Skip to content 
Moving to Portugal in 2025 and trying to figure out how health insurance works? You’re not alone—this is one of the top questions expats ask when planning their relocation.
Portugal offers a mix of public and private healthcare options, and while the system is generally high-quality and affordable, understanding what coverage you need as a newcomer can feel a bit overwhelming at first.
Whether you’re coming as a remote worker, retiree, or investor, having the right health insurance in place is essential for peace of mind.
The Portuguese Healthcare System
Portugal’s health services are a blend of public and private and provide residents and those with legal resident status access to high quality health care at a range of cost points.
The public system, called the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), offers universal coverage and is largely free or low-cost, including the cost of visits to general practitioners, hospital care and emergency services.
Private healthcare is also widely available and is usually the option for expats and locals wanting quicker visits and more personalized service and for those not proficient in Spanish who want an English-speaking doctor.
Other people want to have their cake and eat it — public healthcare for security from the SNS, but private insurance for the flexibility of seeing gicare providers.
Portugal has an excellent standard of care, with modern hospitals and well-trained professionals, so this makes it a good option for those moving or investing in the country.
Who Needs Health Insurance in Portugal?
Health insurance is important for anyone spending time in Portugal, but who needs it depends on your situation:
Expats and Foreign Residents
If you’re applying for residency (D7, Digital Nomad, or Golden Visa if you become a resident), private health insurance is required during the visa process. Once you become a legal resident, you can access the public system (SNS), but many keep private coverage for speed and convenience.
EU/EEA Citizens
You can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for short stays. For longer stays or residency, registering with the SNS or getting private insurance is recommended.
Tourists and Short-Term Visitors
Travel health insurance is often required for Schengen visa applications and is highly recommended to cover emergencies during your trip.
Portuguese Public Health Insurance
Public health insurance in Portugal covers both Portuguese citizens and legally registered foreign residents, giving everyone access to essential medical care. Most basic services come with minimal out-of-pocket costs, though non-urgent treatments can involve longer waiting times.
- General Doctors: Available in local clinics (centros de saúde), for a small fee or for free (for children and elderly people).
- Specialists: Yes, if you have a referral from your GP, but there might be a wait involved.
- Hospital Care: Includes emergency, surgical services and hospital stays at pay as little as a co-payment rate.
- Maternity Care:Jobs with medical insurance are usually free for prenatal care, childbirth and pediatricians.
- Vaccinations: This would encompass vaccinations and other programs of prevention.
- Mental Health: Accessible through public but difficult waiting list and availability.
How to get Portuguese Public Health Insurance: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare Your Documentation
To register for public health insurance in Portugal, you’ll need to bring a few key documents with you. Make sure you have your valid passport or EU ID, along with your Portuguese residence permit if you’re a non-EU citizen, or your CRUE certificate if you’re from the EU.
You’ll also need your tax number (NIF), and in some cases, a Social Security number (NISS). Proof of your local address—such as a utility bill or rental contract—and a Portuguese mobile number are also required to complete the process smoothly.
2. Go to Your Local Health Center (Centro de Saúde)
Visit the nearest health center that corresponds to your registered residential address. You’ll need to go in person and take a ticket to queue, although some locations now allow online appointment scheduling. It’s a good idea to check opening hours and booking options beforehand, as wait times can vary and some centers can get quite busy.
3. Select Your Family Doctor
During your registration, you’ll either choose a family doctor or be automatically assigned to one who is available at your local health center. This doctor becomes your primary point of contact for general medical care, prescriptions, and referrals to specialists.
In some areas, however, there may be a shortage of doctors, which means you might not be assigned a family doctor right away. In that case, you’ll still be able to access care, but appointments may be handled by whichever doctor is available.
4. Received Your Health Card
After completing your registration, you’ll receive your health user card, which serves as your personal identification for accessing healthcare services under the National Health Service (SNS). This card includes your SNS number (número de utente), and you’ll be asked for it regularly when booking appointments, visiting clinics, or accessing any public health services in the future.
Private Health Insurance in Portugal
Private health insurance is a popular choice in Portugal, especially among expats, digital nomads, and even locals who want faster, more flexible access to medical care. It complements the public system and offers a range of extra benefits.
Why Choose Private Health Insurance?
- Shorter Wait Times: Faster access to specialists, surgeries, and diagnostic tests.
- Wider Choice of Doctors: You can choose your doctor, clinic, or hospital.
- English-Speaking Staff: Many private providers cater to international clients.
