Health Insurance in Portugal, Europe

Information expatriation

Capital City: Lisbon
Total area: 91,982 km2
Population: 10,623,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +351 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Portugal

Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk:   World Health Map
BLOG: Expat Health insurance Information

Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:

·      Portugal has a universal public healthcare system that provides coverage for all permanent residents.

·      The Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) is the public healthcare network including hospitals, health centers and family doctor offices.

·      Care is funded mainly through taxes as well as out-of-pocket costs like co-payments for appointments and prescriptions.

·      Publicly covered services include doctor visits, ER care, hospitalization, surgeries, maternal & infant care and chronic disease management.

·      About 70% use public SNS while 30% have additional private health insurance for faster access to specialists etc.

·      Standards of care are high nationwide but underfunding strains public hospitals in some areas.

·      Key health issues include non-communicable diseases associated with aging populations as well as some infectious illnesses.

·      Citizens have freedom to choose doctors and hospitals throughout the system.

·      Overall Portugal provides universal access to high quality healthcare through public health insurance financed by the government, making coverage affordable for all residents.

Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:

·      Register for a SNS-issued health card (Cartão Nacional de Saúde) to access government-provided universal healthcare.

·      Consider private health insurance as a supplement for faster specialty access and coverage of costs not paid by public insurance.

·      Bring an adequate supply of prescription medications as some may only be available through private pharmacies.

·      Public care quality/wait times can vary between major cities and rural areas with fewer resources.

·      Mental healthcare options have limited availability compared to physical health services.

·      Competency in Portuguese language facilitates interactions, especially outside major urban centers. Consider translation assistance otherwise.

·      Understand policies regarding eligibility periods, covered procedures/costs, claim processes, etc.

·      Register with your embassy and keep healthcare documentation like insurance cards with you at all times.

·      Carry supplementary travel/health insurance for emergency medical evacuation if needed.

·      With registration, private supplemental coverage if desired, and awareness of limitations, expats can access Portugal's universal public healthcare system. Advance planning is helpful.