Portugal continues to attract expats, retirees, digital nomads, and long-term travelers thanks to its mild climate, safety, and relatively low cost of living. But if you’re planning to relocate or spend extended time in the country, understanding how the healthcare system works in Portugal is essential.
The Portuguese healthcare system is ranked among the best in Europe and includes both a public network — the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) — and a growing number of private medical providers. Knowing the difference between public and private care, how to register, what insurance is needed, and how to access English-speaking doctors in Portugal can save you time, money, and stress.
Whether you’re moving to Portugal permanently, applying for a D7 or digital nomad visa, retiring, or just visiting for a few months, it’s important to be informed about medical coverage, emergency services, and the availability of clinics and pharmacies near you.
Overview of the Portuguese healthcare system
Portugal’s healthcare system is based on a dual model that includes both public healthcare (SNS) and private medical services. The Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) is the national health service, funded primarily through taxes, and provides access to essential medical care for residents and legal long-term stayers.
The public healthcare system in Portugal covers primary care, specialist consultations, hospital treatment, maternity care, vaccinations, and subsidized prescriptions. Services are generally low-cost or free, though small co-payments (taxas moderadoras) may apply. Public hospitals and health centers are located throughout the country, but waiting times for non-urgent appointments can be long, especially in urban centers like Lisbon and Porto.
In parallel, Portugal has a well-developed private healthcare sector, which is commonly used for faster appointments, direct access to specialists, English-speaking medical professionals, and additional services such as dental care, physiotherapy, and mental health support. Many expats and working professionals choose to take out private health insurance in Portugal to complement the public system or avoid long wait times.
Both systems are supported by highly trained professionals and modern medical facilities. However, English is not guaranteed in public hospitals, which is why many non-Portuguese speakers prefer private clinics or use healthcare marketplaces to find doctors who speak their language.
How to access public healthcare in Portugal
To use Portugal’s public healthcare system (SNS), you must first register as a resident and obtain a Número de Utente — a unique SNS user number that allows you to access state-funded medical services. This is a critical step for anyone planning to live in Portugal long-term, including expats, retirees, students, and digital nomads with legal residency.
To get your Número de Utente, you need to visit your local public health center (centro de saúde) and present the following:
- a valid residency certificate (or official proof of address),
- your passport or ID,
- your NIF (tax number),
- proof of legal stay (such as a residence permit or visa documentation).
Once registered, you’ll be assigned a family doctor (médico de família), who will be your first point of contact for general medical issues. This doctor can refer you to specialists, order tests, prescribe medication, and track chronic conditions.
Public healthcare in Portugal is not completely free — small fees (typically €4–€10) apply for consultations, tests, and emergency visits. However, many services are fully covered, and certain groups such as children, seniors, pregnant women, and low-income residents are exempt from paying.
One important consideration is language: most public health professionals speak Portuguese, and English is not always available, especially outside major cities. If you don’t speak Portuguese, you may want to bring a translator or opt for private healthcare with English-speaking doctors.
Private healthcare and insurance in Portugal
Private healthcare in Portugal is a popular option among expats, digital nomads, and non-EU residents who want faster access to services, more flexibility in choosing doctors, and better language support. While the public system (SNS) provides quality care, it can involve long waiting times and limited English-language availability — especially outside Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve.
Private clinics and hospitals in Portugal offer shorter wait times, the ability to choose your specialist, and a wide range of services — from general medicine to dermatology, gynecology, orthopedics, dental care, and mental health. Many private doctors speak English, and some clinics also offer support in French, German, and other languages.
Most residents using private healthcare choose to buy private health insurance in Portugal, which helps cover the cost of appointments, diagnostic tests, surgeries, and hospitalization in private facilities. Some plans also include international coverage.
Private health insurance is especially important for:
- visa and residency applicants (D7, digital nomad visa, student visa),
- people not yet registered with the SNS,
- those seeking bilingual medical support.
Costs for insurance vary depending on age, coverage, and pre-existing conditions, but entry-level plans are affordable by European standards — often starting from €30–€60/month.
When comparing insurance providers, look at: - hospital and clinic networks,
- included specialties and diagnostics,
- waiting periods and exclusions,
- whether English-speaking support is included.
If you’re looking for doctors who speak your language, you can use a healthcare marketplace like Oladoctor to find certified private professionals across Portugal who offer consultations in English, Russian, Portuguese, Ukrainian, and other languages.
