Everything you need to know about healthcare in Portugal
If you’re planning to travel or relocate with your family, healthcare should be as important to you as it is to us. So, let’s talk about a country with more than 200 public and private hospitals, that spends 9.5% of GPD on healthcare and ranks as one of the world’s top countries in this area.
Is there such a country? Yes, there is! Portugal ranks 17th on this year’s World Index of Healthcare Innovation, right above countries like Sweden, Spain, or Poland. And, whether you’re an expat or entrepreneur – either living or working here – you have access to one of the best healthcare systems in the world.
Let’s find out how!
Portugal healthcare explained
According to the 2022 Annual Global Retirement Index, Portugal is among the best places to retire. One of the main reasons for this? Healthcare!
Our system actually combines two systems:
- The National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS), with state-provided healthcare in the form of hospitals, emergency, outpatient or maternity treatments, postoperative care, among others. It is practically inexpensive and available to all residents;
- Private health services, costing more than public healthcare, but offering far more advantages, such as broader coverage and shorter waiting lists.
Who can benefit from these systems?
Qualification rests on residency status and nationality. All expats are thus eligible for healthcare as long as they are legal residents.
Non-residents (including those from the United Kingdom) or short-term visitors should obtain private health insurance to cover their stay. On the other hand, visitors from the European Union or Switzerland can access public healthcare as long as they bring their European Health Insurance Card with them.
There are also some countries (like Brazil or Morocco) that have reciprocal health agreements with Portugal. Therefore, visitors from such countries can also access public healthcare.
And what if you have a Golden Visa? Then, if you spend more than 183 days per year in the country, you are also eligible for state-provided healthcare!
Want to know more? We can help!
When looking for a new place to call home, understanding the healthcare system is part of a happier and healthier life. But getting through all the conditions and registration platforms can be time-consuming.
That’s where we come in! YELLOW PORTUGAL has a multidisciplinary team of experts to get you across every step of the way when living and investing in Portugal.
If you want to know more, feel free to reach us anytime!