How does healthcare work in Portugal, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

What is the quality of healthcare in Portugal?

• Health care in Portugal is of good quality and also affordable.
• Once you have received your local citizen service number (número de contribuinte) and residence card (Título de Residência), you will receive a health care number (número de utente) that will register you with the national health care system.
• The quality of care varies greatly between cities and rural areas. In rural areas, you have far fewer options and also fewer doctors who speak English.
• There are many pharmacies in Portugal, with well-qualified pharmacists. In the cities, most also speak basic English. Most prescription medication is also free or very cheap.
• Mental health is a problem in Portugal. Depression rates are higher than average, and few psychiatrists are available. To get help, you must first see your family doctor.
• Emergency services are generally fast and efficient. Call 112 for a medical emergency.

How does the public healthcare system work in Portugal?

• The country has an extensive public health care system. Under this healthcare system, run by the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), most essential care is free.
• EU citizens can use this system for up to 90 days if they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
• After 90 days, they must register as residents to continue enjoying care.
• Non-EU citizens can use this system only if they have a job in Portugal and also pay for social security here.
• You then pay a small contribution for your medical expenses.
• There is a second public system, namely the Health Subsystem Program, which focuses specifically on medical care for people in certain professions (such as police, military, banking). 
• Also in Portugal, public care is unfortunately overburdened and understaffed. 
• So many expats choose private care, and have international private health insurance for fuller coverage and better care.

How does the private healthcare system work in Portugal?

• Private healthcare is a lot faster and equipped with the conveniences you may be used to as an expat.
• Many expats, as well as locals, still have private insurance to fill the gaps in health care options - such as dental care, for example, and to get their turn faster.
• You are more likely to get hold of an English-speaking doctor.
• Be prepared that you may have to pay your fees up front.

How is the family doctor or general practitioner arranged in Portugal?

• Often the first thing you do is register with a general practitioner, médico de família, or family doctor. You will be assigned one, or you can choose one yourself in your neighborhood, for example at a local health center (centro de saúde).
• If you have private insurance, you can go to any private clinic covered by your insurance. 
• When you schedule an appointment, you need a numero de identificação fiscal (NIF).
• When you haven't scheduled an appointment, it's also worth just walking into the healthcare facility and waiting on the spot.

How is the dental care and dentist arranged in Portugal?

• Dental care is not covered by public insurance. So make sure you get private insurance with dental care coverage for this.
• Dental visits are quite affordable, especially compared to other European countries.
• Quality is high, and in the cities you will find modern practices with English-speaking staff.

How is pregnancy and maternity care arranged in Portugal?

• During your pregnancy, you can visit both public and private institutions. Both provide good care.
• Make sure that you are registered at a local health center (centro de saúde); otherwise, you cannot use the public medical services.
• Prenatal care and childbirth are largely covered by the SNS. Care is professional, but crowding in public hospitals can be a challenge.
• Medical tests are free, and the national vaccination program is also free.
• Most births take place in the hospital, although alternatives are becoming increasingly popular.
• Home maternity care, as we know in some other European countries, is not standard in Portugal. Mothers often stay in the hospital for several days after giving birth.
• After the birth, you get free checkups for the first 60 days.​​​​​​

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Portugal?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Portugal?

• Portugal is a very safe country.
• Pickpocketing occurs in touristy areas, but serious crime is rare.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Portugal?

• Tap water is safe to drink and is regularly tested.
• No special vaccinations are required.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Portugal?

• The road network is modern and well maintained. The toll roads (autoestradas) are expensive but offer a fast and comfortable travel experience.
• The Portuguese are known for their assertive driving style. So be alert, especially on narrow mountain roads.
• Avoid driving in downtown Lisbon. The narrow streets and traffic are not for cowards!

What are the best insurance options for backpacking, traveling, doing an internship, studying, volunteering, or working in Portugal?

• Is the trip to Portugal and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during, and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity?
• Insurance for backpacking and traveling in Portugal
• Insurance for studying in Portugal
• Insurance for internships in Portugal
• Insurance for volunteering in Portugal
• Insurance for digital nomads or paid work in Portugal

What types of insurance should you get if you're planning to emigrate, work as an expat, or live in Portugal?

• International health insurance for Portugal
• International travel insurance for Portugal
• International life insurance for Portugal
• International income protection insurance for Portugal