Hospitals in Portugal for Foreigners and Expats
Whether you’re just visiting or have made Portugal your permanent home, it’s essential to know where you can access quality healthcare should the need arise. To help you choose the right hospital, here’s a guide to what you’ll need to know about the hospital system, as well as a list of recommended hospitals in Portugal for international visitors and expats.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Does Portugal Have Good Hospitals?
There are approximately 200 hospitals in Portugal, which are well-ranked by both international and European standards.
What Are the Best Hospitals in Portugal?
While many of Portugal’s hospitals rank favorably compared to others around the globe, the very top-ranked ones are especially impressive.
The top two highest-ranked Portuguese hospitals are in the top 500 hospitals globally, and the top four are in the top 2000.
Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central
Rua José António Serrano
1150-199 Lisbon, Portugal
Tel: +351 21 884 1000
Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto
Largo Professor Abel Salazar
4099-001 Porto, Portugal
Tel: + 351 22 207 7500
IPOLisboa
Rua Professor Lima Basto
1099-023 Lisbon, Portugal
Tel: + 351 21 722 9800
Clínica do Bonfim
Av. Fernão Magalhães, 442
4349-008 Porto, Portugal
Tel: + 351 22 510 3411
How Can Foreigners Access Hospitals in Portugal?
As someone considering spending time in Portugal, you may wonder how to access hospitals and healthcare should the need arise.
Not to mention, you will want to know how much it will cost to receive both emergency and non-emergency healthcare services.
To answer those questions, it is necessary to have an understanding of how Portugal’s healthcare system operates.
Public and Private Hospitals in Portugal
Portugal has nationalized healthcare that guarantees its residents the right to free healthcare. This system is overseen by the SNS, the country’s National Health Service.
It is, for the most part, entirely free, although some modest fees are charged for services to filter out unnecessary use. The services are administered through clinics and hospitals, many of which are grouped into large health centers overseen by a single body.
Another thing to keep in mind is that though the SNS is meant to be a national healthcare system, it actually only fully applies to continental Portugal. Those in the autonomous regions, the Azores and Madeira, have their own regional healthcare systems for residents.
In addition to the SNS and the regional versions, there is a healthcare subsystem that serves specific professions. Those receiving benefits through this system may have access to public or private services, depending on their particular plan. Finally, there is private insurance, which people may choose to purchase.
This, in turn, leads to a hospital system comprising three types of hospitals: public ones overseen by the SNS, social hospitals that are primarily subcontracted to the SNS, and private hospitals.
Private hospitals, like public ones, are overseen by centralized organizations; the difference lies in that they are private corporations, not government-run institutions. Several large healthcare systems, run by various groups, operate clinics, healthcare centers, and hospital locations that span the country.
As the private hospitals primarily serve those who are part of the country’s healthcare subsystem, as well as those with private insurance, many expats and visitors will find private hospitals a better fit for their needs and insurance coverage.
Are Private Hospitals Good for Visitors to Portugal?
Like many other European countries, Portugal’s SNS has faced many of the same problems that have recently plagued other national healthcare systems, such as long wait times to schedule appointments and inadequate resources and facilities, especially in areas away from major cities.
This problem is compounded by the fact that Portugal spends less per citizen on healthcare than most of its European counterparts.
Although the Portuguese healthcare system remains competitive, it is particularly plagued by the problems common to national healthcare systems.
The good news, however, is that in response to the growing tourism industry in Portugal, the private healthcare system has significantly improved its offerings throughout the country.
This means that there are a great many English-speaking healthcare providers, as well as access to private healthcare services that extend far beyond just the major cities.
It is worth noting that a significant portion of the private industry’s growth is concentrated in areas that are most popular for tourism or have a thriving expat community, such as the Algarve.
How Much Does it Cost to Visit a Hospital in Portugal?
Visitors to Portugal from European countries who hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access SNS services in the same manner as Portuguese citizens, meaning many healthcare services are either free or available at a nominal cost.
For those who do not have access to the SNS or prefer to use the private system, the cost of consulting a general practitioner (GP) can be as low as two euros. In contrast, the cost of tests will be significantly higher, ranging from 80 to 200 euros for individual blood tests and X-rays.
Out-of-pocket costs to schedule a single appointment with a specialist are relatively reasonable, ranging from 80 to 200 euros, for those who unexpectedly need medical care without insurance.
However, it is a good idea to plan and purchase international insurance that major private healthcare providers in Portugal will accept for those planning an extended stay in the country.
Another aspect to consider when choosing international insurance is coverage for medications. The cost of drugs can be pretty high in Portugal.
Best Health Insurance Plan for Expats in Portugal
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 Living in Portugal
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.
Recommended Hospitals for Expats in Portugal
Hospital da Luz Torres de Lisboa (formerly British Hospital)
Rua Tomás da Fonseca, Buildings B, D, E, and F
1600-209 Lisbon, Portugal
Tel: + 351 217 104 600
CMIL – Clínica Médica Internacional de Lisboa
Av. Sidónio Pais, 14, r/c Esq.
1050-214 Lisbon, Portugal
Tel: + 351 213 513 310
CUF Cascais Hospital
R. Fernão Lopes 60
2750-663 Cobre, Cascais, Portugal
Tel: +351 211 141 400
Hospital Cruz Vermelha
R. Duarte Galvão 54
1549-008 Lisboa, Portugal
Tel: + 351 217 714 000
Email: callcenter@hcvp.com.pt
Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, EPE
Av. Professor Egas Moniz
1649-035 Lisbon, Portugal
Tel: + 35 21 780 5000
Email: contactcenter@chln.min-saude.pt
Hospital Particular do Algarve | Alvor
Sitio Cruz da Bota Lote 27, Estrada de Alvor, Alvor
8500-322 Portimão, Portugal
Tel: + 351 282 420 400
Hospital São Gonçalo de Lagos
Av. Dom Sebastião 129
8600-502 Lagos, Portugal
Tel: + 351 282 420 400
Luzdoc – Serviço Médico Internacional
Rua 25 de Abril 12, Luz
8600-174 Lagos, Portugal
Tel: +351 282 780 700
Email: info@luzdoc.com
For non-EU expats looking to visit or settle in Portugal, it’s essential to have private insurance.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
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.
View
Full Bio
