Portugal offers both public and private healthcare options, and most expats and digital nomads end up using a mix of the two depending on their situation.
The Public System (SNS)
Legal residents can access Portugal’s National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde), funded through taxes, offering free or low-cost care. Registration requires a local address and residency status, and wait times for non-urgent specialist care can be long, which is the main reason many expats supplement with private insurance.
Private Insurance
Private health insurance is popular among expats for faster access and English-speaking doctors, typically running €30–80/month depending on age and coverage level. It’s also a requirement for the D8 digital nomad visa application.
Quality of Care
Portugal’s healthcare system is generally well-regarded, with good outcomes by European standards, though the public system does face resourcing pressures common across Southern Europe. Private hospitals in Lisbon (like Hospital da Luz and CUF) are well-equipped and commonly used by the expat community.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmácias) are plentiful and pharmacists can often advise on minor ailments directly, a common and accepted practice in Portugal that can save an unnecessary doctor visit.
Emergency Care
Call 112 for any emergency. Hospital São José and Hospital de Santa Maria are major public hospitals in Lisbon with emergency departments.
The Bottom Line
For those on the D8 visa or planning a longer stay, private insurance is the practical default for reasonable wait times and English-speaking care, while the public system remains a genuine safety net for residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tourists need travel insurance in Portugal?
It’s not legally required for short visits but strongly recommended, as uninsured care outside the public system can add up, particularly for anything beyond a routine pharmacy visit.