Healthcare in Portugal: How Expats Access Public and Private Care
Healthcare in Portugal: The Basics
Portugal offers a universal healthcare system known as the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), alongside a well-developed private sector. Together, they make healthcare both accessible and affordable compared to North America.
Expats—whether retirees, digital nomads, or long-term residents—can access both systems once they obtain residency.
1. Public Healthcare (SNS)
The SNS provides universal coverage to residents.
- Eligibility: Once you receive a Portuguese residence permit and register at your local health center, you gain access.
- Costs: Services are heavily subsidized. Consultations typically cost €5–€10, basic ER visits around €15–20, and many services (like chronic disease treatment) are free.
- Strengths: Affordable, broad coverage, EU-standard hospitals.
- Limitations: Longer wait times for specialists, less English spoken outside Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.
For retirees, public care ensures affordable access to general healthcare needs.
2. Private Healthcare
Many expats use the private system for convenience and speed.
- Costs: A private doctor visit ranges €50–€100, specialist consultations €80–€150, and hospital stays €250–€500 per night.
- Health insurance: Comprehensive private insurance typically costs €100–250 per month per person, depending on age and coverage.
- Benefits: Short wait times, English-speaking doctors, modern facilities, and direct billing with insurers.
Private hospitals such as CUF, Luz, and Lusíadas in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro are popular with expats.
3. Health Insurance for Expats
- Residency requirement: To obtain a residency permit, applicants must show proof of private health insurance covering the time necessary until they obtain said permit.
- Transition: Once you are a resident and registered with SNS, you can use both systems—public for affordable care, private for convenience.
- Costs:
- Young retirees (under 65): €100–150/month.
- Over 65: €180–250/month.
- Some international insurers offer global coverage but at higher rates.
Our law firm assists clients in securing compliant health insurance policies for visa applications.
4. Quality of Healthcare in Portugal
- Portugal ranks high in international healthcare indexes, often above the U.S. and Canada in overall outcomes.
- Many doctors and specialists have international training.
- English is common in private hospitals and expat-heavy regions like the Algarve.
5. Common Expat Questions
Can Americans and Canadians access healthcare in Portugal?
Yes. Once you hold residency, you can register for SNS. Private healthcare is available immediately with insurance.
Do I need private insurance if I plan to use public healthcare?
Yes, until you obtain residency.
How much should I budget monthly for healthcare?
Couples often budget €200–400/month for insurance plus small out-of-pocket fees.
Are prescription medications affordable?
Yes. Most prescriptions are subsidized. Common medications often cost €5–20.
6. Legal and Practical Steps for Expats
- Secure private health insurance before applying for residency
- Apply for residency with AIMA (formerly SEF).
- Register with SNS at your local Centro de Saúde (health center).
- Choose private or mixed care depending on your needs and budget.
Conclusion: A Balanced System for Expats
Portugal combines affordable public care with efficient private options. For U.S. and Canadian retirees used to high costs or long waits, Portugal offers reliable healthcare at a fraction of the price.
Our law firm helps expats navigate healthcare requirements for visas, secure compliant insurance, and register with the Portuguese system—ensuring a smooth and legally compliant relocation. Contact us!