Portugal healthcare system: Everything you need to know

One of the many reasons Portugal has become such an attractive place to live is its high-quality and affordable healthcare system. The Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) provides universal coverage, with many services free or available for just a small co-payment, making it one of the most accessible systems in Europe.

In recent years, Portugal’s healthcare has improved significantly, with investments in modern hospitals and digital health services boosting its global ranking and helping increase life expectancy to over 82 years.

Whether you’re relocating, retiring, or visiting, this article explains how Portugal healthcare system works, covering public and private care options, costs, insurance, and registration.

Does Portugal have universal healthcare?

Portugal's healthcare system is widely recognized for its quality and affordability, consistently ranking among the best healthcare systems in Europe. According to the 2025 global Portugal healthcare ranking, the country sits at 23rd place worldwide, with a Healthcare Index score of 72.0 and a Healthcare Experience Index of 130.7. 

Portugal’s healthcare outcomes also reflect its strong performance. The country has a life expectancy of over 82 years, and its public hospitals and private clinics are staffed with well-trained professionals, many of whom speak English. 

However, like most systems, it has its challenges, including occasional wait times in the public sector and regional disparities in care availability.

Public healthcare in Portugal

Portugal has a universal healthcare system through the SNS. The SNS ensures that all citizens and legal residents have access to essential medical services, either free of charge or for a small co-payment. 

The SNS covers a wide range of services, including doctor visits, hospital care, emergency services, maternity care, and preventive programs, with a focus on making healthcare available to everyone, regardless of income. 

Funding and coverage

The SNS is primarily funded through taxes and social security contributions, providing a stable and sustainable healthcare model. 

This funding covers the majority of essential services, including:

• Primary care and general practitioner (GP) visits.

• Specialist consultations and hospital treatment.

• Maternity and child healthcare.

• Vaccinations and preventive health programs.

• Emergency medical services.

Most treatments are free or highly subsidized, with small co-payments to manage demand and reduce wait times. For example, a doctor’s visit in the public system may cost around €5.

To qualify for full coverage, your SNS registration must include:

• A valid identification document.

• Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF).

• Proof of address in Portugal.

• Valid residence permit.

Eligibility and registration

Any legal resident in Portugal, including foreign nationals, can register for the SNS and access public healthcare. The first step is to obtain a SNS user number, which acts as your personal ID within the system.

Registration process:

1. Visit your local health center (Centro de Saúde) in your area of residence.

2. Bring your identification, NIF, proof of address, and residence permit or residency visa

3. Receive your SNS user number, which enables you to book appointments and access public healthcare services.

Once you’re registered with both the SNS and the Social Security system, you can also request a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card allows you to access healthcare during temporary stays in other EU member states.

Note: If you don’t have the card when needed, you can request a Provisional Replacement Certificate (CPS), which grants the same rights as the EHIC.

Services and treatments offered

The SNS provides a wide range of healthcare services to ensure that residents have access to high-quality, affordable medical care. These services are designed to address everything from day-to-day health needs to complex medical treatments and long-term care.

Primary care – Family health units (USF)

Primary care is delivered through Family Health Units, which act as the first point of contact for most health-related needs. Patients are usually assigned a family doctor who oversees their ongoing care and coordinates specialist referrals when needed.

These units offer several services, including nursing care, mental health support, nutrition counseling, oral health services, and social care assistance. They also provide family planning consultations, pregnancy monitoring, and chronic disease management programs.

If you move to another part of the country for work, school, or other reasons, you can temporarily register at a new health center for up to 12 months. After this period, your original registration is automatically reinstated at your home center.

Hospital care

Public hospitals play a vital role in the SNS, offering both emergency care and specialist treatments. 

They are equipped to handle a wide range of services, including urgent care, diagnostics, surgeries, and post-treatment follow-ups. Specialist appointments generally require a referral from a family doctor or an authorization issued directly by the hospital. Patients can also book certain appointments online using their SNS user number.

Preventive healthcare

A key focus of Portugal’s public healthcare system is prevention and early detection, which helps improve long-term health outcomes and reduce the need for emergency interventions.

The National Vaccination Program offers free vaccinations to both children and adults, ensuring widespread protection against common and serious diseases. The SNS also organizes regular screening programs for cancers and other chronic conditions.

Elderly and long-term care

For seniors and individuals with disabilities who are unable to live independently, the SNS provides access to a network of residential homes and family care homes.

These facilities offer either temporary or permanent accommodation, along with daily nursing support and medical supervision.

Private healthcare in Portugal

While the public healthcare system in Portugal offers comprehensive and affordable care, many residents also choose to use private healthcare services for greater comfort, speed, and convenience. 

Private hospitals and clinics often provide shorter wait times, modern facilities, and the option to see English-speaking doctors, which makes them particularly appealing for those who prefer a more personalized experience.

Private healthcare also helps reduce out-of-pocket costs for certain treatments. Most people use private insurance alongside the public system to get quicker access to specialists and treatments, as well as to enjoy private rooms and a higher level of comfort during hospital stays.

