PORTUGAL | Emergency | Healthcare system

Healthcare in Portugal

All Portuguese citizens have the right to healthcare and are entitled to basic, preventive treatment and hospitalisation services. This health service is secured by the SNS (National Health Service) through the National Social Security system. This service is financed through the social security contributions made by Portuguese citizens and by the state. Most health services provided for by public health institutions (health units, health centres, hospitals) are subject to a symbolic payment. For example a doctor’s appointment at a health centre may cost approximately 2.15€ or going to the emergency ward may cost 8.50€. Hospital stays cost approximately 10€ per day up to a maximum of 10 days. After this period, it is free of charge.

All nationals from the EU, EEA and Switzerland can benefit from the same healthcare services provided in public health institutions as Portuguese citizens, provided that they contribute to the national social security system or are holders of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) during their stay in Portugal.

Apart from public health institutions, there are semi-public and private health institutions in Portugal. Whereas in semi-public institutions there may be some health services that are paid for by the state, in private institutions you will have to pay for the total expenses of the health services provided. At a later date, you can request partial reimbursement of the expenses incurred through the SNS, or alternatively, you may have private health insurance to pay for these expenses. Health services provided for by private institutions can be quite expensive.

Prescriptions

In Portugal, there are now pharmacies that do not require prescriptions for a variety of medicines. Apart from medicine and other healthcare products, there are other products you can buy, such as cosmetics, creams, baby products and natural products.

Pharmacies

Opening hours are monday to friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.. saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. On sunday and at night, service is available and mandatory in case of emergencies. Check any local pharmacy for more information.

In all pharmacies, it is possible to have certain tests done, like checking your blood-sugar levels or get your blood pressure taken. You can also get vaccinated at pharmacies.