15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Portugal

"Speak to locals (especially other expats for have been around for at least a few years) to recommend health care providers, especially specialists," mentioned one expat in Porto.

"Connect with other expats to obtain physician references and sources of private insurance so you can benefit from their research and experience. Bring copies of your medical records with you. Quality of care can be very high in Portugal's major communities. Costs are much lower, by about half, and prescriptions range from a tenth to a half of the costs in the US," commented one expat who moved to Cascais, Portugal.

"Finding a specialist takes trail and error. But that is true even in my home country," commented one expat who moved to Lisbon.

"Portugal has a comprehensive public healthcare system that provides free or low-cost medical services to its citizens. The country also has a number of private hospitals and clinics that offer a wide range of medical services. Portugal has a well-developed network of primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals that provide quality medical care. The country also has a number of specialized medical centers that offer specialized treatments and services. Portugal also has a number of medical research centers that are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and treatments," said one expat.

"We are required to have a private policy that meets the Schengen Community requirements (go to their website). The highest quality of coverage won't cost more than 3,000 euros a person/year (2017) and most retirees are paying only 2,000 euros annually. This includes dental and eye care, surgeries, private hospital room, unlimited doctor visits and tests," said one expat living in Lisbon.

"Expensive- relative to what? Compared to our former California prices, not at all. Cost in Cascais is no more expensive than comparable care in the rest of Portugal. Top-of-the-line insurance just got more expensive for elders, but it covers much more than comparable US plans like Medicare + supplement + out-of-pocket. The quality of CUF care, for example, is excellent. Prescription drug prices are way below the US (although non-prescription supplements are much higher). For example, my heart/cholesterol drugs are about 12 euros a month (and totally reimbursed by our top-of-line health insurance.) "List prices" of hospital care and surgery are much lower than in the US with comparable medical expertise and treatment. We, and our friends have had some serious medical events and we are very satisfied with the level of care," mentioned one expat in Cascais.

"ClinicaCUF is a company of health care providers, with clinics in each major town between Lisbon and Cascais, and beyond....one is never more than a couple of kilometers from a clinic if living in a major city. Hospital care at the Cascais Hospital is world-class. Both ClinicaCUF and Cascais Hospital accept private and state-insured patients. ," remarked one expat living in Cascais.

"Emergency services in Portugal are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial 112, the national emergency number. This number is free of charge and can be dialed from any phone, including mobile phones. The operator will then connect you to the appropriate emergency service, such as an ambulance, fire brigade, or police," said one expat living in Portugal.

"I'm closest to a day hospital, but I've never had to use emergency services (yet). So far, I've used only the local health clinic, which is in the public system. The private network is mostly the hospitals like CUF or Lusíadas," mentioned one expat in Porto.

"Portugal's largest cities, such as Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Braga and Faro, are generally considered to have the highest concentration of medical specialists in the country. Other cities with notable concentrations of specialists include Figueira Da Foz, Guarda, Evora, Maia and Trancoso. Additionally, Algarve is an area well known for its top-level medical care and its range of highly skilled specialists. Generally speaking, Portugal's major cities are considered to have the highest concentration of medical specialists in the country," remarked one expat in Portugal.

"Pharmacies are numerous in each major city and at least one exists in the smaller towns. Using a list from our US physicians of regularly taken medications, the pharmacies here continue to dispense this medication. Costs are at least one half less than in the US, and with some scrips can be about a tenth of the cost in the US. Pharmacists will also listen to customer health complaints and offer medication that would have required a doctor visit in the US, such as some allergy medications, cold, muscle pain, stomach ailments, headaches," wrote one expat.

"Portugal boasts excellent medical facilities and care. With a universal health system funded by the government, Portuguese citizens have access to quality healthcare services and clinical treatments. Medical staff are well-trained to provide specialized expertise and care, while the widespread availability of laboratories, diagnostic centers, and medications make Portugal a modern hub of medical advances. Additionally, the country has a number of renowned research entities dedicated to the advancement of healthcare technology," said an expat in Portugal.

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Portugal, you will have access to public healthcare. Portugal has a universal healthcare system, which means that all citizens and legal residents are entitled to free healthcare. The quality of care is generally good, with a wide range of services available, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and mental health services. The Portuguese healthcare system is also well-funded, so you can expect to receive quality care," said an expat in Portugal.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the Portuguese healthcare system. The government has implemented a number of measures to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers, including the introduction of telemedicine services, the expansion of hospital capacity, and the implementation of strict safety protocols. Despite these measures, the healthcare system has been overwhelmed by the influx of patients, leading to long wait times and delays in care. Additionally, the pandemic has caused a shortage of medical supplies, such as masks and gloves, which has further strained the system. Despite these challenges, the Portuguese healthcare system has been able to provide quality care to those in need," remarked one expat living in Portugal.

"No problem even during COVID-19 getting monthly injection of special medication at private hospital (CUF)," said one expat living in Lisbon.