Medicine & Veterinary Portugal

National Health Service (SNS)

Availability: All legal residents of Portugal, including immigrants with a valid residence permit, are entitled to SNS services.

Coverage: Basic medical services such as general practitioner consultations, specialized care, hospitalization, surgeries, maternity services, and emergency care.

 

Cost

Nominal fees: Although SNS services are heavily subsidized, small fees are charged for some services.

Exemptions: Certain population categories, including children, pensioners, and low-income individuals, are exempt from these fees.

 

Private Health Insurance

Advantages: Reduced waiting time for consultations and procedures; choice of doctor and medical facility; additional services including dentistry, ophthalmology, and alternative medicine.

 

Main insurance companies: Médis; Multicare; AdvanceCare; Allianz Portugal; Fidelidade.

International health insurance (covers medical expenses not only in Portugal but also in other countries): Cigna, Bupa Global, Aetna International.

National Health Service (SNS)

Registration: Visit the local health center where you reside and provide the necessary documents:

   - Passport or identification card.

   - Taxpayer number (NIF).

   - Proof of residence address.

After registration, you will receive an individual health user number, which allows you to access SNS services.

 

Provided Services

Primary healthcare: Family doctor consultations.

Specialized care: Referrals to specialists.

Inpatient treatment: Hospitalization and surgical interventions.

Diagnostic services: Laboratory tests, X-rays, MRI, and other examinations.

Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy and other recovery services.

 Medications: Discounted prices on prescription medications.

 

Main public hospitals

Hospital de Santa Maria (Lisbon)

Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João (Porto)

Hospital de São José (Lisbon)

Hospital de Braga (Braga)

Hospital de Faro (Faro)

 

Private Medical Institutions

 

Access methods

Private health insurance: It is recommended to have a policy that covers services in private clinics and hospitals.

Service payment: It is possible to pay for services directly, but it can be expensive without insurance.

 

Main private hospitals and clinics

Hospital da Luz (Lisbon)

CUF (clinic network throughout the country)

Lusíadas Saúde (Lisbon, Porto, Algarve)

Hospital Particular do Algarve (Algarve)

Hospital Trofa Saúde (network in Northern Portugal)

 

Useful tips

Language barrier: Many medical professionals speak English, but basic knowledge of Portuguese will facilitate communication.

Appointment booking: In public institutions, it is advisable to book in advance due to potential queues.

A key component of Portugal's healthcare system is the family doctor, who provides primary healthcare and refers patients to specialists when necessary.

 

Appointment of a family doctor

Automatic appointment: After registering at the local health center, a family doctor will be assigned to you in your health center.

Request to change doctor: If you wish to change doctors, you can submit a request to the center's administration.

 

Contact information

Health center phone number: You can find the number on the SNS official website or by visiting the center in person.

Working hours: Usually from 8:00 to 20:00, but they may vary.

 

Making an appointment with a family doctor

In person: Visit the health center and book an appointment at the reception.

By phone: Call the center and ask to make an appointment.

Online booking: SNS 24 portal: www.sns24.gov.pt; MySNS mobile app.

  

  

Referral to a specialist

The family doctor conducts a consultation and issues a referral to a specialist. The referral usually contains recommendations on choosing a hospital or clinic.

 

Appointment with a Specialist

Public institutions: in person, by phone, online (through the website).

Private clinics: You can make an appointment directly without a referral, but services will be paid or covered by private insurance.

 

Online Appointment with a Specialist

SNS 24 Portal: Allows you to track the status of your referral and schedule appointments.

Mobile apps: Some hospitals and clinics have their own apps for patient convenience.

Unified emergency number: 112: The call is free and can be made from any phone, including mobiles without a SIM card.

Language support: Operators speak Portuguese and English; a translator can be involved if necessary.

 

National Institute of Medical Emergency: responsible for coordinating and providing emergency medical services.

Ambulance: Ambulances with qualified medical personnel.

