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Dan and Marie (for the sake of this story!) have decided to move to Portugal. These last few weeks, prior to arrival, have been hectic! The packing!! Just deciding on which of the vitamins to take with and which they’d trade for fresh vegetables and fruits instead, took them two days alone to decide! Luckily, they didn’t need to pack in all of their winter clothes. They figured that after all, temperatures on the Silver Coast don’t drop lower than 10 degrees Celcius! Right?!  

They are all set! Their flight is in three days-time, landing towards the weekend. Dan and Marie will dedicate the next couple of days to settling in their new place and they hope to call home soon to report that they have arrived safely and that all is well.  

They managed to get their SEF appointment in 3 weeks-time. But, when thinking about it, they suddenly realize that they still don’t have their health insurance issue sorted! The travel insurance was enough for their visa application. But now, a long-term health insurance solution is required.  Whilst still on that thought process, they started wondering about health in general. Somehow, with all these issues to think about and with all the documents to prepare, NIF, Visa application, opening a bank account, a long term rental agreement, furniture, money transfers, flights etc… they forgot about their own health.  

At least, the medications they had for the next couple of months. But these blood pressure pills of Dan’s…the pink ones (are they pink in Portugal as well?!). And what about Marie’s tablets for her thyroid – Levoxin (is this even available there?!)  But, first things first! Health insurance! A quick search on the web brought Marie to a number of results including such names as the likes of Fidelidade, Allianz, Médis, Multicare, MGEN,…etc…now, go figure out what works best for them!  

Please watch "Understanding and Using the Portuguese Health System" https://youtu.be/MHmwbcrbd9E

That looked like a good way to get their insurance concern solved.

Dan, always a party killer, said: “Right. So, we are going to have this fancy plastic insurance card. Then what?! I’ll never have my Dr. Stern in Portugal”. He remembered the good old family doc, that has been “his” for more than 23 years. “I’ll end up with some Dr. João, that will not speak a word of English. And my Portuguese doesn’t go far beyond “Obrigado” and “Bom dia.” 

Marie got back to worrying about the color of pills. (What if they aren’t pink, in Portugal?) “Dan will mix them all up! Need to get someone to ‘portugalize’ our meds”, was her thought. “As soon as we land, I’ll find a nice physician”. Her forehead started to fill with wrinkles. “Find where?! We don’t know anyone. And Facebook isn’t exactly the right place to share my medical concerns”. She did try that once. Got fifty responses with ninety opinions. Suddenly everyone is an expert!  “It can’t be that this topic was never discussed on the expats forums and communities” she said to herself. ‘Testimonials of health-related experience’ she Googled....Aha! Eureka!!   

Please watch "American Shares About Portuguese Healthcare" https://youtu.be/aN3cnLg5SMc

Health related concerns do not start and end with having a private health insurance. Having an insurance card provides only the first access to private clinics or hospitals. “But, where to go? Whom should I see? Who speaks English?” are only the first and basic questions that many do not think about. Why not keep it simple? 

Serenity is the supporting hand that you are looking for! We will always be there to help you navigate your way through your medical issues, concerns and through the health system labyrinth. Think of us as your private dedicated, day-to-day available concierge. 

The only number that you will ever need to remember when you have a question regarding healthcare in Portugal (save it to your phone now in case you forget) is +351 930 422 191.