Updated: November 25, 2024

 

Are you an expat relocating to Portugal or a new resident looking for clarity on health insurance in the country? Well, in this article, we have you covered.

In our Health Insurance Portugal: Your Essential Guide, we’ll provide you with basic information on the healthcare system in Portugal and then delve into the essentials you’ll need to know about health insurance in the country to get you set up in the right way, covering both public and private healthcare.

The Portuguese Healthcare System

Healthcare costs - cost of living in PortugalThere is nothing more important than your health, and here we provide a complete overview of Portugal’s healthcare system. You’ll be pleased to know that, in general, the healthcare system is very good and is also extremely affordable – particularly compared with healthcare costs in the USA. Portugal ranks in the 21st position globally, according to Numbeo’s 2024 Mid-Year Health Care Index, ranking above countries such as Germany, New Zealand, and Sweden.

The Portuguese healthcare system is known as the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) and provides universal public healthcare services to all legal residents in the country. The SNS provides a wide range of services, including general practitioner consultations with your family doctor, hospital treatments, prescription medications, and surgeries, covering curative, preventive, and rehabilitative healthcare.

Residents in Portugal will be able to enjoy excellent public healthcare, with only minimal costs for certain procedures, such as X-rays. There is free public healthcare for residents under 18 and above 65 years old, another bow in the arrow of Portugal’s healthcare system.

The average life expectancy in the country is 82.55, ranking above countries such as Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Austria, according to the latest United Nations Population Division, and has been hinted as being one of the emerging blue zones, with the Mediterranean diet, focus on community, and high quality of life in Portugal contributing factors to this.

GC-ICON-105How is Portugal’s public healthcare system funded?

The SNS is funded by general taxation. This ensures that services are made available to all residents across the country without them needing to pay high out-of-pocket expenses and to ensure a healthy population. For certain treatments and medications, there is a co-payment system, although costs will vary based on the patient’s income level to ensure they can afford the services.

GC-ICON-87Healthcare practitioners, health centers, and public hospitals

The SNS has a gatekeeping system. Under this, patients are required to register with a family doctor or family practitioner at their local health center. They will keep your healthcare records and medical history and be the primary point of contact for all healthcare needs in the country. They can refer you to specialists or your local hospital for further examination or evaluation or where targeted treatments are required.

Portugal’s national health services operate a large network of health centers known as Centros de Saùde on a national level to meet primary healthcare needs. Alongside this, there are many hospitals in the country and specialized facilities for more complex surgeries and treatments.

When it comes to waiting times, this can really vary, with many residents and expats in Portugal opting to secure health insurance coverage to reduce waiting times and get quicker access to specialized care.

Emergency care

In an emergency, Portuguese hospitals provide emergency services and medical care to anyone in need, regardless of their insurance status.

Electronic Health Record (EHR)

The SNS uses an electronic record system, the EHR, for healthcare professionals to access patient records. This system aims to streamline and improve communication between providers and enhance the coordination of care.

Who needs health insurance in Portugal?

If you live and work in Portugal – you are a legal resident living in Portugal and contribute to social security- then you will have the same healthcare rights as nationals, and you can tap into the Portuguese public healthcare system (SNS). However, the following should consider getting health insurance.

  • Non-residents: If you are not a resident of Portugal, you should get Portuguese insurance.
  • Short-term visitors and tourists: While you will be able to tap into emergency medical care, getting health insurance coverage will offer an extra safety blanket and protect you financially from unexpected medical treatment.

If you are a resident but are seeking faster access to medical care, we also recommend seeking out private insurance to get faster access to medical consultations and treatments. You can also get expedited access to specialized care, and healthcare professionals in the private sector generally speak better English (although English is now also widely spoken in the public healthcare system). If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it can also be beneficial to secure private healthcare insurance to help with ongoing care.

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What happens if I am not covered by health insurance?

If you are a Portuguese resident and have signed up at your local health center, then you will be able to access the public healthcare system, including consultations, medications, surgeries, and treatments.

Portuguese Public Health Insurance

As we’ve mentioned, all legal residents in Portugal and Portuguese citizens will have access to the public healthcare system. In this section of our Health Insurance Portugal guide, we provide you with some further information on public health insurance.

What does public health insurance cover?

Public health insurance in Portugal covers the following:

  • Access to doctors and specialists
  • Mental healthcare
  • Maternity care
  • Eye care and some vision-related services

How to get Portuguese public health insurance?