Medical motorcycles: For quick access in high-traffic areas.

 Air evacuation: Helicopters for remote or hard-to-reach areas.

 Psychological support: Crisis situation specialists.

 

Types of Emergency Medical Care

Emergency departments 

Urgência Polivalente: Departments in large hospitals equipped to handle any medical emergency situation.

Urgência Básica: Basic units for less serious cases.

 

Continuous Care Centers 

Functions: Provide medical assistance in non-emergency but urgent situations when the healthcare center is closed.

Operating hours: Usually operate at night and on weekends.

 

When visiting the emergency department independently

Upon arrival, a nurse will evaluate the condition and assign a priority:

red (highest), orange, yellow, green, and blue (lowest).

Waiting time depends on the assigned priority, not the arrival time.

 

Use of SNS 24 Service

Hotline: 808 24 24 24: Available 24/7; provides medical consultations and can refer you to the necessary medical facility.

Online portal: www.sns24.gov.pt – information about medical services and facilities.

 

Cost of Emergency Care

Small fixed fees for using emergency services.

Benefits and exemptions: Children under 18, pregnant women, low-income pensioners, and some other categories are exempt from charges.

 

Features for Foreigners

Legal residents: have the same rights to medical care as Portuguese citizens; a SNS user number is required.

Tourists and temporary visitors: EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC); citizens from other countries must have travel medical insurance or pay for services themselves.

Illegal immigrants: Have the right to emergency medical care without risk of being reported to authorities.

Public Laboratories

Referral: A family doctor after consultation may issue a referral for necessary tests or examinations.

Medical laboratories: With a referral from a doctor, you can go to public laboratories and diagnostic centers, usually located at hospitals or healthcare centers.

Appointment: in person, by phone, online.

 Result acquisition: Results can be accessed through your family doctor, in person at the facility, or through online portals (if available).

Private Laboratories

Without referral: Most private laboratories allow tests without a referral, however, some examinations require a doctor's referral.

Popular private laboratories: Joaquim Chaves Saúde; Unilabs; Synlab.

Appointment: in person, by phone, online.

Cost: Services are paid directly or through private medical insurance.

Pregnancy Registration

Family doctor: In the public system, the family doctor confirms the pregnancy and issues a referral to an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Private specialist: In private clinics, you can independently choose an obstetrician-doctor.

 

Necessary Documents

- Identification document: Passport or identification card.

- Social security number: Required for public institutions.

- Medical card: If available, with previous medical records.

 

Prenatal Check-ups and Examinations

In the public system: Regular visits to an obstetrician-gynecologist according to the established schedule; tests and ultrasounds are free or require minimal payment; childbirth preparation courses are often offered free of charge at health centers.

In private clinics: The possibility to choose a convenient time and place for examinations; extended examination packages, individual childbirth preparation programs.

 

Choosing a Hospital for Childbirth

State hospitals: Highly qualified medical staff and modern equipment; births are usually free for residents; your obstetrician-gynecologist will refer you to the chosen hospital where you will be registered for childbirth.

Private clinics: More comfortable rooms; childbirth costs are covered personally or through private insurance.

Popular private maternity hospitals: Hospital da Luz (Lisbon); CUF Descobertas Hospital (Lisbon); Hospital Lusíadas (Porto).

 

Documents for the Maternity Ward

- Identification document: Passport or identification card.

- Pregnant woman's medical card: With all prenatal examination records.

- Insurance card: If applicable.

 

Features for Immigrants

Staff: Many doctors and nurses speak English, especially in large cities.

Interpreters: Some institutions may provide an interpreter, or you can bring your own.

Illegal immigrants: Have the right to emergency medical care and basic maternal and child health services.

 

Partner Childbirth

In most public and private hospitals in Portugal, the practice of partner childbirth is allowed, but there are certain rules and requirements. In public hospitals, registration is not mandatory, but it is recommended to discuss this issue with the doctor in advance. Private clinics may have requirements for prior registration and medical examinations.

