What are the healthcare systems in place in Portugal?
Portugal has a very developed and well-organized health system that offers affordable and accessible medical care to everyone, whether you are a resident or simply come to enjoy a stay in the territory.
Portugal has a national network called Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), or National Health Service, which provides comprehensive coverage for most medical services to Portuguese residents. Everyone has access to all primary and specialized care, including hospital treatment in the event of a life-threatening or surgical emergency.
Patients may also visit their own private practicing healthcare professionals if deemed more appropriate for their needs.
All about the health system in Portugal
The majority of costs associated with the public service will be reimbursable on demand through a public health insurance SNS Card, which allows eligible persons to obtain up to 80% reimbursement costs on certain commonly used treatments such as general visits to a doctor. treating.
In addition, there are different types of additional insurance available so that you can be protected against certain risks not covered by basic insurance (sports accidents, international travelers etc.) These additional structures often allow better financial protection against certain costs. unforeseen medical conditions such as care requiring a long treatment period or unexpected treatment following a serious accident.
More about health insurance in Portugal
Finally, thanks to the system put in place since 2011, each patient now has their Electronic Health Card (Cartao do Cidadão or Citizen’s card). It brings together all important information concerning your social/medical/tax status and facilitates quick access to the necessary medical data (no need to register additional papers during a medical consultation).
The health system for expatriates or travelers
Portugal is a very welcoming country for expatriates and offers excellent medical coverage. The Portuguese healthcare system was designed to provide affordable healthcare to everyone who needs it, whether they live in Portugal or are traveling there temporarily.
European citizens can benefit from health insurance free of charge thanks to agreements between their own respective governments and that of Portugal. For non-EU citizens, there are several options available to get good global coverage without having to pay too much.
Major sources of international health insurance include Association International Health Insurance (AIHI), Mutualité Européenne (EM) and Global Care Medical Services Ltd., which offer plans to suit varying budgets. These insurances generally allow policyholders to choose the exact type of services they will need during their stay in Portugal.
“Centros de Saude” health centers
It is in a Centro de Saude that you will have to go for various basic and general care. In the same way as a general practitioner, this center deals with routine care (routine consultation, vaccination, nursing care, etc.)
When you register at the Health Centre, you will be assigned a “family” doctor. This doctor will be responsible for accompanying all the members of your family who are registered with you in the same centre.
Information: If you need to make an appointment with a healthcare professional who works in a hospital setting, an appointment will be given to you within 72 hours.
In the event of a specific problem, it is this center and your family doctor who can refer you to a specialist (paediatrician, cardiologist, ophthalmologist, gynecologist, etc.). The consultation by a specialist must first be prescribed by prescription.
The “Serviço de Atendimento”, in case of emergency
Before going to the emergency room, it is advisable to call the special emergency screening number SAÚDE 24 (Portugal: 808 24 24 24). It allows you, among other things, to be referred by professionals and to be given priority when you arrive at the hospital.
Information: When the delay is greater than 3 months for admission to a hospital, the patient has the right to consult a private clinic approved by the Ministry of Health.
Finally, Portugal has, like all countries of the European Union, the emergency number 112.
The cost of the health system in Portugal
Health centers are accessible to all and are generally paid for by user fees except for certain profiles such as pregnant women or women who have just given birth and children under 12 years old.
Medicines prescribed by the Health Center can be purchased by prescription at any pharmacy.
For the reimbursement of health care, the State provides between 15% and 90% of the financing of drugs that appear on the official lists of health services. Additional 10% reimbursement for generic drugs.
Information: everyone has access to medical care According to the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, everyone in Portuguese territory has the right to receive medical care if necessary. Decree No. 360/2001 of the Ministry of Health stipulates that even foreigners in an irregular situation in the country can receive their treatment.
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