Health Care in Portugal

Useful Information

◊ Health in Portugal

Portugal offers a good quality of healthcare, which has improved considerably over recent years. In Portugal, like the United Kingdom, there is both a public and private health care system. These two systems operate alongside each other and often complement one another.

The public health system in Portugal is run by the Ministério de Saude . This system provides free or low cost health care for those who contribute to the Portuguese social security (segurança social), plus their families and retirees. Contributions are taken directly from employees salaries. Prescriptions within the public system are subsidised for those over 65. However medicines considered none essential are charged out at from 40-100% cost.

Contributions to the public health system in Portugal covers only the most basic health care in Portugal, including free doctors' appointments and some essential medicines. There are certain health check-ups which are taken for granted in the United Kingdom including checking for cervical and breast cancer, which are not currently included in this system.

If you are planning on moving to Portugal from the United Kingdom - whether to work, retire or just take it easy - ensure you are fully versed on the correct forms you will need from the Department of Work and Pensions to ensure will be able to receive public health care in Portugal.

The first step on receiving health care in Portugal if you are taking residency within the country is to obtain your 'Medical Number or Card'. This will ensure you logged onto the healthcare system and you can then chose the general practitioner you wish to use.

If you do not have or are not looking to obtain residency status in Portugal, you will still be issued with a medical number however you will not be able to select the doctor of your choice.

Anyone looking to retire to Portugal can rest assured as an EU national, health care is provided, however only for the first two years and only as long as you have form E106. Thereafter health care for the first two years, however before you leave the United Kingdom make sure you have filled in form E121 from the DWP (Department of Work and Pensions).

If you are intending holidaying in Portugal ensure you apply for your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card, which replaced the E111 form for UK residents in 2006, ensures should you require emergency medical treatment within another EU country it will be provided free or at a reduced rate. It is always advisable however to take out travel insurance to cover for every eventually.

English-speaking Portuguese doctors and English and other foreign doctors practise in resort areas and major cities, many of who advertise in the local expatriate press. You can obtain free advice for minor ailments from pharmacies (farmácias), open from 9am to 1pm and 3 to 7pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

There’s normally a duty pharmacy (farmácia de serviço) open outside usual business hours. A list of duty pharmacies is posted in pharmacy windows and announced in the local press (you can also telephone 118 and ask for the name of your local duty pharmacy).