PORTUGAL | Emergency | Emergency services
Emergency services in general
In Portugal, the SOS number is 112, and it is linked to an operational telephone centre co-ordinated by the police that receives the call, determines what kind of emergency it is, and forwards the call to the appropriate service: Medical assistance, police, fire brigade, coast guards, etc. This service is free of charge. It is important for the caller to give the most accurate and precise information as possible regarding the place, the emergency, if there are victims and what state they are in, so that this service can be provided as quickly and efficiently as possible.
In Portugal, medical assistance and ambulance services are provided for by the INEM (National Institute of Medical Emergency) or by the Voluntary Fire Brigade. The INEM is a body of the Ministry of Health, which co-ordinates medical assistance and first aid to the injured or victims of sudden illness in order to provide them with the basic health care.
The national police force is divided amongst the PSP (Police for Public Security), the PJ (Criminal Investigation Police) and the GNR (National Republican Guards). The PSP is an armed force to secure and guarantee internal public safety and citizens’ rights. The PJ is the Criminal Investigation Police, which carries out criminal investigations. The GNR is a security force made up of the military. Their main mission is to keep public order and secure the rights and safety of the public.
Other emergency services including their telephone numbers are:
- Saúde 24: 808 24 24 24 (24 hour hotline health service)
- Intoxications: 808 25 01 43
- National Social Emergency: 144
- Forest Protection: 117
- Information Services: 118
- Fire Brigade
- Marines and Coast Guard
Insurances
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives students access to medically necessary healthcare during temporary stays in most European countries under the same conditions as local residents. It is free of charge and should be carried alongside your regular health insurance documents when completing an internship abroad.
The form E-104 is used by those working in another member state who wish to or are required to contribute to the National System of Social Security in the host country.
For EU-nationals coming to Portugal, any of these documents should be presented at the Administração Regional de Saúde located in the place of stay (restricted to mainland Portugal); at the Direcção Regional de Saúde Pública in Funchal (Autonomous Region of Madeira); at the Direcção Regional de Saúde in Angra do Heroismo, Island of Terceira (Autonomous Region of Azores).
Non-EU citizens, workers, trainees, students and visitors are required to look into social and health insurance coverage available in their country of origin for stays abroad.
Important documents
It is recommended that you photocopy your identity card and/or relevant pages of your passport in case of loss or if it is stolen. You should write down the hotline number of your bank in case your debit and/or credit cards are lost or stolen.
It is suggested that you get health insurance before your departure to another country. You should keep a copy of your health insurance in case of loss. Once you have arrived in the host country, you should register at the health centre close to where you will be living during your stay, so as to facilitate the process in case you need any medical assistance.
You should write down the contacts for the embassy and/or consulate of your country of origin closest to you in the host country.