Portugal

Introduction 

Portugal’s healthcare system, known as the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), provides universal coverage for all legal residents in the country. This means that anyone legally residing in Portugal is entitled to public health insurance.

If you are staying in Portugal temporarily (for less than 90 days) and do not have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you will need to arrange for private health insurance to access medical services.

After residing in Portugal for more than 90 days, if you wish to continue using the public healthcare services, you must register as a legal resident and obtain an SNS user number.

Public health insurance in Portugal covers services such as visits to general practitioners and specialists (with a referral from a GP), mental healthcare, maternity care, dental care (for certain groups), and eye care. Some treatments and medications may require co-payments.

Medical Emergencies While Traveling in Portugal 

If you are from an EU/EEA country and are temporarily staying in Portugal (e.g., for up to 90 days), you can access medically necessary treatment in public hospitals with your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

However, if you are visiting Portugal solely for medical treatment, different rules apply. You can find more details on this in the “Seeking Treatment Abroad” section on our website.

Presenting your EHIC will grant you access to medical treatment on the same terms as Portuguese residents, meaning that most treatments will be free of charge.

If you do need to pay for some services, you can apply for reimbursement when you return home—though this does not apply to non-reimbursable co-payments required of local residents.

You cannot use your EHIC in private hospitals, and in such cases, you will need to cover the full treatment cost. However, you may be able to apply for reimbursement when you return to your home country.

Consider getting private health insurance during short stays in Portugal if you:

• Wish to access private healthcare and avoid reimbursement procedures.
• Want any potential co-payments to be covered.
• Are not entitled to an EHIC.

How to Register for the Portuguese Public Healthcare System 

To qualify for public health insurance in Portugal, you must be legally residing in the country (e.g., with a residence permit) and obtain an SNS user number.

This number is assigned when you visit a public health unit for the first time. You can also contact the facility to obtain the number even if you don’t need medical care at that time.

For more information on how to get the SNS user number, visit here.

If you’re planning to stay in Portugal long-term but have not yet registered your residence (for EU citizens) or obtained your residence permit (for non-EU citizens), you can apply for a temporary user number.

Once you receive your SNS user number, you can register at the health center in your residential area. For details on the registration procedure and necessary documents, click here.

To ensure your healthcare costs are covered by SNS, make sure the following information is linked to your registration:

• Identification document
• Portuguese tax identification number
• Full address in Portugal
• Valid residence permit

Access to Healthcare in Portugal 

The following outlines how various groups can access healthcare in Portugal:

1. Employed Individuals

If you are employed in Portugal, your employer will automatically register you with the Portuguese social security system, with contributions deducted directly from your salary. Your dependents living in Portugal will also be covered by SNS.

2. Self-Employed and Freelancers

As a self-employed individual, you are responsible for making your own social security contributions.

These payments should be made between the 10th and 20th of the month following the one they relate to (e.g., pay February contributions between the 10th and 20th of March). For more details on making contributions, visit here.

Certain categories of self-employed workers may be exempt from these contributions—learn more and find out how to apply for an exemption here.

Your dependents residing in Portugal will also be covered by SNS. If your spouse becomes self-employed, they must inform the Portuguese social security system.

3. Pensioners

If you are a pensioner residing in Portugal, you are covered by SNS.

Pensioners from other EU/EEA countries or Switzerland receiving their pension from abroad can access healthcare services in Portugal by requesting an S1 form from the country paying their pension and registering with SNS.

4. Students

Students coming to Portugal temporarily (e.g., for an exchange) from the EU/EEA or Switzerland can access medically necessary care using their EHIC.

Foreign students who are not entitled to an EHIC must obtain private health insurance for the duration of their studies in Portugal.

Students with a permanent residence permit (e.g., student residence) in Portugal are covered by SNS.

5. Posted Workers

If you are a posted worker from an EU/EEA country coming to Portugal, you can remain insured in your home country by obtaining an A1 form.

To access healthcare, you will need to apply for an S1 form, which grants the same medical benefits as Portuguese residents.

6. Remote Workers 

Remote workers from the EU/EEA entitled to an EHIC can access medically necessary care in public hospitals during short stays in Portugal.

Non-EU citizens planning to stay long-term must first obtain a Digital Nomad visa, which requires private health insurance.

7. Au Pairs

If you are an au pair in Portugal temporarily and hold an EHIC, you can receive medically necessary care in public hospitals.

If you are residing permanently as an au pair in Portugal, you are entitled to SNS coverage. Contributions are typically deducted from your pay automatically.

8. Unemployed and Low-Income Residents

If you are unemployed or have a low income in Portugal, you may still have access to SNS healthcare. You can apply for an exemption from social security contributions, known as a user fee waiver.

Exemption is granted if your household’s average monthly income is at or below one and a half times the value of the Social Support Index (in 2025, this index is €522.50).

You can apply for this exemption on the SNS website or in person at your local health center. You will receive a response within 10 days.

Last updated on 29 March 2025