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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Portugal | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Porto, Portugal

15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Portugal

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Dec 27, 2023

Summary: The quality of medical care in Portugal is generally considered to be good, with many doctors and hospitals providing high-quality care. Emergency services are also generally reliable, with ambulances responding quickly to calls. To call for an ambulance in Portugal, you can dial 112, the European emergency number. While the quality of medical care in Portugal is generally good, it may not be as advanced as in the US in some areas.

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How are healthcare services Portugal?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Portugal, they replied:

"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," remarked one expat in Cascais.

"Portugal offers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, hospital care, mental health services, and specialized care. The public healthcare system in Portugal is funded by the government and is free for all citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare in Portugal is generally good, with modern facilities and well-trained staff. Foreign residents in Portugal are also eligible to use the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for certain services. Expats in Portugal can use the public healthcare system by registering with the local health authority and obtaining a health card. This card allows them to access the same services as Portuguese citizens, including free or discounted medical care," remarked one expat living 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," said one expat living in Porto.

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What are medical services in Portugal like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Portugal, they replied:

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

"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," wrote one expat.

Portugal Residency Advisors

Portugal Residency Advisors is a full-service consulting firm dedicated to providing personalized services to individuals and families seeking to relocate to Portugal. With a team of experienced professionals and strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to assist clients with all aspects of the relocation process.

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Portugal Residency Advisors

Portugal Residency Advisors is a full-service consulting firm dedicated to providing personalized services to individuals and families seeking to relocate to Portugal. With a team of experienced professionals and strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to assist clients with all aspects of the relocation process.

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Portugal?

"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.

"The cost of public medical care in Portugal is affordable once you're on the National Health System. I have not yet used the private services, so I can't compare their costs, but everyone I know who uses them (especially Americans) says the cost is relatively low. In Portugal there are small co-pays, which are cheaper than in the States (when I lived there), but I've never had to pay a co-pay in Canada (and I've lived in 5 provinces)," commented one expat who moved to Porto, Portugal.

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Connect

Portugal Residency Advisors is a full-service consulting firm dedicated to providing personalized services to individuals and families seeking to relocate to Portugal. With a team of experienced professionals and strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to assist clients with all aspects of the relocation process.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Portugal Residency AdvisorsPortugal Residency Advisors

Portugal Residency Advisors is a full-service consulting firm dedicated to providing personalized services to individuals and families seeking to relocate to Portugal. With a team of experienced professionals and strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to assist clients with all aspects of the relocation process.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What are emergency services like in Portugal?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Portugal wrote:

"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. ," commented one expat living in Cascais, Portugal.

"I don't know because we just moved here. Nearest hospital is Faro which is about 40 km," wrote one expat.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Porto.

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Portugal Residency Advisors

Portugal Residency Advisors is a full-service consulting firm dedicated to providing personalized services to individuals and families seeking to relocate to Portugal. With a team of experienced professionals and strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to assist clients with all aspects of the relocation process.

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Portugal Residency Advisors

Portugal Residency Advisors is a full-service consulting firm dedicated to providing personalized services to individuals and families seeking to relocate to Portugal. With a team of experienced professionals and strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to assist clients with all aspects of the relocation process.

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Specialists in every field are no more than 30 mins away. Serious health issues are handled at our private hospital, 10 mins away. Care is quickly provided and done well. Tests are given immediately and results available the next day," said one expat living in Lisbon.

"I'm waiting for a specialist referral for ophthalmology, but there's no indication of whether it's in Porto or further afield," mentioned one expat in Porto.

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Are common prescription medications available in Portugal?

"Prescription medicines are dispensed by the local pharmacy, as prescribed by the doctor at the local clinic near my home. The prescriptions are sent via message directly from the doctor to the pharmacy. The one time I've had to get medication, I was prescribed 3 meds for a total of less of than 7 euros, which is cheaper than it would've been in Canada," mentioned one expat in Porto.

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Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Portugal?

"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," wrote one expat.

As a foreigner living in Portugal, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"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," remarked one expat in Portugal.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Portugal if they have access to public healthcare in Portugal. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"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," said an expat in Portugal.

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

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Portugal?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Portugal about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"If you're an expat having a baby in Portugal, it's important to make sure that you have the necessary paperwork in order beforehand. Research the best hospitals or clinics in the area and make sure to book any necessary appointments ahead of time. If you require insurance, research the various options to ensure you get coverage for all necessary medical services. It's also important to have a good understanding of the Portuguese healthcare system and the resources available to help you during your journey as an expat parent. Lastly, connect with fellow expats and take advantage of expat-specific support groups to get advice and assistance in navigating the process," explained one expat.

Are healthcare services good in Portugal?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Portugal. They wrote:

"There is a CUF private hospital in Cascais. So far, the care is excellent and the prices are a fraction of what they would be in the US," explained one expat living in Cascais.

"Healthcare services in Portugal are generally good, with long waiting times for some treatments. Portugal has a public healthcare system that is widely used, although some opt to pay for private medical care. Those with chronic illnesses can often find quality treatment, including reduced costs for medication. Public healthcare providers tend to prioritize preventative treatments and health education, with a focus on promoting healthy lifestyles. Overall, Portugal has a robust national healthcare system that provides quality medical care to its citizens," said one expat in Portugal.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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