Medical care
in Portugal
How does Portugal's healthcare system work, how good is everyday care – and what does this mean specifically for expats and emigrants?
Medical care in Portugal
Anyone considering living abroad quickly thinks about local medical care…
… how does Portugal's healthcare system work?
… how good is everyday care and what does this mean specifically for expats and emigrants?
… as a foreigner, do I have access to the public healthcare system?
… do I need private health insurance in Portugal?
… what do I do in an emergency?
… how is the quality of hospitals?
… I don't speak Portuguese yet – is that a problem?
These and other topics play a big role in deciding to live in Portugal.
We provide clarity and show you what really matters.
Portugal's healthcare system at a glance
Portugal Portugal has a public healthcare system, the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), as well as a well-developed private healthcare sector. Both the local population and expats combine both systems to cover basic care as well as faster specialist appointments.
State-funded, basic care via health centers and emergency care via public hospitals
Public System (SNS):
Shorter waiting times, multilingual doctors, and more flexibility
Private Care:
Popular solution for Expats in Portugal:
SNS plus private health insurance
Anyone who smartly combines both systems is well set up for medical care in Portugal.
The Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS)
Portugal's public health care system
The SNS provides access to health centers (Centros de Saúde), public hospitals, and emergency care. As a person legally residing in Portugal, you can apply for a patient number (Número de Utente) and thus access SNS services.
EU/EEA citizens with residence in Portugal
Non-EU citizens with residence permits, e.g. D7,
Digital Nomad, or work visaRetirees with S1 form from EU, EEA, or UK
Who has access?
ID or passport
Residence permit or EU residence certificate
Portuguese tax number (NIF)
Proof of residence in Portugal
What do I need for registration?
We support you with bureaucracy and medical care questions.
Private medical care in Portugal
Private hospitals and practices in Portugal are the preferred choice for many residents and expats seeking quick access to specialists and modern facilities.
Another advantage is that you can choose your treating doctor yourself. Private healthcare is particularly well-developed in the Lisbon, Porto, Cascais, Almada, Faro, and Algarve regions, offering a wide range of medical services.
The best-known private providers in Portugal include CUF, Hospital da Luz, and Lusíadas Saúde. These groups operate numerous hospitals and clinics across the country, especially in urban areas and coastal regions.
These facilities offer not only general medicine and specialist appointments, but also diagnostics, outpatient treatments, surgeries, and inpatient care.
We help you navigate the private healthcare system.
Private medical insurance
For families with children, older people, or anyone who wants to be on the safe side, private supplementary insurance is a sensible investment. It provides not only medical security but also peace of mind for quick and uncomplicated care in emergencies.
Private medical insurance in Portugal is often surprisingly affordable compared to many other countries. Depending on the provider, age and coverage, monthly premiums start at around 30 to 50 Euros per person. Major providers like Multicare, Médis, or Tranquilidade offer various packages – from basic coverage to comprehensive plans, including dental and preventive check-ups.
Together with our experts, we find insurance that fits your life.
Both systems at a glance
In an initial consultation, we clarify your questions and show you what really matters.
