Understanding the Portuguese healthcare system

Portugal has a similar national health service to the one you will be used to in the UK – the main difference between the two is that you have to pay nominal charges for some things, such as prescriptions. 

One thing many people don’t realise is that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is only intended for tourists to use for emergency health assistance while on holiday in Europe. It cannot be used to register at a doctor’s surgery or for medical care once you move to Portugal.

However, everyone who’s registered as a resident can also register to access the Portuguese national health service (SNS) on the same basis as a Portuguese citizen. This applies if you’re employed, self-employed or not working. How much you pay will depend on what you’re being treated for and how you’ve accessed the healthcare system.

For those moving to Portugal after the Brexit transition period, you will need a visa to go there initially. You will, therefore, be required to have health insurance for the duration of your visa and until you have residency in Portugal.

One thing that many people don’t realise is that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is only intended for tourists to use for emergency health assistance while on holiday in Europe

Covering healthcare in Portugal as a UK pensioner

To cover healthcare in Portugal, pensioners need to apply for an S1 form via the overseas healthcare service, which they are eligible to apply for once they receive their state pension. You then need to register this form locally (in Portugal) for this to take effect.

The important point to remember is that this entitles you to the same healthcare that a Portuguese pensioner receives, rather than what you would receive in the UK from the NHS. This means that most things are free, such as general medicine, primary care and secondary care. However other things, such as dental care, would need to be paid for. There is also usually a small charge on prescriptions.

Private medical insurance is an option

If you wish to complement what you do receive, or if you need to cover healthcare before you become a Portuguese resident, you may well choose to take out private medical insurance. There are a number of options here, with the choice of a Portuguese insurer or an international company to gain Europe-wide or global cover.

The cost of cover can vary vastly and your age will play a huge part in the cost difference. Gaining cover for pre-existing conditions can be complex, so it’s wise to enlist the help of an insurance broker who can help to explain, in detail, the difference between the policies.

If you already have a health insurance policy, it is a good idea to check it to see if it covers you for treatment abroad. Some policies may only cover you in the UK, whilst others will cover you for reasonable healthcare costs abroad. Make sure you read, and analyse, the fine print to see what is covered. It may be the case that your current policy covers you for basic treatment, and you can rest safe in the knowledge that you are covered in the run up to taking out a new policy.

Private healthcare policies may well be more affordable that you realise, and finding out the cost now could help you budget for your new life in Portugal. We can put you in touch with a health insurance provider who can protect you at a reasonable cost.

The Portuguese national health service is similar to the UK’s NHS, although you will have to pay a nominal fee for some things.

Health benefits from employment

Once you begin working in Portugal, it is worth checking with the new employer whether or not they provide any kind of health benefits. If they do, make sure you find out if there is a period of time that has to pass by before they kick in – e.g. you may not be eligible for benefits until your probationary period is over.

Private clinics

it’s worth mentioning the existence of plenty of private clinics all over Portugal that typically charge around €40 (approx. £32) for an appointment with a GP. Many people pay to make use of these facilities to avoid waiting in state doctor’s surgeries.

Pharmacies and medicines

As in the UK, you should find a pharmacy in most town centres and malls. Medications are subsidised, and if you have the correct prescription your medication will be at very low cost. As some medication can be quite expensive without prescription, you may find that your GP offers you a prescription for cough medicine or pain-killers, which will save you money in the pharmacy.

You may find that your GP offers you a prescription for cough medicine or pain-killers, which will save you money in the pharmacy.

If you are on regular medication already, you can bring these with you to Portugal, providing you have paperwork to confirm that this is for personal use only.

Emergency services

The national emergency number in Portugal is 112, the European common emergency number. There is also a health line for emergencies on 808 242 424. Operators can usually answer the calls in English if need be.