Healthcare Basics

Learn the basics of Portugal's healthcare system, including how to obtain Portuguese health insurance and who to call in an emergency.

Healthcare for tourists in Portugal

Navigate healthcare in Portugal with confidence, whether you need urgent help, a pharmacy, or a doctor while visiting. Tourists can get medical care here, but the right route, the paperwork, and the likely cost depend on how urgent the problem is, whether you are an EU or non-EU visitor, and what insurance you carry. This […]

Healthcare in Portugal for expats: how it works

Portugal is an enduringly popular destination for expats looking for a warm and welcoming country to live, work, study or retire in. If you’re moving to Portugal soon, you’ll need to understand the healthcare system there before you move to ensure you’re properly protected if anything goes wrong. This guide explains how the healthcare system in […]

EHIC card in Portugal: what it covers and how to use it

Understand how your EHIC or GHIC works in Portugal so you can navigate public healthcare without unexpected costs. Short trips or initial moves to Portugal often come with a lingering worry about sudden medical expenses. A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) grants access to necessary public healthcare […]

Health insurance for Portugal D7 visa

Learn what health insurance the Portugal D7 visa requires. Our guide compares policy types, coverage limits, and final steps to verify with your consulate. If you’re applying for a Portugal D7 visa, you’ll usually need to show that you have suitable health insurance as part of your application. Choosing the right policy can help avoid […]

How to get a prescription in Portugal

Learn how to get a prescription in Portugal through the SNS or private care, what documents you need, how pharmacies work, and what to do in urgent cases. You can usually get a prescription in Portugal through the public Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) or a private clinic. Once you have the prescription, you can […]

Is healthcare free in Portugal? Guide for expats

If you are asking is healthcare free in Portugal, the short answer is yes for many eligible residents, but not for everyone and not for every service. This guide is for expats, new arrivals, and internationally mobile residents who need a practical answer, not a vague promise. You will see who can usually use the […]

Portugal D8 Visa Health Insurance Requirements

Applicants usually know they need insurance for a Portugal D8 visa. The harder part is knowing which cover is checked first, and what may be reviewed again after you arrive in Portugal. This guide is for general information only and is not legal, immigration, or insurance advice. Within the broader Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal […]

The healthcare system in Portugal

Discover the public and private healthcare systems in Portugal, from doctors and dentists to insurance registration and treatment costs.

Guide to getting health insurance in Portugal in 2026

Explore health insurance in Portugal and make sure you’re covered for everything from routine checkups to medical emergencies in 2026.

Emergency services in Portugal: numbers and helplines

Crises can be scary in any language, but don’t get caught out! Here’s which number and helpline to call in an emergency in Portugal.

Vaccinations in Portugal

We explain all you need to know about the recommended vaccinations in Portugal and how you and your family can access them.

COVID-19 information and support in Portugal

Stay up to date with the COVID-19 situation in Portugal with our guide to coronavirus measures, tests, vaccines, and support networks.

An older woman sits in the waiting room of her doctor's office

Senior health and elderly care in Portugal

Healthcare is a priority for seniors living in Portugal. Learn about support available, elderly care, insurance, and how to access treatment.