Overview of the Portuguese Health Care system

Portugal has a well-regarded healthcare system that combines universal public coverage with private options. Here’s what every expat should know:

Public healthcare in Portugal

Public Healthcare System (SNS) Portugal provides universal health insurance coverage through its National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde – SNS) to all legal residents, regardless of financial situation or employment status. In operation since 1979, this subsidized state care is directed by the Ministry of Health. It’s made to serve all people who contribute to the social security system. The SNS is funded through general taxation, as well as 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.

Coverage and Costs Most essential medical services are available free of charge under the SNS, while non-essential services and treatments require a small co-payment. The public scheme completely covers medical care, including doctors, specialists, and emergency services, with very few exceptions.

How to Access When employed, you’re automatically included in the system through tax deductions from your salary, while self-employed people must pay social contributions European residents with a European Health Insurance Card are eligible for the same public coverage standards as Portuguese residents. Internationals living and working in Portugal have the same healthcare rights as nationals. As long as you are a legal resident, you will be entitled to public health insurance.

While Portuguese hospitals and clinics are equipped to ´first world´standards, many expats will find the system overburdened and understaffed, resulting in long waiting times and less privacy and comfort. As a result, those who can afford private health insurance often prefer to use private healthcare.

Private healthcare in Portugal

More and more Portuguese and internationals prefer shorter wait times, quality of care and additional services and decide to have a voluntary private health insurance. The most current figure suggests that around 30% of Portugal’s population has private health insurance as of recent years. This private insurance typically serves for many people as a supplemental coverage rather than primary insurance, since everyone in Portugal already has access to the universal public health system (SNS).

People choose private insurance to have extra costs not covered by the public healthcare system reimbursed. Many people choose to use more than one system, although for emergencies, ambulances are routed directly to public hospitals. The trend appears to show increasing adoption of private insurance over time, likely due to people wanting faster access to specialists and additional services beyond what the public system provides.

While the majority of Portuguese health professionals have no problem speaking English, there is no guarantee that an expat in the public healthcare system will have an English speaking doctor or nurse. By using private health insurance, the chances of finding bilingual and multilingual staff members is much higher. In addition, private healthcare facilities are usually more comfortable, with a greater emphasis on patient privacy, rest, and recuperation.

Regarding private health insurance, the cost varies depending on the level of coverage you choose. Most schemes also come with a deductible before your insurance kicks in. In addition to individual policies, getting private healthcare packages to cover your whole family is possible. You often get a more competitive rate with more people insured under a single policy. Most private insurance in Portugal will typically cover the full costs of specialist or hospital treatments.