You are here:

Country-by-country guide

Accessing healthcare in Portugal

You will be treated on the same basis as a Portuguese resident. Remember, each country’s health system is different and might not include all the things you would expect to get free of charge from the NHS. This may mean that you have to make a patient contribution to the cost of your care. If you have to make such a payment , you may be able to seek reimbursement for this cost when you are back in the UK if you are not able to do so in Portugal.

It is important that you ensure you are treated by a state healthcare provider as you will not be covered for private healthcare. You should be particularly careful if the healthcare arrangements have been made by a hotel or travel representative.

Non-EEA nationals are covered in Portugal.

Where to get information while in Portugal

The Administracão Regional de Saúde will be able to provide information. They have several offices covering mainland Portugal. Maderia and the Azores are governed each by a separate branch.

Mainland Portugal
Administracão Regional de Saúde do Centro
Alameda Júlio Henriques
3000-457 COIMBRA

Telephone: 00351 239 796 800

E-mail: secretariado.ca@arscentro.min-saude.pt

Maderia
Telephone: 00351 291 236 525 or 00351 291 213 280

The Azores
Telephone: 00351 295 204 200

Emergency numbers

In case you find yourself in an emergency during your stay in Portugal, dial 112. You might want to save the number in your phone.

Treatment, coverage and costs

Doctors

State healthcare is provided without charge.

Dentists

State healthcare is provided without charge.

Hospital treatment

State healthcare is provided without charge.

Prescriptions

Pharmacies are available throughout Portugal. They are usually open from Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 1.00pm, and 3.00pm to 7.00pm. On weekends they are open from 9.00am to 1.00pm.

Lists of pharmacies providing 24-hour service is available from any regular pharmacy.

Ambulance

No information available.

Air ambulance

No information available.

Making healthcare arrangements in advance

The most common treatments or conditions that require advanced arrangements are listed below. For all other conditions or treatments, you should consult your doctor. Remember, for all treatments abroad you must present your EHIC.

Oxygen therapy

Contact the relevant branch of the Administracão Regional de Saúde to make the necessary arrangements before leaving the UK.

Dialysis

You need to speak to the co-ordinator in your UK Dialysis Unit who will contact the dialysis unit in Portugal nearest to where you will be staying. The provision of dialysis will be subject to availability in Portugal.

Leisure or business - using your EHIC in Portugal

Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will enable you to access state provided healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes free. It will cover you for treatment that is needed in order to allow you to continue your stay until your planned return. It also covers you for treatment of pre-existing medical conditions and for routine maternity care provided the reason for your visit is not specifically to give birth.

How to claim refunds

Reimbursements are claimed from the relevant branch of the Administracão Regional de Saúde.

If you have had to pay for the cost of your care and have been unable to claim a refund during your stay in Portugal you should contact the Overseas Healthcare Team (Newcastle) on 0191 218 1999 (Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm) on your return to the UK. However, this process will take longer than claiming for a refund in Portugal.

Living in Portugal

If you're receiving a UK state pension, or in receipt of long-term incapacity benefit, you may be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK. You will need to apply for an E121, which you should then present to the Portuguese health authorities.

However, if you move to Portugal to live but not work and do not receive a UK benefit, you may be eligible for up to two-and-a-half years of state healthcare cover, paid for by the UK. In this case, you will need to apply for an E106.

For more details on how to apply for an E121 or E106, visit the 'Moving abroad' section.

How to register your E121 or E106

In both cases, you will need to contact the relevant branch of the Administracão Regional de Saúde. Additionally, you might be asked to provide a copy of the original E121/ E106 and a proof of identity.

How to register with a GP

No information available

Working in Portugal

This section applies if you have been issued with an E106, your posting is for less than two years and you are using an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access healthcare.

How to register your E106

You will need to contact the relevant branch of the Administracão Regional de Saúde. Additionally, you might be asked to provide a copy of the original E106 and a proof of identity.