Considering a move to Portugal? One of the key factors for expats is understanding how the public healthcare system works. Portugal’s Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) provides universal coverage, but navigating it as a foreigner can be confusing at first. This guide will walk you through everything expats need to know about accessing public healthcare in Portugal in 2025.

📋 Who Can Access Public Healthcare?

Portugal offers public healthcare to all residents, including expats who meet certain criteria.

• EU/EEA citizens: Can access services with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or register for SNS once resident.
• Non-EU citizens: Must be legal residents and registered at their local health center with a Número de Utente (healthcare number).

🩺 What Services Are Covered?

Public healthcare in Portugal covers a wide range of medical services at low or no cost.

• General practitioner visits
• Specialist consultations
• Emergency services
• Hospital stays and surgeries
• Maternity care
• Vaccinations and screenings

💶 Costs & Co-Payments

While the SNS is largely free, there are small co-payments for some services, known as “taxas moderadoras.”

• GP appointment: ~€5
• Emergency room (non-urgent): ~€20
• Hospitalization: Free if prescribed
• Children under 18, pregnant women, and low-income individuals: Often exempt from fees

📍 How to Register with SNS

To access public healthcare, you’ll need to register at your local Centro de Saúde (Health Center).

1. Obtain your residence permit
2. Get your NIF (tax ID)
3. Register at your local Junta de Freguesia or health center
4. Receive your Número de Utente

👨‍⚕️ Finding a Doctor

Once registered, you’ll be assigned a family doctor (médico de família). Note that in some areas there may be a waitlist.

In urgent cases, you can still visit any Centro de Saúde or hospital even without a family doctor.

💊 Prescriptions & Pharmacies

Portugal has a well-regulated pharmacy system. Prescriptions from SNS doctors are subsidized by the government.

• Subsidies: 15–90% of the cost depending on the medication
• Electronic prescriptions: Standard and easy to use at any pharmacy

🏥 Public vs Private Care

Many expats use both systems. While public care is affordable, private clinics often offer shorter wait times and English-speaking staff.

• Public: Lower cost, longer waits, mostly Portuguese-speaking staff
• Private: More convenience, higher cost, wide availability of English-speaking doctors

🛡️ Do You Still Need Insurance?

Even though public healthcare is excellent, many expats opt for private insurance for faster access to specialists and private hospitals.

• Cost of private insurance: ~€30–€80/month depending on age and coverage
• Some plans include dental and vision care

✅ Final Thoughts

Portugal’s public healthcare system is one of the best in Europe, offering quality care at minimal cost. As an expat, once you're registered and legal, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you're covered.

Whether you stick with public services or mix in private care, Portugal provides a healthcare safety net that makes living here even more appealing.

📽️ Want to See How It Works?

This video walks through the healthcare experience in Portugal from an expat’s perspective: