PORTUGAL | Emergency | Cultural information
Healthcare in Portugal
All Portuguese citizens have the right to healthcare and are entitled to basic, preventive, treatment and hospitalisation services. This health service is secured by the SNS (National Health Service) through the National Social Security system. This service is financed through the social security contributions made by Portuguese citizens and by the State. Most health services provided for by public health institutions (health units, health centres, hospitals) are subject to a symbolic payment. For example, a doctor’s appointment at a health centre may cost approximately 2.15 € or going to the emergency ward may cost 8.50 €. Hospital stays cost approximately 10.00 € per day up to a maximum of 10 days. After this period, it is free of charge.
All nationals from the EU, EEA and Switzerland can benefit from the same healthcare services provided in public health institutions as Portuguese citizens provided that they contribute to the national social security system or are holders of the European Health Insurance Card during their stay in Portugal.
More information about the SNS or EHIC can be consulted at the following sites:
Apart from public health institutions, there are semi-public and private health institutions in Portugal. Whereas, in semi-public institutions there may be some health services that are paid for by the State, in private institutions you will have to pay for the total expenses of the health services provided. At a later date, you can request partial reimbursement of the expenses incurred through the SNS or, alternatively, you may have private health insurance to pay for these expenses. Health services provided for by private institutions can be quite expensive.
Pharmacies/Chemists
Opening hours are:
Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sunday and night service is available and mandatory in case of emergencies. Check at any local pharmacy/chemist for more information.
In all pharmacies/chemists it’s possible to have certain tests done, such as, to check your blood-sugar levels or get your blood pressure taken. You can also get vaccinated at pharmacies/chemists.
For more information about openning hours and services provided by pharmacies/chemists you can check out the following sites:
Pharmacies that don’t require prescriptions
In Portugal there are now pharmacies/chemists that don’t require prescriptions for a variety of medicines. Apart from medicine and other healthcare products there are other products you can buy, such as, cosmetics, creams, baby products and natural products.
Important information and documents
It’s suggested that you get health insurance before your departure to another country. You should keep a copy of your health insurance in case of loss.
Once you’ve arrived in the host country you should register at the health centre in the place where you will be living during your stay, so as to facilitate the process in case you need any medical assistance.
You should write down the contacts for the Embassy and/or Consulate of your country of origin closest to you in the host country.
It’s recommended that you photocopy your identity card and/or relevant pages of your passport in case of loss or if it is stolen.
You should write down the hotline number of your bank in case your debit and/or credit cards are lost or stolen.