Understanding the Portugal Healthcare System: How it Works and What to Expect

Thinking about living in or visiting Portugal? Or maybe you’ve already made the move? Either way, figuring out the Portugal healthcare system is probably high on your to-do list—and for good reason. Whether it’s a routine check-up or an unexpected emergency, knowing how things work can save you a lot of stress. 

The good news? Portugal’s healthcare system is actually pretty great. It’s affordable, accessible, and ranks well compared to other countries in Europe.  

In this blog, we’ll break it all down for you. From public vs. private healthcare systems to medical costs, insurance tips, and what to do when you need access to healthcare in Portugal—we’ve got you covered. So, let’s jump in!

Public and Private Healthcare in Portugal

The Portuguese health system gives you options—public and private—so you can decide what works best for your needs and budget. Whether you’re looking for affordable care or faster access to specialists, it’s good to know how it all works to make informed decisions. Let’s break it down. 

Public National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde – SNS)

So, does Portugal have universal healthcare? Portugal’s public healthcare system, called Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), is managed by the Ministério de Saúde (Ministry of Health) and is available to residents. SNS healthcare is national, universal, and free for those under 18 or over 65 years old. It is universal, as all Portuguese citizens and foreign residents have access to it. 

If you’re legally living in Portugal, you’re eligible to use it, and EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) card can also access it for short-term stays. UK citizens can also use the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) after Brexit. 

The good news? It costs next to nothing! Most services—like doctor visits, hospital care, and maternity services—are either free or cost just a few euros. You might pay something like €5–10 for a general appointment or small fees for tests and treatments. Prescriptions are subsidized too, so medications won’t break the bank. 

That said, public healthcare isn’t perfect. Waiting times for non-urgent appointments can be long, and not every health treatment is covered. Dental care, for example, often has to be paid for out of pocket. And while doctors and staff in big cities usually speak English, it might be trickier to find English-speaking professionals in smaller towns. 

Private healthcare in Portugal

Private healthcare in Portugal is a popular choice for anyone looking to skip the wait and get faster access to specialists. It’s also known for offering more comfort and personalized medical care—think shorter lines and more time with doctors. 

Private care isn’t free, of course, but it’s often more affordable than you might expect, especially if you have private medical insurance and when compared to private healthcare in the USA or other European countries. Many employers even include private health insurance coverage in their benefits packages.  

Portuguese residents and locals often go private for things like dental work (not covered by the SNS), vision care, and specialist appointments, but plenty of hospitals and clinics also offer general medical services. And if you’re worried about language barriers, private facilities tend to have more English-speaking staff, which is a big plus if you’re still working on your Portuguese. 

A lot of people in Portugal use a mix of both systems—public healthcare for basic needs and private care for anything urgent or specialized. It really depends on what matters most to you—saving money or saving time. 

Is healthcare in Portugal good?

Portugal’s healthcare system has earned a solid reputation globally, and it’s easy to see why. Back in 2000, the World Health Organization (WHO) ranked it 12th in the world, considering factors like life expectancy, quality of care, and efficiency.  

More recently, the country has continued to perform well in international rankings, with Portugal healthcare ranking 22nd in the World Index of Healthcare Innovation for 2022, scoring high for quality and patient-focused care. Portugal was also ranked 23rd in the Numbeo 2025 Health Care Index. Even lifestyle rankings highlight its health benefits—Lisbon and Porto both ranked well on the Healthiest Places to Live Index in 2022, ranking 4th and 14th, respectively. 

Health Services and Costs

Public healthcare in Portugal is generally free of charge for patients who are Portuguese citizens and temporary or permanent residents in Portugal – especially if you are under 18 or over 65 years old. However, depending on how you access the health service, you may need to co-pay for certain services. 

For private healthcare, depending on the health insurance plan, you could pay around €40–100 per month for private health insurance, depending on the level of coverage you need. 

Registering for Healthcare in Portugal

To access public healthcare in Portugal, you first need to get your Portuguese NIF Number (Número de Identificação Fiscal or tax identification number)—your employer usually handles this, but self-employed individuals will need to apply for one themselves.  

Once that’s done, head to your local health center (centro de saúde) to register for an SNS user number (número de utente do SNS)—bring your social security card, ID or passport, proof of address, and residence permit, visa, or residence certificate.  Portuguese citizens already have their SNS number on their citizen card.  

After registering, you can use the SNS online portal to book appointments, find providers, and manage your healthcare info. 

Can EU citizens use the National Health Service in Portugal?

The short answer is yes. Nationals of one of the European Union countries can use the National Health Service in Portugal. You must show your European Health Insurance Card (issued in your country of origin) and your passport or identification document in order to gain access to the public Portuguese healthcare system. 

Can UK citizens use the National Health Service in Portugal?

Yes! As a UK citizen, you have access to the National Health Service in Portugal. You will need to show your UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) after Brexit. 