How private healthcare in Portugal works

One important difference between public and private care is the payment process. This system makes it important to have funds available for emergencies or major procedures.

Some doctors and hospitals operate in both the public and private systems. When you arrive for treatment, always specify clearly whether you are seeking care under the public system or through private insurance to avoid billing confusion.

Popular private insurance providers

Several companies and even banks in Portugal offer private health insurance. Some of the most well-known providers include:

• Allianz

• Fidelidade

• Tranquilidade

• Multicare

• Médis

• MGEN 

Emergency medical services in Portugal

Portugal has a fast and reliable emergency care system. The universal emergency number is 112, which connects you to medical, fire, or police services. 

Calls are handled by specialized medical centers (CODU), which quickly dispatch ambulances, paramedics, or other emergency teams depending on the situation.

 Public emergency care is usually free or very low cost, while tourists and non-EU visitors may need to pay upfront unless they have valid travel insurance.

Women’s healthcare, pregnancy, and childbirth in Portugal

Portugal offers comprehensive maternity services through the SNS, with prenatal checkups, delivery, and postnatal care fully covered in public hospitals. The process starts with a visit to a family doctor, who provides an initial assessment and refers the patient to a gynecologist and maternity ward. Expectant mothers receive a pregnancy booklet to track appointments, tests, and health updates.

Most births take place in hospitals, which are equipped for both natural and emergency deliveries. While home births are possible, they are less common and usually arranged privately. 

Some hospitals also offer doula support and paid prenatal classes, such as yoga and breathing techniques, to help mothers prepare for childbirth and recovery.

Mental healthcare services in Portugal

Portugal provides a range of mental health services designed to support individuals with various needs. Initial assessments are handled by a family doctor, who can then refer patients to specialists, psychiatric units, or community-based programs for further treatment. This referral system ensures that care is coordinated and accessible.

To improve mental health services, the National Plan for Mental Health was introduced in 2016, focusing on reducing stigma and expanding access across the country. While public services are affordable, wait times can be long. 

Many expats and residents seeking quicker support turn to private mental health care, where they can access faster appointments and English-speaking therapists.

Dental care in Portugal

Public dental care is limited and primarily free for pregnant women, children under 18, HIV/AIDS patients, and people with specific health conditions. Others usually need to pay out of pocket for routine treatments.

The government provides dental vouchers to help cover basic services like checkups and cleanings, with annual limits on usage.

Many residents and expats use private dental clinics, which are affordable and offer quicker service. Because public coverage is restricted, expats often buy private dental insurance to reduce costs and access a wider range of treatments.

Digital healthcare in Portugal

Portugal has made strong advances in digital healthcare, driven by government policies and investment in modern technologies. Since 2010, the SPMS has led the country’s digital health strategy, introducing services like electronic patient records and SNS24, which allows residents to book appointments, access test results, and receive e-prescriptions online.

To expand remote care, the National Telehealth Center (CNTS) was created in 2016 to promote telemedicine nationwide. In 2019, it launched a National Strategic Telehealth Plan, paving the way for widespread virtual consultations and digital health services, improving accessibility and efficiency for both residents and expats.

Is healthcare in Portugal free? 

Healthcare in Portugal is highly affordable compared to many other Western countries, even when paying out-of-pocket. 

Costs are generally a fraction of what you might expect to pay in countries like the United States.

Public healthcare costs

In the public healthcare system (SNS), most services are free or require only a small co-payment.

• A general doctor visit can cost just a few euros, and in many cases, such as for children under 18 or seniors over 65, it may be completely free.

• Prescriptions are often subsidized by the SNS, meaning you pay a reduced amount depending on the medication and your income level.

The SNS publishes a list of medications that are partially or fully covered, keeping essential treatments accessible to everyone. This makes managing chronic conditions far more affordable than in many other countries.

Private healthcare costs

Even without insurance, private medical care in Portugal remains very affordable by international standards.

• General practitioner visit (private hospital): Around €50.

• Specialist consultation (private hospital): Around €90.

• Emergency room visit: Approximately €400.

• Hospital admission (private room, daily rate): About €200 per day, including medicine and round-the-clock care.

By comparison, similar treatments in the U.S. are significantly more expensive. For example, a private hospital stay in the U.S. can start at $3,000 per day and easily rise to $15,000 or more. Likewise, a general practitioner visit that costs about $55 in Portugal can be $110 or higher in the U.S.

To compare more healthcare and living costs between Portugal and the U.S., check out our cost of living in Portugal vs USA article.

Diagnostic tests and routine care

Routine medical procedures and diagnostic tests are also very reasonably priced:

• Routine mammogram with ultrasound: ~€170.

• MRI without contrast: ~€275.

• Bone density test: ~€100.

• X-rays: €25–€100.

Dental care and elective procedures

Dental care is another area where Portugal offers excellent value.

• Dental cleaning or consultation: €50–€75.

