Understanding Health Insurance in Portugal
Portugal is hugely popular with expats. Retirees and students love it. It is an excellent home for young families and digital nomads! In fact, it is hard to imagine any group that would not adore Portugal’s warm climate, low cost of living, beautiful cities, and overall high quality of life and healthcare.
According to the 2019 Health Care Index, Portugal’s healthcare system ranks 22nd out of 89 countries, with a strong score for the quality of its infrastructure. A separate study by the World Health Organization ranked Portugal 12th in overall healthcare quality.
No matter how you measure it, healthcare here is strong. If you are planning a move to this friendly, sunny destination, this is what you need to know about health insurance in Portugal.
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Portuguese National Health Insurance Plans
There are three main streams of care in Portugal’s public healthcare system. The first is the National Health Service (NHS), also known as the SNS in Portuguese.
Operational since 1979, this subsidized state care is overseen by the Ministry of Health. It’s designed to serve all people who contribute to the social security system. This stream is funded through general taxation and social security contributions.
However, those who are not in the workforce (such as children and retirees) do not have to make contributions. Of note, this stream only covers mainland Portugal; the Azores and Madeira operate their own healthcare systems.
The second stream is known as the Health Subsystem Program. It provides health insurance coverage to members of certain professions and organizations.
Some of the most prominent groups covered under this stream include the police, the military, banking services, and public servants.
The third stream of care is voluntary private health insurance. Although not as prevalent as it is in other countries, private medical insurance still plays a significant role in Portuguese society.
There are several national health insurance providers, as well as international health insurance companies, that serve the expat community and foreigners living in Portugal.
Pros and Cons of Using the Local Health Insurance System in Portugal
Overall, public health standards in Portugal are excellent. Patients can expect comprehensive care from high-quality hospitals.
However, like many countries, wait times in Portugal are a common source of complaint. Additionally, services are more limited in rural and remote areas than in cities.
As such, it may be necessary to drive into the city for specialist appointments and tests.
Private healthcare insurance is moderately popular in Portugal. Approximately 20% of residents have some form of supplemental health insurance coverage.
They do so to have extra costs not covered by the public healthcare system reimbursed, as well as to offset the costs of dental and vision care.
The availability of private insurance in Portugal also reduces waiting times, allowing patients to choose from a broader range of doctors.
How Can Expats Qualify For Health Insurance in Portugal?
Internationals can qualify for expat health insurance in Portugal in several ways. First, if they are European Union citizens, they can access public health care through the European Health Insurance Card.
This free card, which must be applied for before leaving your home country, entitles the bearer to receive healthcare at the exact costs and standards as local citizens of your new country.
Secondly, expats from several non-EU countries have reciprocal healthcare agreements with Portugal. This list includes Andorra, Brazil, Cape Verde, and Morocco. As such, they can use the public healthcare system in Portugal for little to no cost.
Ultimately, all permanent residents in Portugal are eligible to utilize the public healthcare system. While this does not help short-term residents or tourists, who should all carry travel medical insurance for visiting Portugal, it does mean that long-term residents are eligible for care.
The Application Process
The first step towards gaining health insurance for foreigners in Portugal is to have health insurance! It sounds like circular logic, but to obtain a residence or work visa, would-be expats must demonstrate that they carry private health insurance.
The same applies to students who are not from the EU. This is so they will not be a burden to the state by arriving ill or not having adequate coverage to provide for their care should they fall ill.
The process of obtaining a residence permit can be expedited by visiting a local Junta de Freguesia or Parish Council office. They will issue a certificate confirming you have more than 90 days of residency in Portugal.
The next step for expats is to obtain a Portuguese número de contribuinte, the equivalent of a social security number. Employers typically do this on behalf of their employees, but self-employed individuals must do it themselves.
With your SS number and residency permit in hand, you head to your local health services center. Once there, you fill out an application and receive your healthcare card, which is required to access the public healthcare system.
Benefits of Private Global Health Insurance
While English is widespread in Portugal, there is no guarantee that an expat seeking care through the public healthcare system will have an English-speaking doctor or nurse.
However, by using private health insurance, an expat in need is virtually guaranteed access to bilingual and multilingual staff members.
Additionally, private healthcare facilities offer a more comfortable environment, with a greater emphasis on patient privacy, rest, and recuperation.
Best Overall Health Insurance in Portugal for Expats
The Cigna Global medical insurance plan is an excellent option for expats and foreigners living in Portugal for a year or longer.
Cigna Global has a strong presence in Europe. Their plans offer flexibility in plan design, variable coverage options, and a high level of service.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
Best Health Insurance Plan for US Citizens in Portugal
The BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier plan for U.S. citizens and residents living in Portugal offers U.S. expats a high-quality, comprehensive global medical plan.
You will have access to leading healthcare providers and hospitals worldwide, as well as the Blue Cross Blue Shield network of doctors and hospitals for care in the USA.
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Hospitals and Doctors in Portugal
There are 200 public and private hospitals in Portugal, all staffed with English-speaking health professionals to better serve expats and foreigners living in the country.
The quality of care at these hospitals is reasonable by international standards, and they can treat whatever ailment you may have. According to a World Health Organization study, Portugal’s healthcare quality was ranked 12th globally.
Hospitals in Portugal have heightened their management responsibilities and upgraded their efficiency and effectiveness in assessing professionals.
In an emergency, foreign travelers will not be denied treatment. Once you are stabilized, you will be required to show a form of insurance to pay for the treatment. Therefore, it is a good idea for private travelers to purchase travel insurance.
Top Hospitals Accepting Health Insurance in Portugal
- Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central (Hospital Dona Estefania)
- Centro Hospitalar do Porto (Hospital Geral de Santo Antonio)
- Clínica Central do Bonfim Lda.
How Routine Doctor Visits Work
Health insurance for foreigners in Portugal revolves around the health center. In fact, the starting point for all health matters in Portugal is community health centers – the same ones you visit first to obtain a health card.
This is where most doctors are based. Patients come here to obtain family physician services, maternity and childcare services, non-emergency care, and sometimes additional services such as dental and physiotherapy care. A health center visit is also necessary for referral to specialist appointments.
However, some routine care may be provided at a local hospital, depending on regional arrangements. For instance, many prenatal care appointments take place within the hospital system.
How To Find A Family Physician in Portugal
Family physicians operate through local health centers. Expats in Portugal can visit the SNS website to find the location closest to them.
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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