Can US citizens use the National Health Service in Portugal?

As a US citizen, you can access these healthcare services in Portugal if you are a legal resident and follow the SNS registration process. This will grant access to medical assistance at public SNS units. 

Can non-EU citizens use National Health Service in Portugal?

In Portugal, everyone can receive healthcare, when necessary, although you will be charged the full price of the services provided to you if you don’t have health insurance cover or are not a legal resident registered for SNS.

Is it necessary to have private insurance in Portugal?

In our opinion, it is advisable to get private insurance in Portugal, especially if you are working. With this in mind, many employers often pay for health insurance for their employees.  

One key reason we would recommend private insurance is simply because of convenience. You will have shorter waiting times and more choice of hospitals available to you. The pricing is also affordable, especially compared to other European countries and the USA. Find more information on private health insurance in Portugal in our article on health insurance in Portugal 

Does travel insurance work in Portugal?

Yes, it does. Short-term visitors must have travel insurance before entering Portugal, which is usually obtained in their country of residence. We advise you to have travel insurance in Portugal because healthcare services are usually very expensive without coverage.  

Also, it provides you with a financial safety net for any unforeseen medical emergencies. Need more help with travel insurance? Have a look at our article: Do I Need Travel Insurance for Portugal? Find Out Here! 

Healthcare Professionals in Portugal

Portugal’s healthcare system is staffed with highly trained professionals who provide quality care across public and private facilities. Most medical staff, especially in cities, speak English, making it easier for expats and tourists to communicate. Whether you need a general check-up or specialized treatment, you’ll find skilled professionals ready to help. 

Doctors in Portugal (general practitioners and specialists)

General practitioners, or GPs, are often your first point of contact in Portugal’s healthcare system, especially in the SNS. They handle routine care, refer you to specialists, and manage ongoing health concerns. Specialists are widely available, though wait times in the public system can be longer, which is why many people turn to private clinics for faster access.

Nurses in Portugal

Portuguese nurses play a key role in patient care, handling everything from routine check-ups to post-surgery recovery. They’re well-trained and often go above and beyond to provide compassionate support. In public hospitals, they’re usually the first to assist patients. 

Pharmacists in Portugal

Pharmacists in Portugal are knowledgeable and approachable, offering advice on medications and minor health issues. Pharmacies, called farmácias, are easy to find and usually open late, with some operating 24/7. Many pharmacists speak English and can even recommend over-the-counter treatments if you’re not ready to see a doctor. 

Dentists in Portugal

Dental care in Portugal is not covered by the public healthcare system, so most people rely on private clinics. The good news is that dentists are affordable compared to other countries, and appointments are easy to book. Whether it’s a cleaning, filling, or cosmetic work, Portugal’s dentists provide modern, high-quality care. 

Hospitals and Clinics in Portugal

To wrap up, if you need to find a hospital in a hurry, rest assured there are many to choose from. Portugal has over 230 hospitals (both public and private hospitals) spread throughout the country. Here is a list of some hospitals in Portugal, along with specialized clinics that are useful to know about: 

Public hospitals in Portugal

• Central Hospital of Lisboa (Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Hospital Dona Estefania), Lisbon
•  Portuguese Institute of Oncology Lisbon (Instituto Português de Oncologia), Lisbon 
• José de Mello Saúde, Carnaxide, Lisbon
• Santa Maria Hospital (Hospital de Santa Maria), Porto 
• Central Hospital of Porto (Centro Hospitalar de Porto, Geral de Santo Antonio Central Hospital), Porto
• Bonfim Central Clinic, Porto
• Barlavento Hospital Centre (Hospital Distrital de Lagos / Centro Hospitalar do Barlavento Algarvio), the Algarve
• Braga Public Hospital (Hospital de Braga), Braga
• Póvoa de Varzim Central Hospital (Centro Hospitalar Póvoa de Varzim), Vila do Conde 
• Hospital and University Centre of Coimbra, General Hospital (Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Hospital Geral), Coimbra 

Private hospitals in Portugal

• CUF hospitals and clinics across Portugal 
• Hospital de Loulé, Loulé
• Hospital Cruz Vermelha, Lisbon
• LS Hospital – Medical Center and Research, Sangalhos 
• Hospital da Luz, Lisbon 
• Hospital Lusíadas, Lisbon, Porto, and Albufeira  

Specialized clinics in Portugal

• Ferticentro Fertility Clinic, Coimbra 
• GSD Dental Clinic, Lisbon
• Joaquim Chaves Saúde Medical Oncology and Specialized Medicine Clinics across Portugal 

If you need to find a doctor in Lisbon, click here to find more information. 

So, there you have it – everything you need to know about Portugal healthcare for foreigners in one place, so you can receive the best possible healthcare while you’re in the country. We publish new content every day so be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and get notified of the latest tips for your visit or move to Portugal.