Health Care in Portugal

Portugal’s national health system tends to lean more toward the reactive than the proactive… when it comes to dealing with illnesses or medical conditions. Meaning that they put more emphasis on curing something than preventing it in the first place.

Doctors are generally trained to North American or European standards. Some are even foreign-born themselves. Many speak English, especially in the tourist destinations. Although that will not be the case in rural areas.

Most doctors divide their time between the SNS and private practices.

Some hospitals and health centers offer both private and state-provided health care. It is up to patients to inform them which service they need.

They often have separate surgery times for private patients and those treated under the state system.

Also, if they ask you to pay upfront, you are not being treated under the Portuguese health service. All hospital treatment in the state system requires referral from a doctor.