If you are a resident of Portugal, then it is pretty straightforward to register into the Portuguese public health system. Below, we provide a quick rundown.

  1. Get Portuguese residency: The first step is to secure residency in Portugal – there are plenty of residency options, including the D7 Visa, Golden Visa, and Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa) to cater to the wide range of expat profiles that come to call Portugal home.
  2. Register at your local health center: You will need to go to your local health center and register. This can be done via email, depending on the health center, so be sure to check this. You will need to present certain documents including your residency permit, NIF number (tax identification number), passport, social security number (NISS number), and so on.
  3. Receive your SNS number: Once you have presented the required documents, you will be assigned an SNS number. You will need to present this number when accessing healthcare services and for certain other things. For example, if you are learning to drive, you will need this number.
  4. Access healthcare services: With your SNS number, you will be able to access a range of healthcare services, including consultations with doctors and specialists.

GC-ICON-103EU citizens and UK citizens

If you are an EU/EEA citizen and you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you will be able to access medical treatment in Portugal during your stay.

Following Brexit, UK citizens can also apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) that allows them to secure medical treatment in Portugal.

Both the EHIC and GHIC provide EU and UK citizens, respectively, access to required medical assistance and emergency healthcare at little to no cost. With this healthcare card, it is much easier for EU and UK residents to secure affordable healthcare in the country.

Private Health Insurance in Portugal

Private health insurance Portugal coverage is much more affordable than in the US or in many other European countries. In this section of our Expat Health Insurance Portugal guide, we delve into private health insurance in more detail, including the different plans you can opt for and tips on choosing the right private insurance provider for you.

What does private insurance offer?

Private insurance provides extensive coverage and includes services, such as dental care, that are not included in the public healthcare system. You will find private establishments, healthcare units, and private hospitals across the country. Some of the other benefits of opting for private insurance include:

  • Tailored coverage options: Private healthcare plans can be tailored to the individual to suit individual needs and offer a variety of coverage options to cater to different requirements and lifestyles.
  • International coverage: If you are looking for a private health plan providing international health insurance, you’ll have options that include international coverage, ensuring you are protected on your travels.
  • Range of healthcare providers: Policyholders can choose from a wide range of private healthcare providers, depending on the extent of coverage they are looking for, budget, and so on. You will also find family plans.
  • Additional benefits: Some private insurance plans also include wellness programs, health screenings, and coverage for certain prescription medications not fully covered by the public system.

GC-ICON-78Popular private healthcare options in Portugal

Some of the most popular private healthcare insurance providers in Portugal include:

  • Allianz
  • Cigna Global
  • Multicare
  • Médis

Healthcare provider

Overview

Allianz

Global coverage with personalized plans available, very well adapted for expats

Cigna Global

Expats-focused, 24/7 support, wellness programs offered

Multicare

One of the biggest providers in Portugal, large local network, Portugal-focused

Médis

Broad network with competitive rates – 13.000 doctors and 100 hospitals in total as part of the network.

GC-ICON-46How to choose the right private insurance provider for you in Portugal?

There are many private health providers out there and finding the one best suited for your needs, whether you are looking for a family plan or coverage just for you. Below, we provide some tips when it comes to narrowing down your options.

  • Commit to research: Make a list of your top choices, looking for reputable companies that offer the key services you need. Consider patient reviews and quality of care carefully to narrow down the options.
  • Coverage and services: Review the coverage and services provided by each company, comparing the different plans available and their prices.
  • Cost of health insurance for expats in Portugal: You’ll want to balance quality with cost, so be sure to find a top company that also offers competitive prices. Many companies in Portugal offer reasonable healthcare packages for families, for example.
  • Recommendations: If any of your friends or family have health insurance in Portugal, be sure to ask them which provider they have and their recommendations.

It’s worth noting that the best private health insurance in Portugal for you will likely be different from another persons, as it will be based on your specific requirements.

GC-ICON-71Health insurance quotes in Portugal

Once you have combed through prospective companies and have a shortlist, reach out to the companies to request a quote. This allows you to compare costs, benefits, additional perks, and so on before you make your decision.

GC-ICON-40How much does private Portuguese health insurance cost?

So, how much is health insurance in Portugal if you are seeking private care? Well, private healthcare is quite affordable compared to the USA and some other Western European countries. The average cost for private healthcare in Portugal is €400 annually while opting for a more extensive plan would set you back around €1,000 a year.

