Expat Healthcare in Portugal

Published on October 2, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Portugal is an increasingly popular destination for expatriates, particularly for its quality of life and pleasant climate. But what about healthcare in this country? This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Portuguese healthcare system, with a special focus on options available for expatriates.

A High-Performing Healthcare System Serving Expatriates

Portugal has a quality public healthcare system, the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), which offers universal coverage to all legal residents of the country, including expatriates. This system is recognized for its performance, with Portugal ranking 12th in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ranking of the best healthcare systems worldwide.

Expatriates legally residing in Portugal have access to the SNS on the same basis as Portuguese citizens. To benefit from it, simply register at the local health center and obtain a user number (número de utente). This process typically requires:

• An identification document
• Proof of residence
• A Portuguese social security number

Once registered, the expatriate can access a wide range of healthcare services, including:

• Consultations with general practitioners and specialists
• Hospital care
• Medical exams and laboratory tests
• Basic dental care
• Prescription medications (with a financial contribution)

It’s important to note that while most services are free or heavily subsidized, some require small co-payments (taxas moderadoras). These amounts are generally modest, and many groups are exempt, including children under 18, pregnant women, and low-income individuals.

Healthcare Budget in Portugal: Controlled Costs for Expatriates

One of the major advantages of the Portuguese healthcare system for expatriates is its relatively low cost, especially compared to other European countries or the United States. Medical expenses in Portugal are generally much lower, whether in the public or private sector.

In the public system (SNS), most services are free or require only a small co-payment. For example:

• A consultation with a general practitioner may cost around €5
• An emergency room visit may cost around €15
• Diagnostic exams and laboratory tests have variable but generally moderate costs

For the private sector, although costs are higher, they remain reasonable compared to other countries. Here are some examples of average costs:

• Consultation with a general practitioner: €50-70
• Consultation with a specialist: €80-120
• Dental cleaning: €25-50
• MRI: €200-400

For expatriates wanting more comprehensive coverage or faster access to care, subscribing to private health insurance is a popular option. The costs of private health insurance vary depending on age, chosen coverage, and provider, but one can expect monthly rates ranging from:

• €25-50 for basic coverage
• €50-100 for medium coverage
• €100-300 or more for comprehensive coverage

It’s important to note that these costs are generally much lower than those in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, or even France.

The Best Private Clinics in Portugal: Medical Excellence Serving Expatriates

Although the Portuguese public healthcare system is of good quality, many expatriates choose to supplement their coverage with private care to benefit from shorter wait times and more personalized services. Portugal has a network of high-level private clinics offering international quality care. Here is a selection of the best private clinics particularly appreciated by expatriates:

1. Hospital da Luz (Lisbon)

Considered one of the best private hospitals in Portugal, Hospital da Luz is renowned for its medical excellence and state-of-the-art equipment. It offers a wide range of medical and surgical specialties, as well as advanced diagnostic services.

2. CUF Hospitals (multiple cities)

The CUF group manages a network of hospitals and clinics across Portugal, known for the quality of its care and multilingual staff. Their facilities in Lisbon and Porto are particularly popular with expatriates.

3. Hospital Lusíadas (Lisbon, Porto, Algarve)

With facilities in several major cities, Lusíadas offers high-quality care in many specialties. Their center in Lisbon is particularly renowned for its emergency services and intensive care units.

4. Hospital Particular do Algarve (Algarve)

For expatriates residing in the Algarve region, this hospital offers comprehensive medical services with staff fluent in English and other foreign languages.

5. Clínica do Tempo (Lisbon)

Specializing in anti-aging and aesthetic medicine, this clinic is internationally recognized for its innovative treatments and holistic approach to health.

These private clinics typically offer:

• State-of-the-art medical equipment
• Highly qualified and often multilingual medical staff
• Reduced wait times for consultations and procedures
• A more personalized approach to care
• Additional services like comfortable private rooms

It’s important to note that access to these private clinics is generally facilitated by subscribing to private health insurance. Many expatriates choose to combine using the public system for basic care with access to private clinics for specialized care or emergencies.

Conclusion: A Reassuring Healthcare System for Expatriates in Portugal

The Portuguese healthcare system offers excellent value for expatriates. Whether through the public SNS system or via high-level private clinics, expatriates can benefit from quality care at reasonable costs.

The combination of a high-performing public system and a quality private sector makes Portugal a particularly attractive destination for expatriates concerned about their health. Controlled costs, both for care and health insurance, allow for peaceful management of the healthcare budget.

However, it is recommended that expatriates thoroughly research their options and consider subscribing to private health insurance to benefit from optimal coverage and facilitated access to the country’s best clinics.

Ultimately, the Portuguese healthcare system greatly contributes to the high quality of life enjoyed by expatriates in this Mediterranean country, offering the peace of mind necessary to fully enjoy their new life in Portugal.