HEALTHCARE INSURANCE IN PORTUGAL
SEGURO DE SAÚDE EM PORTUGAL
Although access to healthcare is guaranteed by the National Health System (SNS), having a “número de utente” may not always suffice to avoid additional charges. Currently, only individuals with a residence permit can access several healthcare services free of charge. Moreover, obtaining a doctor’s appointment in the public sector has become increasingly challenging. As a result, the private sector is often seen as a more viable option due to shorter waiting times.
However, private care comes with a cost, making health insurance a valuable consideration for those who choose or need to use private healthcare facilities.
WHAT IS IT?
Health insurance is a financial product that covers medical expenses, ranging from consultations and exams to hospitalizations and surgeries. Unlike the SNS, which is publicly funded, health insurance offers faster and more personalized solutions. There are several types of plans, including:
- Reimbursement Plans: The client pays for services upfront and is reimbursed later.
- Network Plans: The client uses services within a network of providers, benefiting from reduced or zero-cost prices.
- Mixed Plans: A combination of reimbursement and network approaches.
HEALTH INSURANCE PROVIDERS IN PORTUGALSeveral insurance companies in Portugal offer tailored health plans. Below are some of the main providers and their features | |
|---|---|
| Médis |
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| Multicare |
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| AdvanceCare |
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| Allianz |
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| Fidelidade |
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Health Insurance
While health insurance offers quick access to medical care, freedom to choose private doctors and clinics, and coverage for expensive treatments, it also comes with disadvantages. These include additional costs like premiums and co-payments, certain exclusions such as pre-existing conditions, and the necessity to thoroughly analyze the terms and conditions of the contract. To avoid any misunderstandings, it is crucial to carefully read all details, as critical information might otherwise be overlooked.
How to Choose the Ideal Health Insurance?
To choose the best health insurance, consider the following factors:
- Personal Needs: Age, medical history, and desired types of coverage.
- Provider Network: Ensure preferred hospitals and clinics are included.
- Budget: Assess the cost-benefit of the plans.
It is advisable to use the simulation tools provided by each health insurance company to find the best fit according to your personal needs, financial possibilities, and medical history. Additionally, it is crucial to read all terms and conditions carefully, as important details might be overlooked.
COMMUNITY TIPS & LEARNING
🗞️ NEWS TO BE AWARE OF?
- The Government approved two structuring legislative documents for the modernization of the National Health Service. It generalizes the Local Health Units (ULS), creating 31 new ULS, which integrate hospitals and health centers under a single management. The country will now be entirely covered by 39 ULS.
- Like many other countries in Europe and around the world, Portugal is experiencing a shortage of doctors. The SNS is understaffed at the local level and the wait for a family doctor can sometimes be quite long. Each doctor has a limited number of patients they can take on and there is often a wait-list in some municipalities that can take well over a year to get the first appointment.
When not assigned to a family doctor at the local Centro de Saúde, you can only get a minimum level of services such as pregnancy consultations, urgent family planning, acute situations, renewal of temporary disability certificates, chronic prescription renewal, and vaccinations.
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