Healthcare in Portugal for Expats: Complete Guide

Healthcare in Portugal: What Americans, Britons and Canadians Need to Know Before Moving

Understanding how healthcare works in Portugal is essential for anyone relocating from the United States, the United Kingdom or Canada. Whether you’re starting a new professional chapter, studying, working remotely or planning your retirement, knowing how to access medical services will give you confidence and peace of mind.

✅ Before Residency: Mandatory Health Insurance for the First 90 Days

When you arrive in Portugal, you can stay for up to 90 days before registering as a resident. During this initial period, you must have valid health insurance, either international or purchased locally.

Even so, in a medical emergency, you can still be treated through the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde), Portugal’s public healthcare system.

🚑 Emergency and Immediate Care

Emergency number in Portugal: 112 (equivalent to 911 in the US and Canada, and 999/112 in the UK)

For non‑emergency situations, you can visit your local Centro de Saúde (Health Centre). These facilities are present in all major towns and typically operate from 8:00 to 20:00.

What to expect at a Health Centre:

You may need to book an appointment and wait until later the same day.
Bring your passport or ID.
If the receptionist says there are no appointments left, simply return the next day.
A consultation usually costs less than €10.
Minor issues are treated on-site by a doctor or nurse.
If your condition is more serious, you will be referred to the nearest hospital, either with a referral letter or by ambulance.

🏥 Registering in the Portuguese Public Healthcare System (SNS)

Once you obtain your residence permit, you can officially enter the SNS.

How to register:

Visit the Health Centre in your residential area.
Bring:
- Valid passport
- Residence permit
- Proof of address (often included on your residence card)
You will receive your Número de Utente (Healthcare User Number).
Later, you will receive your Health Card, confirming your registration.

With your Número de Utente, you gain full access to the public system under the same conditions as any resident.

💊 Long‑Term Medication and Prescriptions

If you take long‑term medication, it’s important to bring:

A letter from your doctor in your home country explaining your treatment.
Updated prescriptions, if possible.

At the Health Centre:

You will schedule an appointment to review and renew your prescriptions.
Medications are usually prescribed for three months at a time.
Due to occasional doctor shortages, it’s wise to request renewals at least three weeks in advance.
If your current prescription is still valid, staff may photocopy it and return the original.

💶 Costs, Subsidies and How the Public System Works

Portugal’s healthcare system is tax‑funded, which means:

Most medications are subsidised, costing only a fraction of the retail price.
Essential medical services are free.
Non‑essential services (such as physiotherapy or routine appointments) require a small co‑payment known as a taxa moderadora.
Overall, healthcare in Portugal is considered high‑quality, accessible and affordable, especially compared to private systems in North America.