Healthcare in Portugal

Understanding healthcare is essential before you move. Portugal offers both public and private options, and the system is generally excellent.

Public Healthcare (SNS)

Understanding healthcare is essential before you move. Portugal offers both public and private options, and the system is generally excellent.

The Serviço Nacional de Saúde provides universal healthcare to all legal residents.

Once you have residency, you can register at your local health centre (Centro de Saúde). You will be assigned a family doctor (médico de família).

Emergency Numbers

  • General Emergency: 112

  • Poison Control: 808 250 143

  • SNS 24 Health Line: 808 24 24 24

The 112 operators speak English.

Quality

Quality varies by region. Urban areas generally have:

  • Better facilities

  • Shorter waiting times

  • More specialists

Rural areas may have longer waits for non-urgent care.

Emergency care is available to everyone regardless of residency status.

UK Citizens and the S1 Form

If you receive a UK state pension, you may qualify for an S1 certificate.

This entitles you to Portuguese public healthcare funded by the UK.

How to Apply

Apply through NHS Overseas Healthcare Services before you move if possible.

Processing takes several weeks.

Once approved, register your S1 with Portuguese social security.

Healthcare costs in portugal

Public healthcare is affordable:

  • Standard consultations: €4.50-15
  • Many services are free for vulnerable groups

Free healthcare for:

  • Children under 18
  • Pregnant women
  • People on low incomes
  • Those with chronic conditions
  • Unemployed individuals

Pharmacies

Portuguese pharmacies (farmácias) are excellent.

Pharmacists are highly trained and can:

  • Advise on minor ailments

  • Recommend treatments

  • Provide medications

Many medications available only by prescription elsewhere are sold over the counter in Portugal.

Opening Hours

Pharmacies operate a rotation system for nights and weekends. Your local pharmacy displays the nearest duty pharmacy (farmácia de serviço).

Private Healthcare

 

Many expats choose private healthcare for:

  • Shorter waiting times

  • English-speaking doctors

  • Modern facilities

  • Direct specialist access

  • Flexible appointment times

 

 Major Private Hospital Groups

  • CUF

  • Luz Saúde

  • Hospital Particular

  • Lusíadas

Most accept international insurance or direct payment.

Continuing Medical Treatment and Prescriptions in Portugal

Managing Prescriptions When Moving to Portugal

Moving abroad with regular medications requires planning, but continuity of care is possible with preparation.

Before You Move

1. Talk to Your Doctor
Ask your current doctor for:

  • A written summary of your medical conditions

  • Copies of your prescriptions (using the generic drug names, not just brand names)

  • A letter explaining why each medication is prescribed

These documents help Portuguese doctors continue your treatment or prescribe equivalent medication locally.

2. Request Extra Medication
If possible, bring at least 60–90 days of medication when you move.
Many doctors or insurance providers will issue an early refill if you explain it’s for relocation abroad.

3. Carry Medicines Properly

  • Keep all medication in original packaging with your name visible.

  • Carry a doctor’s letter listing all prescriptions.

  • Pack them in hand luggage—not checked baggage.

  • Declare medications at customs if they include controlled substances (strong painkillers, ADHD, or anxiety medication).

Portugal generally allows up to 90 days’ supply for personal use, but official proof of prescription is required.

After You Arrive in Portugal

1. Register With a Doctor Quickly
Once you have your residency and local address, register at your Centro de Saúde (public health centre).
Bring your passport, residency certificate, proof of address, and your medical documentation.

If you prefer faster access, private clinics often provide same-day appointments with English-speaking doctors.

2. Present Your Medical Records
Give your new doctor the letter and prescription list from your home physician.
They will either:

  • Prescribe the same medicine (if available in Portugal), or

  • Prescribe an equivalent medication with the same active ingredient.

Important Notes

  • Generic Substitutions: Drug names often differ; pharmacists can help identify Portuguese equivalents.

  • Controlled Medications: Bring official documentation and a doctor’s note. Some medications (especially opioids, ADHD drugs, or strong sedatives) may require specialist review before renewal.

  • Pharmacy System: Portuguese pharmacies are excellent and can order non-stock medicines within 24–48 hours.

  • Private Healthcare Option: Consider a private GP initially for faster setup—consultations typically cost €40–80.

Quick Checklist

☐ Bring printed prescriptions and a doctor’s summary
☐ Pack medications in original containers
☐ Carry no more than 90 days’ supply
☐ Register with a doctor soon after arrival
☐ Allow time to transition to Portuguese prescriptions

Special Note for U.S. Veterans

If you receive medications through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or TRICARE:

  • Contact the VA Pharmacy Service before moving. They may authorize an early refill for relocation abroad.

  • TRICARE Overseas Program may cover prescriptions filled at certain private Portuguese pharmacies. Check coverage before travel.

  • Bring VA prescription printouts and a summary from your VA primary care provider for your new Portuguese doctor.

  • The U.S. Embassy Lisbon maintains a list of English-speaking medical providers familiar with American healthcare and VA-related paperwork.

While the VA cannot ship prescriptions internationally, having your VA records and medication list will make it much easier for your Portuguese doctor to continue equivalent treatment.

Vaccinations and Health Records

Bring copies of:

  • Vaccination records

  • Ongoing prescriptions

  • Medical history summary

Portuguese doctors can continue existing medications but may prescribe local equivalents.

For ongoing conditions, bring a letter from your current doctor explaining your treatment.

Dental Care

Dental care is mostly private in Portugal.

Costs are significantly lower than UK or USA:

  • Check-up: €30-50

  • Extraction: €50-100

  • Crown: €200-400

  • Cleaning: €40-60

Quality is excellent. Many dentists speak English.

Mental Health Services

Public mental health services exist but are limited with long waiting times.

Private counselling and therapy are available:

  • Individual sessions: €50-80

  • English-speaking therapists available in major areas

Online therapy options have expanded significantly.

 

Health Insurance for Visa Applications

Most visa applications require private health insurance covering:

  • Medical treatment

  • Hospitalisation

  • Repatriation

Recommended Providers

  • Allianz Care

  • Cigna Global

  • AXA International

  • BUPA Global

Compare coverage carefully. Cheapest is not always best.

Registering for healthcare

Steps to Register with SNS

  • Obtain your residency permit or certificate
  • Visit your local centro de saúde
  • Bring passport, residency document and proof of address
  • Complete registration forms
  • Receive your sns user number

Registration is free. You will be assigned a doctor, though availability varies by area.

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