• All-on-four dental implants: ~€9,000 (U.S. cost: $28,000+).

Cosmetic procedures are also cheaper.

Since these elective procedures are not covered by insurance, having access to such competitive rates can be a significant benefit for those seeking specialized treatments.

Private health insurance costs

Private health insurance in Portugal is widely used to reduce upfront costs and gain quicker access to services.

• Basic plans for younger individuals start at around €30 per month, though they may have higher co-pays.

• Comprehensive plans for older adults or those seeking top-tier coverage can cost €300 per month for a couple in their 60s, with co-pays as low as €15 for a doctor’s visit.

The average annual cost of private insurance is around €400 per person, making it highly affordable compared to many other countries. With insurance, a private hospital stay that would normally cost €1,400 for six days might only come to €235 out-of-pocket after reimbursement.

Healthcare in Portugal for expats

Portugal has a comprehensive healthcare system that is accessible to expats, but there are a few important steps and requirements to follow: 

Insurance requirements for expats

Before entering Portugal, expats must have valid health insurance. This is mandatory for visa approval and entry into the country.

• Schengen Visa / Short-term stays: Visitors must hold travel insurance with at least €30,000 in coverage, valid for six months throughout the Schengen area.

• Non-EU Students: Students must show proof of full private health insurance for visa approval and school enrollment.

• Long-term visas (Golden Visa, D7 Visa, Digital Nomad Visa): All applicants must present travel insurance from their home country when applying for their initial visa. Once they obtain a residence permit and register with the SNS, they can transition to the public system while keeping private insurance if desired.

• Short-term workers (90+ days): After 90 days, you can apply for a temporary SNS number by providing proof of employment and address. Public employees are usually covered through government-funded health schemes. Many private companies also include private insurance as a benefit.

Registering for healthcare

Once you have arrived and secured a residence permit, you can register for Portugal’s public healthcare system (SNS).

Steps to register:

• Obtain a Portuguese Tax Identification Number, similar to a social security number.

• Visit your local health center (Centro de Saúde) with the following documents:

• Passport or ID

• Proof of address in Portugal

• Residence permit

• Tax Identification Number

• Receive your SNS user card, which allows you to book appointments, visit doctors, and access public hospitals and clinics.

Touchdown can assist you with obtaining your NIF and NISS, as well as review your rental contracts to ensure they meet all requirements for healthcare registration and visa processes.

How Touchdown helps you relocate to Portugal with ease

Touchdown is Portugal's leading relocation platform. Backed by a team of experienced lawyers and relocation experts, we make your move seamless by providing everything you need to set up and thrive in your new home through one easy-to-use platform.

We understand that every move is different. Whether you’re relocating alone or with your family, Touchdown creates a plan tailored to your needs. 

We combine expert legal support with digital tools, giving you complete visibility and step-by-step guidance throughout the relocation process.

• Eligibility and planning: Use our free Eligibility Checker to find the best visa option. Then, we create a personalized relocation plan tailored to your timeline and goals.

• Document review: Our lawyers carefully check all required documents such as the income proof, lease agreements, and insurance policies to ensure they meet consulate standards and are error-free.

• Bank account and NIF setup: We remotely help you open a Portuguese bank account and get a NIF (tax number), so you’re ready for your visa application.

• Consulate support: We handle appointment scheduling and guide you through the interview process, adjusting quickly if requirements or timelines change.

• Post-arrival guidance: After you land, we assist with your AIMA appointment, registering your address, updating your NIF, and setting up your tax residency for a smooth transition.

Moving to Portugal can be simple with the right support. Touchdown helps you navigate every step with expert guidance and clear, reliable processes.

Start by using our free Eligibility Checker to find the best visa for your situation, or book a consultation to get personalized advice and a tailored relocation plan.

FAQs about healthcare in Portugal

Does Portugal have free healthcare?

Portugal has a universal healthcare system where most essential services are either free or very low cost for citizens and legal residents. While doctor visits and hospital care may have small co-payments, groups like children, seniors, and low-income individuals often receive care completely free. However, dental, vision, and certain elective treatments are usually not covered under the public system.

What happens if an American goes to the hospital in Portugal?

If an American visits a hospital in Portugal without EU coverage, they will receive emergency treatment but must pay out of pocket before being discharged unless they have valid travel insurance. Public hospitals will treat urgent cases immediately, but proof of insurance or payment is required for non-residents. Having travel or private health insurance is highly recommended to avoid large expenses.

Which country in Europe has the best healthcare?

The quality of healthcare in Portugal is highly regarded, with the country consistently ranking alongside top European nations such as France, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland. Known for its affordable and accessible medical services, Portugal offers a strong healthcare system that makes it an attractive choice for both expats and retirees.

How much does it cost to see a doctor in Portugal?

In the public system, a general doctor visit costs around €5, and for many groups, such as children and seniors, it may be completely free. In the private sector, the cost is higher but still affordable compared to other countries:

• General doctor consultation: €50–€100

• Specialist consultation: €80–€15