Emergency medical services in Portugal
In case of a serious medical emergency in Portugal, call the national emergency number 112 — it’s free of charge and available 24/7 from any phone, including mobile phones without a SIM card. The dispatcher will coordinate ambulance, fire, or police services depending on the situation. Operators usually speak Portuguese and English, especially in major cities.
Emergency medical care in Portugal is provided through the public system (SNS) and is available to both residents and tourists. You may be asked to present your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), proof of private travel insurance, or pay out-of-pocket if you don’t have coverage.
If the situation is life-threatening — such as chest pain, severe injury, or breathing difficulties — you will be taken to the nearest hospital’s emergency department (urgência hospitalar). For non-life-threatening issues, like high fever, infections, or minor injuries, many cities offer urgent care centers or extended-hours health centers (centros de saúde com atendimento complementar), which operate evenings and weekends.
Ambulances in Portugal are well-equipped and staffed by trained professionals. However, it’s important to only call 112 for real emergencies. Misuse of emergency services may result in delays or non-reimbursement from insurance.
For less urgent but uncomfortable symptoms, many expats and residents prefer using online medical consultations or visiting private urgent care clinics, where wait times are shorter and English-speaking doctors are often available.
Pharmacies in Portugal: what to expect
Pharmacies (farmácias) are an essential part of the healthcare system in Portugal. Recognizable by a green cross symbol, they are widely available in cities, towns, and even small villages. Standard opening hours are typically Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 19:00, with some pharmacies open on Saturdays. In every area, there is a rotating schedule of 24-hour pharmacies (farmácias de serviço) to ensure round-the-clock access.
Prescription medications in Portugal must be obtained from a licensed pharmacy with a valid doctor’s prescription. If you’re registered with the public healthcare system (SNS), many medications are partially or fully subsidized, depending on your condition, income, and prescription type.
Pharmacies also sell over-the-counter medications for common issues like colds, pain, allergies, or stomach problems. However, antibiotics and stronger medications are not available without a prescription, even if they’re sold OTC in other countries.
Portuguese pharmacists are highly trained professionals and can offer advice on minor symptoms, such as skin conditions, mild infections, or digestive problems. For many residents, a pharmacy is the first stop before contacting a doctor.
While some urban pharmacies may have staff who speak English, this is not guaranteed everywhere — so learning basic health-related Portuguese or using a translation app can be helpful if you’re staying long-term.
Healthcare for tourists in Portugal
If you’re visiting Portugal as a tourist, it’s important to know that you are not automatically covered by the public healthcare system (SNS). To avoid unexpected medical bills, you should have valid travel health insurance that covers medical care, emergency treatment, and hospital stays during your trip.
EU/EEA tourists can access public medical services using the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which provides coverage for necessary treatment under the same conditions as Portuguese residents. However, EHIC does not cover private clinics, dental care, or medical repatriation.
Non-EU tourists — including visitors from the UK, US, Canada, Brazil, and other countries — should carry comprehensive travel insurance or a short-term private health plan that covers consultations, diagnostics, and emergencies. Most private clinics will require proof of insurance or advance payment before treatment.
Without coverage, medical costs can add up: a standard GP consultation in a private clinic costs around €50–€100, and emergency room visits or hospital stays may cost significantly more.
If you need quick access to a doctor while traveling in Portugal, Oladoctor can help. This healthcare marketplace connects you with licensed doctors who speak your language, including English, Spanish, Russian, Italian, German, Hebrew, French, and others. Online consultations start from €39, making it a convenient option if you want medical advice fast — without long waits or language barriers.
Getting healthcare in Portugal: key takeaways
Portugal offers a reliable, well-structured healthcare system that’s accessible to both residents and visitors. By understanding how to navigate the system — from applying for your Número de Utente, to choosing between public and private healthcare, or knowing when to visit an emergency room or pharmacy — you’ll feel more prepared and confident during your time in Portugal.
If you’re planning a move, applying for a visa, or staying long-term, it’s essential to secure the right health insurance and learn how to register for public care. For faster access, better language support, or specialist care, private healthcare is a strong complement to the public system.
And if you need quick, no-hassle access to a doctor — whether for travel, daily health needs, or multilingual support — Oladoctor can help you connect with verified private doctors across Portugal, both in person and online.
Proactive planning makes all the difference when it comes to healthcare in Portugal — and the more you know ahead of time, the easier your experience will be.
