Portugal has a public health service for those who qualify and a well-established network of private hospitals and clinics.

If you’re coming in from abroad it helps to know how the system works before you settle. You may need to register with a local health center, get an SNS number and find out where to go for health care.

This guide explains how healthcare works in Portugal, who can use the public services, how much they cost and what to expect if you move to Portugal as an expat.

How Does the Healthcare System in Portugal Work?

The Portuguese health system has public and private provision. The public system, Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), is mostly paid by taxes. It provides eligible users with primary, hospital, emergency, maternity and other medical services.

Private hospitals and clinics run alongside the SNS for patients who want more flexibility or faster access to certain treatments. Many Portuguese residents and expats use both, depending on what they need.

Is Healthcare Free in Portugal?

In Portugal, the public health service is normally free or low cost to those who qualify, although fees may apply. Most SNS consultations and treatments are exempt from standard user fees, but some emergency department visits may carry a charge, especially if you arrive without a referral or another exemption. Prescription medicines aren’t always free either. Many are subsidized, so you pay only part of the retail price.

Private healthcare works differently. Usually, you pay for consultations and treatments yourself or with private health insurance, depending on your policy.

Can Foreigners Access Public Healthcare in Portugal?

Foreign nationals who are legally resident in Portugal can generally use the SNS once they meet the registration and eligibility requirements. A residence permit doesn’t automatically complete your healthcare registration, though. New residents should register with the public healthcare system and check that their personal details are recorded correctly.

Access can differ for EU citizens, non-EU residents, temporary visitors and people covered by international healthcare agreements.

If you’re relocating on a D7 Visa, registering for healthcare is one of the steps to take after you establish residence.

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How to Get an SNS Number in Portugal

The Número de Utente is your identification number in the Portuguese public healthcare system. Foreign residents can inquire or check their SNS registration at their local Centro de Saúde.

Depending on your situation, you may need to provide:

  • Passport or another ID
  • Residence permit or proof of your immigration status
  • Portuguese tax number (NIF)
  • Portuguese address and contact details

You may be asked for more documents depending on your registration status.

An SNS number identifies you in the system, but it doesn’t by itself entitle you to every publicly funded service. Once you’re registered, you use it to book appointments, get treatment and access other SNS services.

Health Centres and Family Doctors in Portugal

The Health Centers (Centros de Saúde) are your normal first point of contact for non-emergency care within the SNS. They offer general consultations, preventative care, vaccinations, monitoring of chronic diseases and referrals to specialists. You may be assigned a family doctor or médico de família to coordinate your primary care.

But not everyone gets a family doctor right away. Some residents are still on the health center’s rolls waiting to be assigned, but availability varies by region. Even without one, you may still be able to get consultations through your health center or other SNS arrangements.

Hospitals and Specialist Appointments

In Portugal, there is a network of public hospitals throughout the country, which provide emergency care, surgery, diagnostic tests and specialist treatment. If you require a specialist and it is not an emergency, you will typically require a referral – this can be from your primary care physician or another licensed medical professional.

How long you have to wait is contingent upon the specialty, the hospital, how urgent your case is and where you live. You may wait longer than in private healthcare for non-urgent needs. Private hospitals can be an alternative, especially for specialist consultations and diagnostic tests.

For more on private medical coverage, see our Health Insurance in Portugal guide.

Emergency Healthcare in Portugal

In a medical emergency, call 112, Portugal’s national emergency number. The emergency services will assess the situation and send the right help.

For non-life-threatening concerns, you can call SNS 24 on 808 24 24 24 for medical guidance and advice on where to go. It can point you to the right healthcare service and may save you an unnecessary trip to the emergency department.

Emergency departments see patients in order of medical urgency, not in the order they arrive.

Maternity and Children's Healthcare

Portugal’s public healthcare system offers maternity and pediatric services to eligible users. Pregnancy monitoring is usually arranged through health centers and maternity services, with referrals to hospital care when needed. Children can get preventive consultations, vaccinations and other medical services through the public system.

Portugal’s National Vaccination Program provides recommended vaccinations free of charge to eligible people. Being registered with the SNS doesn’t guarantee you’ll be assigned a family doctor or pediatrician right away, though.

If you’re moving to Portugal with children, register them with the right healthcare services and bring their medical and vaccination records.

Dental Care and Mental Health Services

Most dental care in Portugal is private, though the public system has some programs and services for eligible groups. The cheque-dentista program, for example, helps people who meet its criteria pay for certain dental treatments.

Mental healthcare is available through public health services, including primary care, hospitals and specialist teams. Whether you can see a psychologist, psychiatrist or other mental health professional depends on your clinical needs, how referrals work and what’s available. Some residents choose private consultations when public waiting times are long.

Pharmacies and Prescription Medicines

Finding a pharmacy in Portugal is easy – they are marked by a green cross sign.

They provide prescription medicines, over-the-counter products and advice on minor health concerns.