Portuguese Pharmacy Costs

Pharmacy costs in Portugal are generally very affordable, particularly for prescription medications that are covered under the SNS, with some being partially or fully subsidized for Portuguese residents.

The amount of co-payment for these medications can vary depending on the medication type and the  patient’s income bracket.

Health Insurance for Unemployed or Low-Earning Residents

Healthcare-in-PortugalThe SNS provides universal coverage to all legal residents in Portugal. This includes unemployed and low-earning residents to ensure that everyone has the access that they need to essential medical services, regardless of their employment status or financial status. 

In this section of our Health Insurance Portugal article, we provide some further information about the social security system, subsidies, and healthcare assistance for unemployed or low-earning residents. 

  • Social Security contributions: Unemployed individuals who have made Social Security contributions in the past may still be able to access healthcare benefits. This includes contributions during previous employment that can give coverage during periods of unemployment. 
  • Healthcare assistance to low-income families: Low-income families may be entitled to additional healthcare assistance through the Portuguese social welfare program, which are designed to make sure that those without the financial means can access healthcare. 
  • Health subsidies: The Portuguese government provides assistance and health subsidies that may cover co-payments for medical treatments, consultation, and other essential health services. 
  • Community health centers: Known as Centros de Saúde, community health centers provide care for individuals with chronic health conditions or those in need of long-term care, specifically providing care for vulnerable groups, including low-income residents and the unemployed to ensure they get the required health provisions. 
  • Pharamcy co-payment exemptions: Some low-earning residents or those in facing financial hardship can be exempt from co-payments for prescription medications under the SNS. 
  • Integrated continuous care (Cuidados Continuados Integrados – CCI): The CCI program provides health and social care to residents with chronic health conditions, help with a permanent disability, or who need long-term treatment or care. The CCI caters specifically to vulnerable groups, which includes low-income residents and the unemployed.

Summing Up Healthcare in Portugal

Whether you relocating to Portugal or are already a resident, nothing is more important than ensuring access to healthcare in the country. With the SNS providing extensive coverage across the country, alongside affordable private healthcare options, you will find it easy to tap into the medical treatment and health plans that you require.

If you are undecided on whether to opt for private healthcare or stick with public healthcare, the main advantages of opting for a private practice are faster access to specialists, English being more widely spoken, and coverage of additional services that you may require.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Health Insurance in Portugal

The average cost for private healthcare in Portugal is around €400 annually, while a more extensive plan costs you closer to €1,000 a year. Costs depend on factors like age, health conditions, and coverage level. You will also find several family plans to provide coverage for the entire family.

Americans can get health insurance in Portugal by enrolling in a private insurance plan or through the Portuguese National Health Service (SNS) if they have residency. Private plans are easily accessible and are very affordable when compared with the cost of private healthcare in the US, and you can also find many international health insurance plans that extend to Portugal. Residents in Portugal will be able to enjoy excellent public healthcare, with just minimal costs for certain procedures, such as X-rays, and free healthcare for residents under 18 and above 65 years old.

As with many things related to the cost of living in Portugal versus the USA, healthcare is very affordable.

Yes, if you are moving to Portugal from the USA and you secure legal residency, you can access healthcare in Portugal. While treatment for medical emergencies is available to everyone, non-residents typically pay out-of-pocket or need a private health insurance plan. Private insurance in Portugal is much more affordable in the US. US citizens with residency will also have access to the public healthcare system (SNS), which has very affordable medical costs.

Portugal ranks as having one of the best healthcare systems in the world. The country offers quality healthcare, with a reliable public health system (SNS) and a range of affordable private health insurance options. The public healthcare service, the SNS, provides affordable and comprehensive care for residents, while private plans provide greater access to shorter wait times and specialized treatments.

The average cost for private healthcare in Portugal is around €400 annually, while a more extensive plan will cost you closer to €1,000 a year. Public health insurance can be accessed at a minimal cost for residents and is free if you are younger than 18 or over 65 years old.

All legal residents in Portugal can have access to the public healthcare system, known as the SNS. There are many options to consider when getting private health insurance, and each will have different coverage, plans, and prices. Make a list of a few private healthcare providers and then get in touch with them to ask for quotes to pinpoint the one you will opt for. For families, many private insurance companies will offer family plans.