 

Vaccination

In Portugal, vaccination is not legally mandatory. However, it is strongly recommended by the Ministry of Health and medical professionals. All vaccines included in the National Vaccination Program are provided free of charge in public health facilities for all children, including newborns. Although vaccination is not legally compulsory, providing a vaccination card may be required when a child enrolls in kindergarten or school.

Vaccines for newborns: Hepatitis B; other early childhood vaccines: combined vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, hepatitis B) and Haemophilus influenzae; pneumococcal vaccine; MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella).

 

Recommendation: Don't hesitate to ask for help and ask questions of the medical staff—they are always ready to support you at every stage.

Notification of Local Authorities

If death occurs in a hospital or medical facility: In most cases, the hospital administration will independently notify the necessary authorities and begin the process of issuing a death certificate.

 

If death occurs at home or elsewhere

Call the police and emergency services: emergency number: 112.

The police will establish the initial causes of death; the doctor will confirm the fact of death and issue a medical death certificate.

 

Registering a Death Certificate

It is necessary to register the death at the local civil registry office where it occurred and obtain an official death certificate.

Necessary documents:

- The deceased's passport or identification document.

- Medical death certificate.

  

Notification of Embassy or Consulate: Contact the embassy or consulate of the deceased's country; they can provide assistance and information on repatriation procedures of the body or organizing a funeral in Portugal.

 

Funerals, Repatriation, Cremation

Funeral in Portugal: Funeral bureaus to help organize the ceremony and prepare the necessary documents.

Repatriation of the body to the homeland: Funeral bureaus specializing in international repatriation can organize the transport of the body or ashes.

Cremation: Permission for cremation is issued by the civil registration department or an authorized person at the hospital/morgue. The procedure is usually organized through a funeral home, assisting with documentation and the ceremony.

 

Notification of Other Institutions

Insurance Company: Contact the deceased's insurance company to file a claim for benefits or expense coverage.

Bank and Financial Institutions: Notify the bank to freeze accounts and prevent fraudulent transactions.

Employer: If the deceased worked in Portugal, notify their employer of the event.

Landlord or Utility Services: Notify about lease and services termination, if necessary.

 

Estate Management

Inheritance and Will: If there is a will, contact a lawyer or a notary to initiate probate proceedings.

Legal Consultation: It is advisable to consult a lawyer specializing in international inheritance law to resolve all matters.

 

Important Advice

It is recommended to seek professional help from lawyers and funeral homes to ensure compliance with all necessary procedures and respect for the memory of the deceased.

Mandatory Procedures for Pets

 

Microchip Identification: Mandatory for dogs, cats, and ferrets.

Timelines: The microchip must be implanted by the time the pet reaches 120 days (4 months) or before they leave the place of birth.

Registration: After microchip implantation, it is necessary to register the pet in the National Pet Information System.

How to Register: Visit a veterinary clinic for microchip implantation and registration.

 

Mandatory Vaccinations for Dogs

Rabies Vaccination: Mandatory for all dogs in Portugal.

Other Mandatory Vaccinations: In some high-risk regions, vaccination against Leishmaniasis may be recommended or mandatory.

 

Mandatory Vaccinations for Cats

Rabies Vaccination: Not mandatory for cats unless they travel outside of Portugal. However, vaccination is strongly recommended, especially if the cat has outdoor access.

 

Pet Passport

An official document containing information about the pet's vaccinations and health; required for travel within European Union countries; issued by a licensed veterinarian upon completion of all necessary procedures.

 

Features for Immigrants and Travelers

 

Requirements for Bringing Pets to Portugal:

  - Microchipping according to ISO 11784/11785 standard.

  - Rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before entry.

  - Possession of a pet passport or a veterinary certificate.

- Additional Procedures:

  - Some countries require a rabies antibody titer test.