Some medicines are only available with a prescription from an authorized medical professional. Others are available for direct purchase.

Many prescription medicines benefit from public reimbursement arrangements, reducing the amount paid by eligible patients.

Residents taking medication regularly should check whether their prescribed products are available in Portugal and whether an equivalent medicine exists.

Healthcare for Retirees and Older Residents

Older residents are eligible to access public health care services such as consultations, hospital treatment and chronic disease management.

Portugal also provides home support, rehabilitation and long-term care services through public, charity and private bodies.

But care in a residential setting or nursing home is not necessarily free or fully covered by the SNS.

Availability, eligibility and costs depend on the type of service and the individual’s circumstances.

In Portugal, retirees need to balance health care with housing, location and long-term living costs.

Healthcare for Tourists and Short-Term Visitors

Visitors to Portugal are entitled to emergency medical care and may or may not be entitled to publicly funded treatment depending on their circumstances.

If you are visiting from the EU you might be entitled to medically necessary public healthcare under the rules of the country you are visiting, if you have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

If you are a visitor from outside the EU you may have to pay for any medical treatment unless you have insurance cover or are covered by an applicable international agreement.

So travel insurance is an important consideration, especially for visitors not covered by European healthcare arrangements.

For information about insurance documentation for Portuguese visa applications, read our Portugal Visa Travel Insurance guide.

Is Portugal's Healthcare System Good?

Medical care is easily available in Portugal with modern hospitals, specialist treatment and preventative healthcare programmes in the public and private sectors.

The public system is an important way of getting access to health care, and private providers offer extra choice.

But the experience can differ widely depending on location, speciality and availability of services.

Some residents still have practical concerns such as long waiting times, lack of family doctors and regional disparities in access.

If you’re an expat, it helps to know these limitations before you move, so you can plan for healthcare.

How We Can Help

Portugal’s healthcare system offers eligible residents access to public medical services, supported by an extensive private healthcare network.

For foreigners relocating to Portugal, the main priorities are understanding eligibility, obtaining an SNS number, registering with a health centre and knowing how to access medical assistance.

Although the public system covers a wide range of healthcare needs, some residents also use private services for greater flexibility.

Portugal Residency Advisors helps individuals and families navigate the immigration and practical relocation process, including the administrative steps involved in settling in Portugal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, health insurance is a mandatory requirement for the D7 visa in Portugal. It is necessary to have valid health insurance coverage during your stay in Portugal until you obtain your temporary residence permit.

Expats who are legal residents in Portugal can access the public healthcare system by registering at their local health center. Non-resident expats may have limited access to emergency care but are encouraged to have private health insurance to cover their healthcare needs.


While not mandatory, having private health insurance is highly recommended for expats in Portugal. It provides additional coverage, faster access to healthcare services, and more flexibility in choosing doctors and hospitals. Private insurance can supplement the public system and offer a wider range of benefits.


In larger cities and popular expat areas, it is often possible to find doctors and healthcare professionals who speak English or other languages. You can inquire about English-speaking doctors at private healthcare facilities or expat forums and communities for recommendations. See also: Senior Living in Portugal: Best Retirement Villages & Communities

 

To access private healthcare in Portugal, expats can directly contact private hospitals, clinics, or medical centers to inquire about their services and make appointments. Private healthcare providers typically offer a range of plans and services tailored to individual needs.


In the public healthcare system, costs are subsidized by the government, and patients pay a small co-payment for certain services. Private healthcare costs vary depending on the provider, but you may expect to pay between €50-150€ per person.

In case of a medical emergency, dial the emergency number 112 for immediate assistance. Emergency care is available to everyone, regardless of residency status. 

In Portugal, the National Health Service (SNS) is the primary provider of healthcare, extending universal coverage to all residents, including legally residing foreigners. Although publicly funded, the SNS does entail some costs; it’s not entirely free.

Yes. Once legally resident in Portugal, a U.S. citizen can register with the public healthcare system (SNS) and access public hospitals and clinics. Many expats also choose private healthcare or insurance for faster access, but public care is fully available to residents.

In the public system, a GP appointment usually costs a small fee or nothing at all. In private clinics, consultations typically range from €40 to €80, depending on the doctor and location.

You can visit your local health center, a public hospital, or a private clinic. Emergency care is available to everyone. If you’re registered with the SNS, most costs are low or fully covered. Private care offers faster access but is paid out-of-pocket or through insurance.

Dental care is not generally free under the public system, except in limited cases (such as children, low-income residents, or specific public programs). Most people use private dentists, where prices are still relatively affordable compared to many other countries.

Yes. Portugal has a solid and reliable healthcare system. The public healthcare system (SNS) offers affordable access to doctors, hospitals, specialists, and emergency care, and medical standards are generally high. While waiting times can be longer for non-urgent care, many residents and expats combine public healthcare with private insurance for faster access.

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