Ferragudo, Portugal

According to the 2019 WHO Health Care Report, Portugal ranks 12th out of 190 for health care, which sums up the country’s health care provision quite well. Portugal’s state health care system, which is paid for by taxes, is typically available to all residents in Portugal, but many expats take out private health insurance as well.

For U.S. and other non-EU citizens, you will need private health insurance for your visa entry, but if you gain residency and live here, you can access the state system.

Prices for private health insurance range from several hundred euros per year up to (or even over) 3,000 euros per year. Costs depend on many factors, including your age, overall health, and any previous or current conditions. Depending on your policy, you may still have to pay a small percentage of the costs for treatment. In Portugal, private hospitals do not have facilities for all treatments, and depending on your condition, you may still need to go through the state health care system.

In the state system, you can register with your local health center, but because of staffing issues across the Algarve, you’re unlikely to be registered with an actual doctor. If you need to see a doctor, most health centers run a type of triage system: you turn up first thing in the morning, tell the receptionist what’s wrong, and depending on the numbers for the day, you’re most likely to be seen that morning or given an appointment to return in the afternoon.

Longer waiting times occur if you need to see a specialist, and waiting times of over a year are sadly common. This is where people resort to the private system. The private system also means that you’re more likely to meet with an English-speaking doctor. Although English is widely spoken, especially by those more senior in the health care industry, this isn’t always the case. Private hospitals tend to have doctors who can speak several languages.

Lagos, Portimão, and Faro all have state hospitals, which also cover emergencies. Smaller private clinics and hospitals are found across the Algarve.

The AFPOP group charges an annual membership of 85 euros (single) or 100 euros (couple), and membership entitles you to discounted health-insurance policies. From Ferragudo, your local centro de saúde (health center) will be in nearby Lagoa. This is an excellent state-run facility, with staff who will usually speak some English.

Dental clinics are found across the Algarve, and unless you are covered under your private health insurance, you will pay per visit. Prices are reasonable: 50 euros for a check-up and polish, 60 euros for a basic tooth extraction. A bridge implant costs around 1,000 euros. Many dentists speak English.

Opticians are not cheap. Some people travel to the U.K. on a cheap flight for a weekend, get their eyes tested, pick up glasses, and return to Portugal while still spending less than they would have locally. Expect to pay 25 euros for a thorough eye test. A pair of basic reading glasses costs around 150 to 180 euros, and complex varifocals around 700 to 900 euros (more for designer frames).