to register for public healthcare in Portugal
In order to register for public healthcare in Portugal, you will need the following:
- Your social security number
- Either your passport or Portuguese ID card
- Portuguese residence permit
Once you have all the necessary documents, you're ready to apply for your free health card (cartao do utente) in Portugal. The best way is to do this is in person in your local health centre: head to the "centro de saúde" with your documents and the reception staff will complete the application with you. Here you will also be able to register for the online SNS portal where you will be able to make appointments online.
Private health insurance in Portugal
If you aren't eligible for public healthcare in Portugal or if you wish to have some extra cover, you can also take out private health insurance if you wish. This option is often favoured by expats, especially pensioners, given that waiting lists in the public system can be long. Private health insurance in Portugal is generally quite cheap (depending on your age and health history), with prices starting as low as 20 euros per month.
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