How to Find a Doctor in Portugal: A Complete Guide for Expats and Travelers

Portugal offers high-quality, affordable healthcare, making it an attractive destination for expats, retirees, and digital nomads. Whether you need a general practitioner (GP), medical specialist, or emergency care, knowing how to navigate Portugal’s healthcare system is essential.

This guide covers everything you need to know about finding a doctor in Portugal, including public and private healthcare options, English-speaking doctors, costs, and telehealth services.

For virtual consultations, TravelDoctor EU provides fast, English-speaking telemedicine services.

Public and Private Healthcare in Portugal

How Does Portugal’s Healthcare System Work?

Portugal’s healthcare system consists of:

• The National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde – SNS): Provides low-cost or free healthcare for residents.

• Private Healthcare: Offers faster access to doctors and specialists but requires private insurance or out-of-pocket payments.

• Special Health Insurance Schemes: Available for certain professions.

Most public healthcare facilities are SNS-run hospitals and health centers (centros de saúde), while private healthcare providers operate independent clinics and hospitals.

Who Can Access Public Healthcare in Portugal?

Residents of Portugal who are registered with the SNS can access state healthcare services. Eligible individuals include:

• Portuguese citizens and legal residents

• Expats employed in Portugal and paying social security contributions

• EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) (valid for up to 90 days)

• Retirees receiving a Portuguese or EU pension

• Pregnant women, children, and students under 26

Non-EU visitors or expats without SNS coverage will need private health insurance for medical care.

For English-speaking telehealth services, visit TravelDoctor EU.

Finding a Doctor in Portugal

How to Find an English-Speaking Doctor in Portugal

Although many doctors in Portugal speak basic English, it may be challenging to find a fluent English-speaking doctor, especially in rural areas.

To locate an English-speaking doctor in Portugal:

• Check private hospitals and international clinics in major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.

• Use embassy resources (the American and British embassies provide lists of English-speaking doctors).

• Look for private healthcare providers catering to expats.

• Book a telemedicine consultation with TravelDoctor EU.

How to Register with a Doctor in Portugal

To register with a state-funded doctor, visit your local health center (centro de saúde) and provide:

• Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF)

• Residence Permit

• Social Security Number (if applicable)

After registration, you’ll receive an SNS healthcare number, allowing you to book doctor’s appointments and access public healthcare services.

For private healthcare, simply book an appointment directly with a private clinic or hospital.

Booking a Doctor’s Appointment in Portugal

How to Schedule a Doctor’s Visit

You can book a public healthcare appointment through:

• Your local health center (in person or by phone)

• SNS online portal (for some locations)

For private healthcare, appointments can be made:

• Directly through private hospitals and clinics

• Online booking platforms

Walk-in appointments are possible but may involve long wait times.

For immediate medical consultation, book a virtual doctor’s appointment with TravelDoctor EU.

Specialist Doctors and Medical Tests in Portugal

Seeing a Medical Specialist in Portugal

If you need to visit a specialist doctor (dermatologist, cardiologist, gynecologist, etc.), you can:

• Get a referral from your SNS general practitioner (for state-funded specialist care).

• Book directly with a private specialist (without a referral).

Public healthcare specialists often have long wait times, while private specialists offer faster services but require private insurance or out-of-pocket payments.

Medical Tests and Prescriptions

Doctors in Portugal can prescribe medications and order medical tests such as:

• Blood tests and lab work

• Ultrasound, X-ray, and MRI scans

• Cardiac exams (ECG, Holter monitoring, etc.)

Prescriptions are available from pharmacies (farmácias), with state-subsidized medication discounts ranging from 15% to 90%.

Emergency Medical Services in Portugal

What to Do in a Medical Emergency

For life-threatening emergencies, dial 112 for an ambulance.

For urgent but non-life-threatening conditions, visit:

• Public hospital emergency departments (Urgências hospitalares)

• Private hospitals with 24/7 emergency care

Emergency treatment is free for SNS-registered patients, but private facilities charge fees.

For non-urgent medical issues, consider virtual consultations with TravelDoctor EU.

Private Healthcare in Portugal

Why Choose Private Healthcare?

Many expats opt for private healthcare due to:

• Shorter wait times for doctor’s appointments and specialists

• More English-speaking medical professionals

• Higher-quality medical facilities

Private medical costs vary, but typical fees include:

• GP consultation: €40–€70

• Specialist consultation: €80–€150

• One-night hospital stay: €200+

Private health insurance helps cover costs for expats, retirees, and non-EU visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I find an English-speaking doctor in Portugal?

Check private hospitals, international clinics, or embassy resources. For telemedicine consultations, visit TravelDoctor EU.

Do I need private health insurance in Portugal?

If you aren’t eligible for SNS public healthcare, private insurance is required. Many expats and digital nomads prefer private healthcare for faster access.

Can I book a doctor’s appointment online?

Yes, many private hospitals and clinics offer online booking. Some public health centers allow online SNS appointment scheduling.

Do I need a GP referral to see a specialist?

Yes, for public healthcare. However, private healthcare specialists don’t require a referral.

What should I bring to my doctor’s appointment?

Carry your ID, NIF, SNS healthcare card (if using public healthcare), private insurance details, and any relevant medical records.

Key Takeaways

• Portugal has an excellent public healthcare system, but private healthcare offers faster services and English-speaking doctors.

• Public healthcare is free for residents but requires SNS registration.

• Expats and visitors often prefer private healthcare for specialist access and shorter wait times.

• Emergency medical care is available 24/7, with 112 as the emergency number.

• Telemedicine services like TravelDoctor EU provide convenient online consultations.

For virtual doctor appointments, visit TravelDoctor EU.