Healthcare in Portugal for Expats: What to Expect in 2025

If you’re an American thinking about moving to Portugal, chances are you’ve wondered: Is the healthcare system good? Will I be covered? And how much does it cost?

The short answer: Portugal offers excellent, affordable healthcare, and healthcare in Portugal for expats is far more accessible than even full-fledged citizens in the U.S.

Here’s what you need to know.

Portugal Has a Two-Tier Healthcare System

Portugal’s healthcare is split into public and private systems, and expats often use both.

Public System (SNS – Serviço Nacional de Saúde):

• Funded by taxes, available to residents

• Offers basic and specialized care at very low cost

• Copays for most services are symbolic (e.g. €5–€10 per visit)

• Emergency care and hospital treatment are widely accessible

• Generally high quality—but with longer wait times for non-urgent services

  
  

Private System:

• Run through private clinics, hospitals, and insurance

• Short wait times and more personalized service

• Most doctors speak English

• Often used for routine care, diagnostics, and elective procedures

• Extremely affordable compared to U.S. standards

  
  

Most Americans living in Portugal choose to combine both—using the public system when needed, and maintaining a private health plan for convenience and speed.

What Does Private Insurance Cost?

Private health insurance in Portugal is surprisingly affordable—especially if you’re coming from the U.S.

Age Range	Monthly Premium (Estimate)
30s–40s	€30–€50/month
50s–60s	€50–€90/month
65+	€80–€140/month

Plans typically cover:

• General practitioner visits

• Specialist consultations

• Diagnostic tests

• Surgeries and hospital stays

• Emergency care

  
  

Some policies may have a waiting period for pre-existing conditions, so it’s wise to compare options. We recommend working with an independent broker or advisor who understands expat needs.

Will I Qualify for Public Healthcare?

If you become a legal resident of Portugal, such as through the Golden Visa, you’ll be able to register for the national healthcare system after getting your residency permit.

You’ll receive a health number (número de utente) and can begin using public clinics and hospitals just like a local.

Even before that, many private clinics offer pay-as-you-go services to non-residents at affordable rates (e.g. €60–€80 for a private doctor visit).

How Does It Compare to the U.S.?

Category	Portugal	United States
Monthly insurance cost	€50–€100 average	$500–$1,200+ average
GP visit (private)	€30–€60	$150–$300
ER visit (public)	Free or €10–€20 co-pay	$1,000+ without insurance
Prescription meds	Often subsidized	Often very expensive

Portugal also ranks well globally for health outcomes:

• 12th in healthcare quality (according to the World Health Organization)

• High life expectancy (83+ years)

• Strong focus on prevention, nutrition, and lifestyle wellness

The Emotional Side of Healthcare Abroad

For many Americans, the biggest relief is that they don't have to break into their savings for healthcare anymore which leads to real peace of mind.

Knowing that you won’t go bankrupt from a hospital visit… that you can get same-day care when needed… that your monthly premium is less than a single copay back home—it’s more than a practical benefit. It’s freedom.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re exploring a move to Portugal and wondering what kind of healthcare you’d qualify for, we can help.

We’ve guided Americans through the relocation process—from health insurance to residency permits and everything in between.