One of the most important considerations for anyone moving abroad is access to healthcare. Whether you're retiring in the Algarve, working in Lisbon, or buying a second home in Porto, understanding how the healthcare system works is crucial. Fortunately, Portugal offers a well-regarded healthcare system that combines public and private options, providing quality care for residents and expats alike.

If you're planning to relocate or invest in property, it's worth taking the time to understand both Portugal public healthcare and private healthcare in Portugal. In this blog, we’ll explain how the system works, what you need to access services, and how health insurance Portugal for expats fits into the picture.

Overview of the Portugal Healthcare System

Portugal’s healthcare system is ranked among the best in Europe in terms of accessibility and quality. It consists of three main components:

Public Healthcare System (SNS)

The Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) is Portugal’s publicly funded healthcare system. It provides healthcare services to all legal residents, including expats with residency status. Most basic services are either free or available for a small fee.

Private Healthcare Sector

Private healthcare in Portugal operates alongside the public system. Many people, both locals and foreigners, choose private care for faster access, shorter waiting times, and additional comfort.

Health Insurance

While not mandatory for residents using the public system, many expats opt for private health insurance to ensure broader coverage and access to private facilities.

Together, these components offer flexibility, affordability, and peace of mind to those living in Portugal.

Portugal Public Healthcare

The public healthcare system in Portugal covers a wide range of services, including doctor visits, hospital care, emergency services, maternity care, and vaccinations. It is generally well-regarded for its high standard of medical professionals and comprehensive care.

To access Portugal public healthcare, you need to be a legal resident and obtain a Número de Utente (User Number), which allows you to register at your local health center (Centro de Saúde). EU citizens, residents, and retirees with proper documentation are eligible to use the system.

While public services are available across the country, some rural areas may have limited access compared to larger cities. In these cases, patients may be referred to larger regional hospitals.

Private Healthcare in Portugal

Many expats and higher-income locals choose private healthcare in Portugal for its efficiency and comfort. Private hospitals and clinics tend to have more modern facilities, shorter wait times, and multilingual staff. This is especially helpful for foreigners who are still learning Portuguese or want the reassurance of communicating in English.

Private healthcare is available throughout the country, with an especially strong presence in urban areas and the Algarve region, which is popular with expats and retirees.

Although private treatment is more expensive than public care, it is still relatively affordable compared to countries like the U.S. or the UK. For this reason, a large number of expats choose to supplement public care with private services.

Health Insurance Portugal for Expats

Health insurance Portugal for expats is not legally required to access the public system, but it becomes essential if you prefer private care. There are several options for expat health insurance, including local Portuguese providers and international companies that specialize in global medical coverage.

Plans can be tailored to include outpatient care, dental, vision, and even international coverage, depending on your needs and budget. Monthly premiums can range from €30 to €150 or more, depending on your age, pre-existing conditions, and level of coverage.

For new arrivals who haven't yet obtained residency status, private health insurance is often a visa requirement. This is especially important for those applying for the D7 (retirement) or digital nomad visas, as proof of adequate health coverage is part of the application process.

Healthcare for Retirees and Long-Term Residents

Portugal is a popular destination for retirees, and its healthcare system is one of the reasons why. If you're retiring from an EU country, you may be eligible to access public healthcare with the S1 form. Non-EU retirees who gain residency can register with the public system once they’ve obtained their residence permit.

However, many retirees also maintain private insurance to supplement their care and access private hospitals or specialists without long wait times.

As a long-term resident, you can enjoy both Portugal public healthcare and the convenience of private providers, giving you the best of both worlds.

Pharmacies and Emergency Services

Pharmacies (farmácias) are widely available and offer a range of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Pharmacists are highly trained and can provide basic medical advice. Emergency services are efficient, with 112 being the number to call for urgent help. Both public and private hospitals offer emergency care, and many private facilities have English-speaking staff.

Final Thoughts

Portugal’s healthcare system is one of the strongest arguments for relocating to the country. With the balance of accessible public care and high-quality private options, it meets the needs of a wide variety of expats—from young families to retirees.

Understanding your options—whether it's registering for Portugal public healthcare, choosing private healthcare in Portugal, or selecting the right health insurance Portugal for expats—can help you feel more secure and prepared as you make your move.

At Portugal Investment Properties, we assist clients not only in finding the perfect property, but also in navigating the practical aspects of relocation, including healthcare access. Our team works with trusted partners to ensure you feel confident in every step of your journey.

Whether you're buying a home, retiring, or simply starting a new chapter in Portugal, knowing that you'll have access to quality healthcare is one more reason to feel good about your decision.