Is provided through three coexisting systems: the National Health Service: Portuguese Serviço Nacional de Saúde, SNS), special social health insurance schemes for certain professions (health subsystems) and voluntary private health insurance. The only downfall is private health insurance will not cover you after a certain age. The SNS is a tax -funded public health service and essential medical services are free. Non-essential medical services require a small fee. In order to use this system will be dependent on whether you have residency status or citizenship.
There are numerous health centers (centros de saude) all over Portugal, where you typically start the process for seeking medical treatment. Healthcare centers are where most doctors in Portugal are based; this is where you have to first register for public healthcare in Portugal. Most health centers in Portugal are open from 8am to 8pm.
In addition, you can visit the SNS website for information on where to find your local health centre in Portugal.
Eu Citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or equivalent will be able to use the Portuguese public healthcare system free of charge for up to 90 days and thereafter will need to be registered as residents to continue using the system. Citizens of some European Economic Area (EEA) countries will also be able to take advantage of this reciprocal healthcare agreement.
If urgent medical assistance is required, an ambulance can be called, and they respond quickly.
Pharmacies are open on weekdays between 9 am and 7pm (some close for lunch from 1 to 3 pm) and on Saturdays between 9am and 1pm. When open at night and/or on Sunday, pharmacies display an illuminated green cross outside. The staff generally speak English in the bigger towns and are helpful.
