Moving to Portugal
Thinking about moving to Portugal? Learn about visas, healthcare, housing, banking, living costs, and daily life to help you plan your move and settle in with confidence.
The Healthcare System in Portugal
Discover everything you need to know about Portugal healthcare, from public coverage and private care to eligibility and medical costs.
Portugal is home to an extensive and continuously improving healthcare system. In the 2025 CEOWORLD Health Care Index, Portugal’s healthcare system ranked 20th out of 110 countries. This is higher than France, Spain, and the UK. If you’re moving to Portugal, this article lays out everything you need to know about the local healthcare system. This includes the Portuguese National Health Service, the SNS, how to access care as a foreigner, and the provision of private healthcare in the country.
Key Takeaways
- Portugal has a high-quality healthcare system that combines public and private medical services.
- Most legal residents can access the public Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), while many expats also buy private health coverage for faster access to care.
- Private hospitals often offer shorter wait times, more comfortable facilities, and a better chance of finding English-speaking doctors.
- Healthcare costs in Portugal are generally lower than in many other Western European countries and the United States.
- Expats moving to Portugal usually need private health coverage as part of their visa application before they can access the public healthcare system.
- Comparing public and private healthcare options can help you choose the right level of coverage for your lifestyle, budget, and healthcare needs.
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How the Portuguese Health System Operates
The healthcare system in Portugal consists of three components. The first is the National Health Service (in Portuguese: Serviço Nacional de Saude or SNS). Set up in 1979, the SNS is a form of subsidized state care for people who contribute to the social security system.
The SNS operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and is defined as being national, universal, and free. It covers all of mainland Portugal. The regions of the Azores and Madeira have their own healthcare systems.
The second system is a special social health care initiative called the Health Subsystem Program. It is responsible for providing medical care to members of certain professions or organizations. For instance, it includes police, military, and banking services. The most important public health subsystem is the ADSE, which covers over 1.3 million public servants.
The third is voluntary private healthcare. Several private healthcare networks operate in Portugal, including Multicare, AdvanceCare, and Medis.
Residents also have the option of purchasing private coverage from non-Portuguese companies. This is a popular choice for expats, who prefer the security of private health insurance in Portugal.
Challenges in the System
Addressing mental healthcare remains a challenge in Portugal. An estimated 30% of the Portuguese population has experienced some form of mental health struggle.
The country has higher-than-average levels of depression and substance abuse. And there are only about 12 psychiatrists for every 100,000 inhabitants.
To access mental care in Portugal, you first have to visit your GP. They can prescribe medication, refer you for counseling, or refer you to a specialist. If receiving comprehensive mental healthcare is a priority for you, it is essential to check with your private health plan provider to ensure it’s included in your plan.
Costs Associated with Healthcare in Portugal
The public SNS system in Portugal is funded through general taxation and subsidized by contributions from workers paying into the social security system. However, the system covers people who are not employed, as well as dependent family members and retirees.
SNS services include everything from GP services and maternity care to hospital treatments and community medical programs.
Portuguese residents must pay a small portion of their medical expenses. This includes a small contribution to the cost of doctor and specialist visits, hospital care, and prescriptions.
The amount is usually around €5. Portuguese residents also cover most of their own healthcare costs, including vision and dental care. However, there are exceptions for members of the population who are vulnerable or have low incomes.
For the uninsured, basic medical costs in Portugal are reasonable. The cost of consulting a general practitioner is usually less than €60.
Basic dental cleaning typically costs around €30. Visitors to Portugal are not covered under the country’s public healthcare system. Therefore, they should carry their own private international health insurance.
The Differences Between Private and Public Healthcare in Portugal
Approximately 20% of Portuguese residents carry private health care to supplement their public health care. Private healthcare covers additional services that the public system does not include, such as dental and vision care. It can also offset patients’ out-of-pocket costs.
Private health care also means that you can see specialists more quickly than in the public system. For expats, the private system also improves your chances of seeing an English-speaking practitioner.
In general, when using private health care, hospital and clinic visits are quicker, more comfortable, and more private.
However, there is a downside. When using private care, you typically pay upfront for services and then submit a claim for reimbursement from your provider. This can be an expensive undertaking. With the public system, services are either free or carry just a nominal fee.
Furthermore, some Portuguese doctors work in both the public and private healthcare systems. Some hospitals in Portugal also operate on both a private and public basis.
When in doubt, make your treatment choice clear upon arrival to avoid confusion.
Who is Eligible for Coverage?
The public health system in Portugal is available to Portuguese citizens and permanent residents.
European residents who hold a European Health Insurance Card are eligible for the same standards of public coverage as Portuguese residents. The EHIC is available at no charge. However, you must apply for it before you leave home.
In addition, several non-EU countries have reciprocal agreements with Portugal, including Andorra, Brazil, Cape Verde, and Morocco. Citizens of these countries can access public healthcare in Portugal at no cost or at a reduced rate.
Healthcare Options for Foreigners in Portugal
Expats interested in obtaining coverage must first obtain a Portuguese número de contribuinte, equivalent to a social security number.
Once you have obtained it and a residence permit, you should visit the nearest health center. Once your application is processed, you will receive a user’s card which contains your healthcare number. This allows you to access the public healthcare system.
Note that to get a residence visa or any other kind of visa, you have to demonstrate proof of private medical coverage. Non-EU students must also prove that they have a form of comprehensive private coverage.
What is a Portuguese “Social Hospital”?
One of the most unique things about Portugal’s healthcare system is the “social hospital”. These are hospitals that private institutions once operated, focusing on social solidarity.
These institutions were primarily the misericórdias, a name that translates to “holy houses of mercy”. Historically, these institutions were the leading providers of hospital care in Portugal, dating back to the late 1400s.
They retained prominence until the 1970s. That changed when the SNS was born. Today, the social hospitals have an agreement with the SNS. They are publicly subsidized and offer services much in the same way as public hospitals. You may be able to see traces of the building’s religious past in the architecture, decor, and personnel.
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- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Portugal’s Healthcare System FAQs
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Yes. Portugal is a popular retirement destination because it offers high-quality healthcare at relatively affordable prices. Many retirees use the public healthcare system for routine care and private health insurance for faster access to specialists and elective procedures. This combination provides both value and flexibility.
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Yes. If you use private healthcare, you usually have more freedom to choose your doctor or specialist. Patients using the public SNS may be assigned a family doctor, although availability can vary depending on where you live. Many expats choose private insurance for greater flexibility.
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No. Prescription medicines in Portugal are generally affordable, and many are subsidized through the public healthcare system. If you use private healthcare, you may pay more upfront, but your insurance may cover part or all of the cost, depending on your plan.
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Many private hospitals work with international health insurance providers. Some offer direct billing, while others require you to pay first and submit a claim for reimbursement. Before receiving treatment, check with both your insurer and the hospital to confirm how your policy will be accepted.
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English is commonly spoken by many doctors and healthcare professionals, especially in private hospitals, larger cities such as Lisbon and Porto, and in the expat-friendly region of the Algarve. However, language support may be more limited in smaller towns and public healthcare facilities, so some expats prefer private providers.
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Bring a photo ID, your health insurance card or SNS user number if you have one, and a list of any medications you take. If you have medical records or recent test results from another country, bringing copies can help your doctor understand your medical history.
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Digital nomads may be able to access public healthcare if they become legal residents and meet the eligibility requirements. Until then, private or international health insurance is the best way to pay for medical care and meet visa requirements. It also provides coverage while traveling outside Portugal.