  - Deworming for Echinococcus multilocularis for dogs from certain countries.

 

Travel Within the EU

- Pet Passport: Required for movement between EU countries.

- Vaccination Validity: All vaccinations must be up to date at the time of travel.

 

Useful Resources: European Union portal on traveling with pets: (https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/movement-pets_en).

Animal hotels are specialized facilities that offer temporary accommodation and care for pets, such as dogs, cats, and other small animals. They are an excellent solution for owners planning a vacation, business trip, or simply needing temporary care for their pet.

Services Offered by Animal Hotels

Accommodation: Individual or shared rooms for animals with comfortable conditions.

Feeding: Feeding according to the pet's diet and schedule.

Care and Hygiene: Regular walks, playtime, grooming, and nail care.

Medical Care: Some hotels offer veterinary services or have arrangements with local veterinarians.

Additional Services: Training, obedience classes, spa treatments, and even photoshoots.

 

How to Find an Animal Hotel in Portugal

Online Search: Use search queries in Portuguese, such as "hotel para animais" or "hotel para cães/gatos".

Online platforms: Websites and applications like PetHotel and Holidog offer a list of pet hotels.

Examples of popular pet hotels: Quinta dos Patudos (Lisbon); Hotel Canino e Felino da Maia (Porto); Pet's Inn Hotel (Algarve).

 

Animal shelters are organizations that rescue, rehabilitate, and place homeless or abandoned animals. They play a crucial role in animal rights protection and promote adoption by responsible owners.

How to contact shelters in Portugal

Online search: Use queries such as "abrigo de animais" or "associação de proteção animal".

National organizations: National Association for Animal Protection (ANIMAL); Portuguese League for Animal Rights (LPDA).

Local shelters: Many cities and regions have their own shelters and associations.

Useful tips

Advance booking: Pet hotels can be busy during holiday seasons; book in advance.

Visit the facility: Before choosing a hotel or shelter, visit it personally to assess the conditions.

Pet insurance: Consider obtaining veterinary insurance to cover unforeseen expenses. Many insurance companies offer pet policies (Fidelidade Pet, Allianz Pet Insurance).

Portugal is a country with deep traditions of respecting animals and strict laws aimed at ensuring their well-being.

Microchipping and registration are mandatory for dogs, cats, and ferrets.

Rabies vaccination is mandatory for dogs and recommended for cats. Comprehensive vaccination against major diseases is recommended according to veterinary guidelines.

Dog licensing

Annual license: All dogs over 6 months must have a license, which needs to be renewed annually. The license can be issued at the local municipality where the owner resides.

Breed restrictions: In Portugal, certain dog breeds, such as pit bull terriers, Rottweilers, and others, have restrictions. Additional requirements for these breeds include mandatory muzzling and leashing in public places; mandatory liability insurance; special licensing and owner certification.

Keeping animals in public places

Leash and muzzle: Dogs must be on a leash in public places. A muzzle is required for some breeds.

Cleaning up after pets: Owners are required to clean up their pets' waste. Violations can result in fines.

Dog parks: Many cities have special areas for walking and socializing dogs.

Transportation

Buses and trains: Small animals can travel in carriers. Restrictions may apply to large dogs.

Taxis: Not all taxis accept animals; it is recommended to check in advance.

Car: Animals must be provided with a secure place in the car, and the use of special harnesses or cages is recommended.

Access to establishments

Restaurants and cafes: By law, animals are prohibited inside establishments where food is served, but many places with terraces allow animals to stay outside.

Stores: Pet admission policies vary; look for signs or check with staff.

Hotels: Many hotels and guest houses accept guests with pets; check accommodation terms when booking.

Animal protection laws

Animal cruelty: The law strictly punishes animal cruelty, including fines and criminal liability.

Stray animals: The government and private organizations work to reduce the number of stray animals through sterilization and adoption programs.