- Comfort: Private hospitals often provide better facilities and more privacy.
How much does Portuguese health insurance cost?
- Monthly Premiums: Start as low as €20–€50/month for basic plans; more comprehensive coverage can range from €70–€150/month depending on age, provider, and coverage.
- Co-payments: Most plans cover 80–90% of costs; you pay the rest as a co-pay when using services.
Main Private Insurance Providers in Portugal
- Médis
- Multicare
- AdvanceCare
- Allianz
- Cigna Global (for international coverage)
How to Choose a Private Insurance Provider in Portugal?
Selecting the right private health insurance in Portugal depends on your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Here are key points to help you decide:
Coverage Options
Check what the plan actually includes—GP visits, specialists, hospital stays, surgeries, maternity care, dental, or vision—since coverage can vary widely from one provider to another.
Compare Costs
Make sure the monthly premium fits your budget, and check the co-payments so you know how much you’ll pay out of pocket for each visit. It’s also important to look at deductibles and annual limits, as these can vary a lot from one plan to another.
Hospital & Clinic Network
Choose a provider with a wide and reputable network. Make sure your preferred clinics or doctors are included, especially if you want English-speaking options.
International vs Local Providers
Local insurers like Médis or Multicare tend to be more affordable and are designed specifically for healthcare needs within Portugal. International providers such as Cigna or Allianz usually cost more, but they’re a great choice if you travel frequently or want coverage that follows you worldwide.
Customer Service Language
Look for insurers with responsive customer support and English-speaking staff, as this can make managing claims or booking appointments much easier.
Key Differences Between Public and Private Health Insurance
The public healthcare system (SNS) is available to legal residents and provides comprehensive care at very low cost. However, non-urgent treatments can come with long waiting times, and services are more limited compared to private options.
Private health insurance, on the other hand, is open to most people—though some providers have age restrictions—and offers faster access to specialists and shorter wait times.
Costs also differ significantly. Public healthcare involves small co-payments, making it very budget friendly. Private insurance typically ranges from €100 to €300 per month for retirees over 65, depending on the plan.
When it comes to pre-existing conditions, the public system covers them with some limitations, while private insurers vary—some accept them with conditions attached. Private plans also offer additional benefits such as dental, vision, and access to private hospitals, which are not usually included in the public system.
How We Can Help
Local Expertise
We know Portugal. Due to our extensive local knowledge, we believe that concentrating our services in a single country destination is the best way to give you the most thorough and useful information.
Honest Guidance
We recommend what’s best for you based on an extensive process experience that saves time and money to clients. Our pricing is clear and competitive, and we don’t sell services that make us more money.
All-in-One Solution
One single channel of communication for the entire process. We provide you with a comprehensive service that covers all aspects of your move, from identifying the ideal residency visa to finding your new home or helping you to settle.
Seamless Process
Technology plays a very important role in our company. We minimize our clients’ involvement in paperwork. We are customers ourselves and we know how to serve you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is health insurance mandatory in Portugal?
For residents, it’s not mandatory if you’re covered by the public system (SNS). However, for visa applicants and non-residents, private health insurance is often required.
Who can access the public healthcare system (SNS)?
All legal residents, including EU and non-EU citizens with residence permits, can register for SNS and receive subsidized healthcare.
Do I need private health insurance if I have access to SNS?
No, but many people choose private insurance for quicker access, more comfort, and additional services like dental or vision care.
How much does private health insurance cost in Portugal?
It depends on your age and coverage. Basic plans start at around €20–€50/month; more comprehensive plans range from €70–€150/month or more.
Are there age limits for private health insurance?
Some local insurers may have upper age limits (around 65–75), but international providers or special plans (like MGEN) often cover all ages.
What is usually covered by private health insurance?
GP and specialist visits, hospital stays, surgeries, diagnostics, emergency care, and sometimes dental and vision (depending on the plan).
Can I use international health insurance in Portugal?
Yes, many private clinics accept international insurance, especially in major cities and expat-friendly areas.
How do I register for public health insurance (SNS)?
You’ll need a residence permit, NIF (tax number), proof of address, and other basic documents to register at your local Centro de Saúde
What’s the difference between local and international health insurance?
Local plans are more affordable and tailored to Portugal. International plans offer global coverage, which is better for frequent travelers or those splitting time between countries.
Is dental or vision care included in public insurance?
Not usually. Public healthcare covers emergencies and basic treatments, but most dental and vision care is paid out-of-pocket or through private insurance.
Excellent
4.9 | 47 Reviews
