Healthcare in Portugal

Just half a century ago, healthcare in Portugal was a luxury for rich residents and employees under the insurance of a large industrial enterprise. The average people could get assistance from the volunteers. However, September 27 in 1971 is marked by dramatic change in the field of healthcare when the reforms began. The year 1979 is the year of the beginning of structural healthcare in Portugal, as the National Health Service (SNS) was established.

Healthcare in Portugal

The three pillars of healthcare in Portugal are:

1. SNS.
2. Public field-customized insurance (for police, firemen, military)
3. Private health insurance.

The Portuguese Ministry of Health controls SNS. Any resident can apply for free medical care in the SNS. However, recently the state established charges for some medical services. SNS provides primary and secondary services, including:

• general practitioner;
• dentistry;
• narrow experts’ examination.

Healthcare in Portugal ranks 14th among European countries, having improved since 2013 ranking 25th.

Ambulance in Portugal

Ambulance in Portugal has the same frame as in other European countries. If you need emergency medical help, dial 112 (Europe-wide). The ambulance will arrive in 10 minutes.

Ambulance service in Portugal has its local specifics:

•  yellow ambulance - INEM - provides a paramedic while all emergency services are free;
• a red ambulance - Bombeiros - firemen;
• ambulances - Bombeiros - paramedics (paid services).

An ambulance only responds to the call if the patient is in an acute condition (heart attack, faint, epileptic seizure, breath disruption) or he needs to be taken to the hospital urgently (trauma).

The operator at 112 during the call clarifies if there is any danger to one’s life. Based on facts he considers which ambulance on duty will respond. 

How to make an appointment with a doctor in Portugal?

Prior to making an appointment with a doctor in Portugal, you should register at the Portuguese social security system (get insurance) and the public health system. If you are employed, the employer clears it. Employees are unofficially engaged in personal registration.

After approval from the social security program, you can be registered at the nearest polyclinic which provides you with a medical card confirming your status for healthcare in Portugal. You can also use the official SNS portal and check updated information, as well as receive a referral to a doctor online.

If you cannot make an appointment with a doctor in Portugal, we recommend to reach professional doctors from Ukraine and Belarus via VideoDoc. They will provide an online consultation, establish a diagnosis and sign a prescription for medicine.

Waiting time for a doctor's appointment/consultation in Portugal

A booking for a consultation with a doctor in Portugal can be accepted not earlier than in 2 to 4 days, as in many other European countries. It is ok for the countries of the European Union. However, if you are concerned with your health and want to get the service instantly, then use the services of the VideoDoc online platform. Our doctors are available 24/7 and help you get medical assistance or a prescription for the needed drugs without spending time on a ride to the hospital.

The charge for the consultation with a doctor in Portugal

Healthcare in Portugal is free for residents under the insurance of the Public Insurance Fund, as well as for pregnant women, minors and the elderly. However, additional examinations are chargeable for everyone.

The price of a doctor's appointment in Portugal is not a concern of the patient, because in public hospitals the costs are reimbursed by the SNS, while patients sometimes pay extra for the services. The charge for the appointment with a general practitioner is 4-6 euros, while a narrow expert charges 9 euros. Following groups receive the services free:

• pregnant women;
• minors;
• disabled people;
• unemployed;
• blood and organ donors;
• refugees.

Starting in 2022, healthcare charges are applicable only in the case of emergency care yet now patients are conventionally supposed to pay for some examination and tests.

Prescription medicine in Portugal

Portugal, as well as other European countries, does not accept the purchase of medicine without a prescription. You can get a prescription for medicine in Portugal from a GP or a narrow expert. If you have a prescription, you can buy the necessary drug at any local pharmacy. There are also standart pharmacies that work 24/7. You can check the list of pharmacies and their addresses on the SNS web portal. You can also get a prescription for medicine from the doctors at the VideoDoc online healthcare platform. After a consultation with a doctor, you will get a prescription for the needed medicine to make your treatment effective. A prescription is accepted in all pharmacies in Portugal.