Healthcare in Portugal for UK Nationals 

State healthcare in Portugal is not completely free. Most medical costs are covered by the government, but patients pay standard user fees known as “taxas moderadoras”.

UK nationals can access the Portuguese healthcare system in several ways, depending on their residency status, work situation, or the purpose of their stay.

✅ How UK Nationals Can Access the Portuguese Healthcare System

There are three main routes:

1. Registering as a Resident in Portugal

Once you obtain legal residency, you can register with the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) and access state healthcare under the same conditions as Portuguese citizens.

2. Using an EHIC or GHIC for Temporary Stays

For short stays — tourism, study, or temporary work assignments — you may use a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or GHIC (UK Global Health Insurance Card). These cards cover medically necessary treatment during your stay.

3. Registering an S1 Form

If you receive a UK State Pension or certain exportable benefits, you may be entitled to a Form S1, which allows the UK to fund your state healthcare in Portugal.

✅ If You Live and Work in Portugal

If you are moving to Portugal, you must:

• show proof of healthcare coverage when applying for a visa or residency

• register as a resident before accessing the SNS

Once registered as a resident, you can sign up for the SNS regardless of whether you are:

• employed

• self‑employed

• unemployed

You may also be eligible for a Portuguese EHIC equivalent (CESD) for travel within the EU.

✅ How to Register for State Healthcare

Before registering for healthcare, you must first register as a resident.

If you are employed, you will also need your social security number (NISS). Your employer can provide it, or you can request it from the tax office if you are self‑employed.

To register at your local health centre, bring:

• residency certificate

• passport

• Portuguese tax number (NIF)

• social security number (NISS), if applicable

• S1 form, if eligible

After registration, you will receive your healthcare user number (número de utente), which you must present whenever you use state healthcare services.

✅ Accessing Healthcare Services

You can find your nearest hospital or health centre on the official SNS website.

✅ How Much You Will Pay

Portugal charges fixed user fees (taxas moderadoras) for most state healthcare services.

Typical examples include:

• €5 for a GP appointment

• €15 for an emergency department visit

You will also pay part of the cost of any prescribed medication.

Exemptions

Some groups do not pay user fees, such as:

• pregnant women

• children under 12

• registered unemployed individuals

• people with low income

• certain chronic patients

Dental care is generally not covered by the SNS, except in specific public health programmes.

✅ If You Are a Posted Worker from the UK

A posted worker is someone employed or self‑employed in the UK but temporarily sent to work in another EEA country.

Posted workers may access healthcare in Portugal using:

• EHIC

• GHIC

• S1 form (depending on circumstances)

HMRC provides guidance on eligibility and required documentation.

✅ UK‑Funded Healthcare: Using an S1 Form in Portugal

You may qualify for an S1 if you:

• receive a UK State Pension

• receive certain exportable UK benefits

• are a cross‑border worker

Once you receive your S1, you must register it:

1. with Portuguese Social Security, and

2. at your local health centre

This gives you and your dependents access to Portuguese state healthcare on the same basis as Portuguese citizens.

The S1 also entitles you to:

• a UK‑issued CESD or GHIC for travel

• planned treatment in other EU countries (with prior approval)

Dependents may be classified differently in Portugal than in the UK, so check with local authorities when registering.

If you receive a UK State Pension later, your dependent S1 will be cancelled and replaced with your own S1.

✅ Studying in Portugal

Students should apply for a Student GHIC to access medically necessary state healthcare during their studies in Portugal.

If you already have a valid Student EHIC, you may use it until it expires.

✅ Receiving Treatment in the UK After Moving Abroad

The NHS is a residency‑based system. UK nationals who move abroad permanently may lose entitlement to free NHS treatment unless covered by:

• a valid EHIC

• an S1

• an S2

• or another exemption

Some former UK residents remain eligible for free NHS care, such as:

• UK war pensioners

• UK government employees

• UK nationals living in the EU before 31 December 2020 with a registered S1

If you return to live in the UK, you regain full NHS access.