Your Medical Concierge in Portugal
Your Medical Concierge in Portugal
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One of the most frequent asked questions is...
Am I eligible for health insurance in Portugal?
Wondering how to navigate healthcare in Portugal? This guide walks you through the first steps, your eligibility, and the essential tools that will open doors to medical care. Everything you need to know is right here!
If something is unclear or missing, don’t hesitate to contact us. Your feedback helps us improve and serve you better.
The easiest way to get blood tests in Portugal is through the numerous private laboratories found across the country. Most of these labs work with both private insurers and the National Health System (SNS - Serviço Nacional de Saúde).
To have blood work done, you will need a medical referral.
If your referral comes from a public sector family doctor, the tests are either free or have minimal costs. However, if you use private insurance, expect a co-payment of approximately €1.50 per test.
When we talk about client experience in healthcare, we refer to the entire journey, focusing on one key question: How did we make our patient feel? Language barriers or cultural differences may sometimes lead to a less-than-perfect experience with the Portuguese healthcare system. But don't worry — we’re here to help you navigate and overcome these challenges.
Overall, the standard of medical professionals in Portugal is high (see Quality). Many doctors work in both the public and private sectors, making them quite busy, yet they maintain a consistently high level of expertise across both settings.
In Portugal, doctors are sometimes referred to as "gods" — meaning they can be seen as distant, authoritative figures, not always open to discussing treatment options or second opinions. Our mission is to connect you with physicians who engage with you on equal terms — and in English!
These conditions would be classified as "preexisting" (prior to your enrollment in the insurance plan) and, in most cases, will be excluded from coverage. However, it’s important to remember that having a preexisting condition doesn’t mean you can’t get private insurance—only that this specific condition won’t be covered.
When requesting a proposal from an insurance company, it's crucial to seek professional advice—preferably from a medical expert. Fully understanding the long-term implications of policy exclusions is essential!
One of the major challenges in the Portuguese healthcare system is that nearly 2 million people lack access to a family doctor. For everyday medical needs—such as advice, chronic prescriptions, preventative care, and referrals—many are left seeking alternatives.
In response, we’ve developed an exclusive solution for our members, providing a viable alternative to meet these essential healthcare needs.
Most commonly prescribed medications are readily available in Portugal, though the brand name or dosage may differ. Nevertheless, the medication you need is almost always accessible. Medication prices are generally low, and when prescribed with your SNS (National Health System) number, the cost is often minimal. To obtain non-over-the-counter (OTC) medications in Portugal, you will need a valid medical prescription.
If you didn’t find an answer to your question in this section, please do not hesitate to ask us directly.
When it comes to health insurance, it’s important to fully understand the details of your policy, no matter which plan you choose. What does it cover? Are there waiting periods? What exclusions apply? These factors are crucial for maximizing your insurance benefits and avoiding unexpected out-of-pocket expenses for medical services.
Joining a “Health Plan” if you prefer not to invest in medical insurance, Portugal offers a wide range of "health plans." However, it’s important to understand that these plans only provide discounts at specific clinics. You will still be paying out of pocket for services.
Essential Tools for Interacting with Health Providers, Pharmacies, and Insurers:
When using public healthcare services, be prepared for potentially long waiting times.
Portugal does not have a unified medical record system. This means that your medical history is stored separately in each hospital or clinic you visit. Recognizing the importance of organized and accessible medical information, we have developed a Personal Medical Record exclusively for our clients. This ensures that your health data is efficiently filed and readily available when needed.
The “Número de Utente,” or SNS Number, is your registration number with the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), Portugal's National Health Service. This number is essential for accessing the full range of public healthcare services. Once you are registered, your SNS number unlocks access to medical care throughout the public system, including consultations, treatments, and medications.
Only thing you will regret… is not having known about our services before.
Portugal offers a broad network of private clinics, hospitals, and diagnostic facilities. Many of these establishments accept insurance, but it's important to note that even if the facility is covered by your insurer, the specific doctor you see may not be. To avoid unexpected costs, always confirm these details when scheduling your appointment.
Portugal consistently ranks between 12th and 15th globally for the quality of its medical care. This is great news, as it means the doctors you will encounter are highly trained and stay up-to-date with the latest medical advancements.
At Serenity, we recognize that the reception area can often be a busy and pivotal part of the patient experience. While processes may take some time and English may not always be spoken fluently, the staff are there to assist you to the best of their ability. With patience and understanding, your experience can be smooth, and in many cases, pleasantly efficient.
At Serenity, we're here to guide you through every aspect of healthcare in Portugal. Whether you're making important clinical decisions, seeking reliable advice about your health, or navigating the complexities of the Portuguese healthcare system, you can count on us. With Serenity by your side, you'll always have the support you need—just one call away.
In cases of trauma, accidents, or any emergency, you will be treated immediately at the nearest hospital, which is typically a public facility. Emergency care is always provided without delay, regardless of your registration status with the National Health System (Número de Utente). For your safety, please note that Portugal's national emergency number is 112.
Your insurance card serves as your payment method at private clinics or hospitals that accept your insurance. You can freely schedule appointments without needing a medical referral. However, referrals are typically required for services such as lab tests, imaging studies, and medical procedures.
Here are some typical costs for private healthcare services in Portugal:
Imaging studies, such as X-rays, can be done at public or private hospitals or specialized private imaging clinics. These exams must be prescribed by a physician. When undergoing an imaging study, remember to request a copy of the disk containing your images and ask when you can expect the results. Some clinics may only send the results directly to the referring physician, but it’s important to insist on receiving both the images and the report for your personal records.
At Serenity, you and your family are at the heart of everything we do. We take a patient-centered approach, always focusing on what’s best for you, ensuring that your care is personalised, compassionate, and designed to meet your unique needs.
This guide was created with complete neutrality toward service providers. However, we maintain a network of trusted connections and partners, which we will leverage to your benefit whenever needed. Unbiased Guidance, Trusted Connections.
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