12 de December, 2024
In this article, we will present 8 facts that demonstrate the quality and numerous benefits of public healthcare in Portugal. The country stands out in the European landscape, ranking 13th in the Euro Health Consumer Index 2023, a ranking that evaluates the performance of healthcare systems in 35 European countries. Additionally, Portugal boasts an average of one doctor for every 180 inhabitants, with Coimbra leading the way, offering one doctor for every 28 inhabitants, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics.
Healthcare in Portugal is recognized for its high quality, featuring modern equipment, a well-structured hospital network, and highly qualified professionals. These resources are accessible to everyone through the public healthcare system, which offers universal coverage and is state-funded. The importance of this subject has even drawn the attention of entrepreneur and philanthropist Bill Gates, who donated $400,000 to the Gulbenkian Institute of Science in Portugal in 2016.
At the end of this article, you will find a detailed comparison between healthcare costs in the United States and Portugal. This analysis will show how living in Portugal can lead to significant savings, especially for retirees and families seeking an efficient and affordable healthcare system.
Also, check out our article on health insurance in Portugal.
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Portugal provides universal healthcare through its National Health Service (SNS), subsidized by the government. Through this system, citizens can access services such as emergency care, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, surgeries, and even complex treatments.
While more than half of European Union countries adopt some form of cost-sharing system, Portugal has taken a different approach. Since 2022, most public healthcare services are exempt from the so-called “moderation fees,” which previously required patients to share the cost of treatment with the State. Today, care is free, except in cases of non-referred emergencies.
All Portuguese nationals and residents in Portugal, including legalized foreigners, have the right to receive medical care in the public network. Those who have Portuguese citizenship and live abroad can also come to the country and receive care through the SNS, as long as they are registered with the National Health System, i.e. have a user number. For those who already have a citizen’s card, this number is available on the card itself. If you don’t have one, you can apply for one at the health center in the parish (neighborhood).
Residents up to the age of 18 are exempt from any fees for dental care within Portugal’s public healthcare system. This benefit is part of the National Oral Health Promotion Program (PNPSO), which aims to prevent and treat oral diseases in children and young people.
In Portugal, there are programs that subsidize medications. Many medicines are partially covered by the government, meaning the state pays a portion of the cost while the patient covers the remainder. Discounts vary depending on the medication class, type of illness, and the patient’s profile. Retirees, for example, can receive up to a 95% discount on medication purchases. Additionally, for certain illnesses, medications may be provided free of charge, such as insulin for diabetes or treatments for conditions like Crohn’s Disease, Lupus, Hemophilia, among others.
Moreover, the country has private social solidarity institutions, such as the Associação Dignitude, which supports families in need of financial assistance to purchase medications.
In Portugal the vaccines are provided free of charge by the public network. The health posts are responsible for organising the vaccination calendar, contacting the users to schedule the administration of the doses and thus avoiding forgetfulness. Everything is done in a very organized, fast and practical way.
The public health network has excellent professionals, but many people like to take out private health insurance as a complement. Sometimes care in the public network may take longer or be limited. If you want to choose a doctor of your preference or are in a hurry for appointments, you will have to complement your care through a private consultation. According to the Portuguese Insurers Association, more than 3 million Portuguese have some kind of insurance or health plan, number that has grown a lot since 2020 , with the beginning of the pandemic.
In general, health insurance in Portugal is not expensive but operates on a co-payment scheme. This means that in addition to the monthly premium, you also need to pay a fee at the time of use. In 2024, Portuguese people paid an average of €50 per month for individual health insurance. With insurance, a private medical consultation that typically costs between €50 and €100 may only cost €30. It’s important to note that these values are averages and that policies vary in terms of coverage, limits, exclusions, and caps. Another option is to opt for health plans, which function as a discount network within a medical care network and can start from as low as €5, depending on the services covered. However, these plans generally do not cover outpatient and hospitalization services.
Another piece of good news is that many Portuguese doctors provide consultations in other languages, such as English, French and Spanish. In the CUF network, for example, information about the languages spoken by each professional is included in the online description of each doctor. English is spoken by more than half of the Portuguese population, and Portugal is the 6th country in the world in English language proficiency, according to the EF English Proficiency Index report.
The way the country has dealt with COVID says a lot about its health system.
How Portugal handled COVID-19 speaks volumes about its healthcare system. It’s true: by 2021, 95% of the Portuguese population had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. At that time, 92% had completed their vaccination schedule, according to the Our World in Data site by the University of Oxford. Alongside vaccination, Portugal implemented strict measures, including mandatory mask use, stringent lockdowns, and border closures in response to new variants. The government also promoted widespread testing, offering up to six free tests per month and making rapid tests available in pharmacies and supermarkets without facing supply shortages.
Although the pandemic is now in the past, the Portuguese government’s proactive approach continues to earn recognition. In 2024, Portugal was ranked as one of the best-prepared nations for pandemic response by the Global Health Security Index, placing 3rd among 195 countries, and gained international acclaim in STAT, a publication specializing in health and biosciences.
For many Americans, access to quality healthcare is one of the key factors when considering a move abroad. Portugal, with its renowned public healthcare system, offers an attractive and affordable option, especially for families and retirees looking to lower their healthcare expenses without compromising on high-quality care.
For retirees, healthcare costs can become a major financial burden in the U.S., even with Medicare. While Medicare covers many services, out-of-pocket expenses such as copays, deductibles, and prescription drug costs can quickly add up.
In Portugal, retirees with a residence permit can access affordable public healthcare. This eliminates many financial concerns, allowing them to focus on enjoying retirement in one of Europe’s most serene and beautiful countries.
Here’s a breakdown of healthcare costs between Portugal and some of the most expensive states in the U.S.:
New York City
California
Florida
Even private healthcare costs in Portugal are a fraction of those in the U.S. A private consultation with a specialist usually ranges from €70–€150 ($74–$158), while private insurance premiums cost between €40–€100 per month ($42–$105), depending on coverage.
In summary, Portugal’s public healthcare system is highly efficient and accessible, standing out as one of the greatest benefits for those who choose to live in the country. Although not perfect, the National Health System (SNS) offers a wide range of quality medical services at minimal costs, ensuring accessible healthcare for all citizens. Additionally, private health insurance plans provide excellent value for those who wish to complement public care, offering even greater peace of mind.
For foreigners considering relocating to Portugal, the public healthcare system is undoubtedly a significant advantage!
If you’re planning to move to Portugal and want to learn more about the D7 visa process or other options, our team is here to guide you. Get in touch with us and take the first step toward a healthier and more accessible healthcare system!
Author:
Atlantic Bridge
