Moving to Portugal and wondering how healthcare works? This guide explains the Portuguese public health system (SNS), private care, costs, insurance, hospitals, and how expats can access services in 2025 — step by step.
- Public healthcare (SNS): what it covers and how it works
- Who can access public healthcare?
- How to register for public healthcare (step-by-step)
- Private healthcare: faster, affordable, English-speaking
- Health insurance: do expats need it?
- Pharmacies and prescriptions
- Emergency care: what to do and where to go
- Dental and vision care
- Pros and cons of the Portuguese healthcare system
Portugal consistently ranks among the top countries in Europe for quality of life and healthcare. The country offers a universal public healthcare system supported by an extensive network of hospitals, family doctors, clinics, and urgent care centers. At the same time, private clinics and international hospitals are widely available, affordable, and often preferred by expats because of faster service and English-speaking staff.
Whether you plan to live in Portugal long-term, apply for the Golden Visa, or spend only part of the year here as a remote worker or retiree, understanding how healthcare works will help you plan your residency and insurance coverage efficiently.
Public healthcare (SNS): what it covers and how it works
Portugal’s public health system is called SNS — Serviço Nacional de Saúde. It offers subsidized or free medical care to residents. The SNS covers:
- Family doctors (general practitioners)
- Hospital care (including surgeries and emergencies)
- Maternity care and pediatrics
- Specialists (via referrals)
- Vaccination programs
Unlike private care, SNS prices are heavily subsidized. Costs are symbolic:
- €5 to €15 for a consultation
- €0 to €10 for some diagnostics and tests
- Emergency room fees capped for residents
The SNS provides excellent medical outcomes, but waiting times can be long for non-urgent cases — sometimes several weeks for specialist referrals. This is why many expats combine public care + private insurance to reduce delays.
Who can access public healthcare?
You can use the SNS if you:
- Hold residency in Portugal
- Have a Portuguese address and NIF (tax number)
- Are registered with your local health center and have a Portuguese utente number (health system number)
If you’re coming from the European Union, the EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) gives temporary access to SNS services until you obtain residency.
Non-EU nationals (including U.S., U.K., Canada, Gulf region, and others) must apply for residency — typically via D7 visa, Digital Nomad visa, or work visa — then register in the SNS locally.
How to register for public healthcare (step-by-step)
Once you receive a residence permit, follow these steps:
- Go to your local health center (Centro de Saúde) for the district where you live
- Bring passport + residence permit + NIF + proof of address (rental contract)
- Ask to register and obtain your utente number
This number allows you to book appointments, request referrals, and access subsidized care.
Private healthcare: faster, affordable, English-speaking
Private healthcare in Portugal is extremely high quality and far more affordable than in the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom.
Advantages of private care:
- Short waiting times (same-day or next-day appointments)
- Doctors speak fluent English — especially in Lisbon, Porto, Cascais, and Algarve
- Modern clinics, private rooms, and advanced diagnostic equipment
Typical prices in 2025:
- Consultation with a specialist: €50 – €90
- Urgent private clinic: €60 – €110
- MRI scan: €180 – €300
Private hospitals popular among expats include:
- Lusíadas Saúde (Lisbon, Porto, Braga, Algarve)
- CUF (nationwide network of modern hospitals)
- Hospital da Luz (Lisbon, Oeiras, Algarve)
Health insurance: do expats need it?
Expats generally take out private health insurance — not because care is expensive, but because insurance speeds up access and reduces waiting times.
Typical insurance cost:
- Adults aged 25–45: €35 – €60/month
- Adults aged 46–65: €60 – €120/month
- Children: €15 – €30/month
Best insurance providers for expats:
- Multicare
- Medis
- AdvanceCare
- Allianz (international coverage)
If you’re applying for residency through the D7 visa, Digital Nomad visa, or Golden Visa, you must show proof of health insurance during your application. After residency approval, most people shift to a cheaper Portuguese plan.
Pharmacies and prescriptions
Pharmacies (Farmácia) are everywhere, open long hours, and pharmacists can suggest over-the-counter medicine or refer you to a doctor when needed. Prescription drugs are often subsidized for residents.
If you need chronic medication, bring proof of your current prescription — many doctors will rewrite it in Portuguese for pharmacy use.
Emergency care: what to do and where to go
In a medical emergency:
- Dial 112 (national emergency number)
- You will be taken to the nearest emergency hospital
Private hospitals also accept emergencies, and many expats prefer them for faster attention.
Dental and vision care
Dental and eye care are not fully covered by the public system (except for children and some vulnerable groups), so adults generally use private clinics.
Typical prices:
- Dental cleaning: €40 – €60
- Dental filling: €70 – €120
- Eye exam: €35 – €80
Pros and cons of the Portuguese healthcare system
Pros:
- Affordable and high-quality care
- Universal coverage for residents
- Private hospitals available everywhere
- Doctors often speak English
Cons:
- Waiting times in the public system for specialists
- Paperwork can be slow for first registration
- Dental care is mostly private
Healthcare in Portugal offers a rare balance: high quality, low cost, and flexibility to use both public and private care. Whether you’re relocating as an expat, retiring, or investing in real estate, getting your NIF, registering with the SNS, and adding private insurance will give you peace of mind and full access to the system.
Last updated: November 2025.
