Understanding how Portugal’s healthcare system functions is crucial for those planning to move and establish residence in the country. Portugal ranks among the top 10 countries in Europe with the best public healthcare and was considered the 12th best in the world in 2019, showcasing its excellent healthcare quality.
Althoug Portugal offers universal healthcare coverage, it is not entirely free. In some cases, there’s a co-payment, with the government subsidizing the rest of the cost. However, cost of healthcare in Portugal is considerably affordable.
Keep reading this article to learn about the main features of Portugal healthcare system and the private healthcare system for expats.
What is the public Portugal healthcare system like?
Over 120 years ago, the Direção-Geral de Saúde was established in Portugal, driving the development of the country’s public healthcare into what it is today. In the 1970s, Portugal underwent one of the most significant healthcare reforms, extending universal healthcare rights to its citizens through Decree-Law No. 417/71. This was when the National Health System (Sistema Nacional de Saúde – SNS) was created, evolving since then and placing Portugal among the countries with the best public healthcare in the world.
Does Portugal have Universal Healthcare?
Is healthcare free in Portugal?
As mentioned, access to the Public Health System is not entirely free, although, in most cases, it remains free. Until 2022, there were co-payments known as “Moderating Fees,” which were affordable amounts that patients (known as “Utentes” in Portugal) had to pay for appointments, tests, and other medical procedures.
The end of “Moderating Fees”
In 2022, changes were made to the SNS rules, and almost all moderating fees were abolished, with only a few exceptions, as defined by Decree-Law No. 37/2022.
Portuguese authorities had been working to progressively expand the situations exempt from moderating fees. The new Decree only charges for emergency services. Even in emergencies, the fee is not charged if the patient was referred by a health center or if hospitalization is required later.
Family Doctor
Portugal’s public healthcare system revolves around the concept of the “Family Doctor.” Each patient, referred to as an “Utente” in Portugal, is assigned a family doctor. This doctor is responsible for primary care, overseeing the health history of the patients, and referring them to specialists when necessary.
The Family Doctor plays a crucial role in Portugal’s Public Health, not only providing treatment but also focusing on disease prevention.
To get assigned a Family Doctor, you need to register at a Health Center. We’ll explain what Health Centers are and how to access Portugal’s Public Healthcare System in the next section. However, it’s not always possible to get a Family Doctor assigned, as there aren’t enough doctors in some regions of the country.
Nevertheless, even if you can’t get a Family Doctor assigned, you can still go to the Health Center where you registered and request an open appointment, which will be conducted by one of the doctors on duty at the Health Center.
What are “Centros de Saúde” (Health Centers) and How to Access Public Healthcare in Portugal?
The “Centro de Saúde” is a Health Center in Portugal. It is the gateway to Portugal’s Public Healthcare System. This is where primary care appointments take place, either with your Family Doctor or with the doctor on duty if you don’t have an assigned Family Doctor.
Once you reside in Portugal, you have the right to register at a Health Center and receive your Utente number. It is recommended to register at a Health Center near your residential address. You can search for the nearest health center by clicking here.
Is Health Insurance Necessary in Portugal?
Health insurance is not required in Portugal. However, there are several interesting private insurance options available, which are considerably more affordable than what we know in Brazil.
As mentioned earlier, Portugal’s Public Healthcare System ranks among the best in the world. It’s essential that, whenever you need medical attention, you first go to the Health Center, whether for an emergency or to schedule an appointment with your Family Doctor.
Health insurance, referred to as “Seguro Saúde” in Portugal, is a secondary option and comes at a relatively low cost. With $40 or 50 euros per month, you can get excellent coverage and access to various services at top clinics and hospitals. It’s important to note that health insurance in Portugal operates on a co-payment basis, meaning you need to partially pay for the service. Even so, the costs are quite affordable and lower than in Brazil.
One advantage of health insurance is that you don’t need to schedule an appointment with your Family Doctor every time you require medical attention.
Subsidized Medications
Medications in Portugal are also subsidized by the government.
When you receive a prescription from a doctor, it includes a barcode that identifies the subsidy, which can be up to 90%, depending on the situation.
Buying medications in Portugal is slightly different from Brazil. We have an article explaining the details of how to purchase medications in Portugal: How to Buy Medications in Portugal.
About CAP International
CAP International is a global real estate agency specializing in Portugal!
My name is Bruna Barros, and I am a real estate consultant and the owner of CAP International. My work goes beyond simply brokering a property. I would be delighted to assist you in finding your dream home in Portugal, but I also understand that a new home in another country is just one part of this journey of significant changes.
In this blog, I always strive to provide tips for those considering moving to Portugal or those who are already here and need assistance or guidance.
We invite you to explore our ultimate guide on moving to Portugal. Packed with invaluable insights, practical tips, and expert advice, our guide will be your trusted companion as you navigate the intricacies of relocating to this beautiful country. From visa requirements to finding the perfect neighborhood, from understanding the healthcare system to embracing the vibrant Portuguese culture, our guide covers it all. Don’t miss out on this essential resource for a successful and seamless transition.
Please feel free to contact me on WhatsApp: +351 91 252 9806 (Bruna Barros)