In Southwestern Europe, where the energy of the Atlantic swell blends with the warmth of the beaming sun, lies Portugal. With so much to offer \u2014from the quality of life to lush natural wonders and superb cultural heritage \u2014, it is no wonder that the Iberian Peninsula attracts so many expatriates looking for a new home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But what about expat healthcare? Get to know the basics of the Lusitanian healthcare system and choose the best expat health insurance experience for your stay in Portugal!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Created in 1979 in the aftermath of the Carnation Revolution<\/a> and modelled on UK’s National Health Service, the Portuguese public health insurance system is directed by the Servi\u00e7o Nacional de Sa\u00fade<\/em> (SNS) and supported by the country’s five regional health agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Portuguese public health services are not completely free: patients have to pay their share to the “co-payment” system, i.e. a share of the medical costs \u2014 in particular for the following healthcare services:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The price of the \u2018co-payment\u2019 may differ depending on the type of medical consultation. For example, a GP visit at a health centre will cost you about \u20ac5 and a consultation with a medical specialist \u20ac7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, health services are free of charge for certain groups of people, including pregnant women, children up to the age of 12 and people over 60.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is a list of people covered in Portugal:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Non-EU nationals whose countries do not have an agreement with the Portuguese national health system will not be able to access the public health system until they are registered as residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To get access to the public health system, you need to register with the local health centre (centro de sa\u00fade<\/em>) closest to your place of residence. You will be given a health card that needs to be kept handy for any public medical procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you register, you and your family members will be assigned a ‘family doctor’ (medico de familia<\/em>), who can refer you to any specialists as required. In general, you can easily get a basic medical checkup at the local health centre (routine consultations with a general practitioner, vaccinations, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have to wait more than three months to get an appointment at a public hospital (e.g. for a surgery), you have the right to turn to a private healthcare institution under agreement with the Ministry of Health and you will be reimbursed for the medical expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In case of emergency, you can also go to the nearest \u2018permanent care service\u2019 (Servi\u00e7o de Atendimento Permanente<\/em>, SAP) or to the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dental care is generally not covered by the SNS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alongside the SNS, the Portuguese private health system is made up of several private health entities. Most of these provide medical services to beneficiaries of specific professional healthcare schemes and private health insurance subscribers. Although the private healthcare system seems to be more efficient (state-of-the-art clinics, shorter waiting times) than its public sector counterpart, its services are not covered by the SNS. It is your choice to pay the premium or to get reliable private health insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you own a company, you\u2019re employee or simply expat in Portugal, Global Health provides all expatriates with holistic healthcare coverage, regardless of their profile, their life plans, or their destination. Expatriation is ingrained in our DNA: we understand your specific needs and make sure you get all the freedom, security, and peace of mind you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Need a quote or some clarifications? Get in touch<\/u><\/a> with our team of experts! They will help you find the health insurance plan<\/a> that best suits your needs!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":6342,"template":"","class_list":["post-6448","destinationcpt","type-destinationcpt","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"post_subtitle":"","post_badge":""},"yoast_head":"\nCo-payment system <\/mark><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Is an expat in Portugal covered by the SNS?<\/mark><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How to get access to the SNS services? <\/mark><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What is covered by the SNS? <\/mark><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What are the limitations of the Portuguese public health system? <\/mark><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Portuguese private health system <\/mark><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why choose Global Health as your private health insurer? <\/mark><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Our commitment: <\/mark><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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