Moving to Portugal offers expats a high quality of life—mild weather, natural food, solid culture, and a relatively affordable cost of living. One of the biggest concerns for newcomers, however, is understanding how the Portuguese healthcare system works. The good news? Portugal has a strong public health system, and care is widely accessible—even for foreigners.
Portugal's healthcare system mostly gets positive rankings, particularly for its quality and access to care. It's often ranked among the top in Europe, with some assessments placing it within the top 15 in the world. Factors like high life expectancy and strong disease prevention contribute to these positive evaluations. While some rankings focus on specific aspects like quality or innovation, Portugal consistently performs well, often exceeding its neighbor, Spain. And, pharmacies have much more power than in the US, so access to help is more attainable.
Public vs. Private: What to Expect
Portugal’s national health system, known as the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), provides universal healthcare to all legal residents. That includes citizens of the European Union, expats with residence permits, and even retirees from non-EU countries who have established residency. The SNS offers hospital and primary care services at little to no cost, though small co-pays are sometimes required for appointments or prescriptions. Hospitals tend to be regional, and set in all major district capitals. Smaller cites and towns have clinics.
Many expats choose to supplement their care with affordable private insurance. Private healthcare in Portugal is low cost by international standards, with shorter wait times, English-speaking doctors in urban areas, and greater flexibility in scheduling. Some international health plans or local insurance companies like Médis, Multicare, and AdvanceCare offer fair priced monthly plans.
Primary Care and Specialists
Once you’re registered with the SNS (typically through your local health center, or centro de saúde), you’ll be assigned a médico de família (family doctor or PCP). This doctor is your first stop for most health concerns and can refer you to specialists within the public system. If you prefer to skip the referral process or need care more urgently, you can directly access private specialists.
Pharmacies and Emergency Care
Pharmacies (farmácias) are well-stocked, affordable, and staffed by knowledgeable professionals who can often help with minor issues on the spot. Each town has one open 24 hours a day. Emergency services (Urgências) are available 24/7 in most hospitals, and the national emergency number is 112. There’s also a 24-hour health advice line (SNS 24: 808 24 24 24) where you can speak to a nurse about symptoms or get help navigating the system.
Dental and Vision
Basic dental and vision care are not covered under the SNS, but private services are accessible and cost-effective. Many expats pay out-of-pocket for routine cleanings or eye exams, or use private insurance for more extensive care.
Tips for New Arrivals
Register at your local health center shortly after receiving your residency card.
Bring a copy of your residency permit (residência), passport, and Portuguese tax number (NIF) when signing up for SNS services.
If language is a barrier, consider using private clinics, or other expat-friendly areas where English is more commonly spoken.
Keep a basic health insurance policy for peace of mind during travel or unexpected emergencies.
Portugal offers peace of mind when it comes to healthcare. With both public and private options available, expats can choose the level of care that fits their lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re retiring by the sea or working in a major city, you’ll find that access to compassionate, competent care is part of what makes Portugal such a great place to call home.
Jayme H. Simões is a Portugal–U.S. communications consultant who writes about the realities of moving, living, and retiring in Portugal, based on first hand experience.
Let’s Move to Portugal Now is an independent resource for Americans considering life in Portugal. We provide practical, experience-based information on visas, housing, health care, cost of living, and everyday life—focused on clarity, realism, and informed choices. This site is not affiliated with the Portuguese government and does not offer legal or immigration advice.
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