Healthcare in Portugal
How does the healthcare system in Portugal work, how good is the standard of care in everyday life – and what does this mean in practical terms for expats and immigrants?
Healthcare in Portugal
Anyone considering living abroad will soon find themselves wondering about local healthcare provision.
… how does the healthcare system work in Portugal?
… how good is the standard of care in everyday life, and what does that mean in practical terms for expats and immigrants?
… as a foreigner, do I have access to the public healthcare system?
… do I need private health insurance in Portugal?
… what should I do in case of an emergency?
… what is the quality of hospitals in Portugal?
… I don’t speak Portuguese yet – is that a problem?
These and other factors play an important role in the decision to live in Portugal.
We provide clarity and show you what really matters.
How good is the public health service
Overall, the public healthcare system provides solid basic medical care and serves as an important safety net for the entire population.
At the same time, there are challenges:
In some regions, there is a shortage of GPs
Waiting times for appointments with specialists and scheduled operations can be relatively long
Staff are often under considerable pressure, which can affect the quality of service and availability
Both expats and locals therefore use a combination of the NHS (for emergencies and basic care) and private health insurance (for quicker appointments and greater convenience).
Get in touch and we’ll work together to find the right solution for you.
