Elderly care is a growing priority in Portugal, given the country’s increasing aging population. With a combination of public and private services, the Portuguese healthcare system offers several options to ensure that seniors receive the care they need.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different facets of senior care in Portugal, from access to the National Health Service (SNS) to the costs of the elderly services, institutions and healthcare.
Portugal has a public health system, the National Health Service (SNS), which offers medical care to all legal residents throughout many public hospitals. In addition to the SNS, there are also many private hospitals and clinics offering a wide range of medical services.
The National Health Service (SNS) ensures that all members of the population have access to health care, irrespective of their socio-economic status. It provides an array of health services, including medical consultations, diagnostic tests, surgeries, rehabilitation treatments, and palliative care.
The initial step in utilizing the SNS is to register at a health center. To do this, simply present your ID card and tax number (NIF) at your local health unit. Then, a family doctor (médico de família) will be assigned to you.
You can schedule consultations and exams by contacting Saúde 24 (808 24 24 24). This number is available 24/7 and is completely free. You can also book through the SNS website or directly at your local health center.
It is crucial to note that while the SNS is free, certain services may require the payment of a moderating fee, which is contingent upon the type of service and the patient’s condition. For instance, minors, pregnant women and firemen are exempt from the moderating fee.
Any foreigner with legal residence in Portugal can obtain a “Número de Utente” (health number) and thus be entitled to medical assistance at SNS public facilities. The number is assigned the first time you visit a public health unit, such as a health center or hospital. You can also simply go the health center (Centro de Saúde) to request the number.
The private healthcare system in Portugal provides healthcare to individuals who choose to pay for this coverage. A variety of reasons justify this. Regarding health insurance, patients have the option to acquire it from insurance companies and private health operators.
This grants patients the autonomy to select the hospitals, specialists, and physicians they wish to receive treatment from. This enables more flexibility and control over health care in contrast to the public system, which is more restrictive regarding allocation of physicians and hospitals.
In comparison to the public healthcare system, the fees charged for consultations and procedures are very different. For example, a regular appointment in the private system can cost 100€ (or around ~20 if you have health insurance). But waiting times tend to be much shorter, which, when it comes to health, is a huge advantage, obviously.
Like mentioned, health insurance could be an advantage to assure some medical services, especially in the private sector. In Portugal, there are a number of different options for seniors that can be an effective way of guaranteeing a better quality of life as the years go by. Here are some of the most popular private insurances in Portugal:
Ageas Saúde Sénior is an insurance policy specially designed for those aged between 55 and 75. This insurance provides access to a range of cover and advantages in health services and has no age limit. Saúde Sénior also offers the Online Doctor service.
The Multicare 60+ has four plans that you can subscribe. Each one of them especially designed for people over 60+, with diverse medical services included.
Allianz Saúde 55 Mais gives access to a range of medical care services and assistance, adapted for every medical need, with the extra that you can include your spouse in your insurance.
Médis Saúde Vintage gives peace of mind knowing that you’re protected. You can join from the age of 55 and up to 75, and you have permanent support of health professionals every time you need.
With Tranquilidade Saúde +55 insurance, starting at €12/month, you save on major health costs, receive your doctor at home and access a network of specialists.
Before advancing to a private health insurance, do careful research because the age restriction for subscription is the initial consideration, particularly for the geriatric. Nevertheless, there are health insurance policies that do not impose age restrictions for enrolment and renewal, which is a critical asset for individuals over the age of 65. On the other hand, health insurance tends to be pricier for older people or those with pre-existing health conditions. It’s important to consider different options.
If you are planning to travel, it is advisable to purchase travel health insurance that covers medical emergencies, evacuations and other eventualities. If you’re moving to Portugal on a D7 Visa, for example, you must get private health insurance. This type of insurance can be purchased through many of the same insurance companies that offer regular health insurance. Some of the private companies that we listed, have different coverages, including travel health insurance.
There are several chronic diseases that are common in the elderly due to the natural aging process and risk factors accumulated throughout life, including diabetes, cancer, osteoarticular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, Alzheimer’s and dementia, for example. Portugal naturally offers treatment for a wide range of common diseases. These treatments are available both through the SNS and through private hospitals and clinics.
Be aware that, through the SNS, many treatments take way longer than through the private sector. If you have the means, it might be worth considering – depending on your situation, of course.
The variety of medical services doesn’t stop at the aforementioned diseases. Portugal also has numerous professionals in other areas, especially related to vision. Ophthalmic treatment, including eye examinations, glasses and contact lenses, is widely available. Costs can vary, but generally:
Depending on the treatment option, public or private, there are various partnerships and procedures that can be used, as long as they are underwritten by doctors in the area.
Another important point on elderly care is keeping the health up to date, so it is recommended to undergo regular examinations according to the age. The most common are:
There are many options for residential homes and day care centers for the elderly in Portugal, both public and private.
Day centers tend to be more affordable, but may have waiting lists. They offer basic health services, but it is important to check what types of care are available and included in the cost. Residential homes naturally offer more amenities and services, but are pricier. Prices can vary from 800€ to over 2000€ per month, depending on what’s included in your agreement.
Apart from these options, you can also choose home care services, where caretakers or specialized nurses come to your home to provide care, like cleaning your house and bathing you. This can be a viable option for seniors who want to stay in their homes but need some assistance with daily activities. In this case, prices can vary too, according to the hours and type of service needed.
Yes. There’s the support allowance for the main informal caregiver. The amount of the support allowance is equal to the difference between the sum of the income of the main informal caregiver and the reference amount of the allowance.
Many doctors and health professionals in Portugal speak English, especially in urban areas and in private hospitals. However, in more rural areas, it can be useful to have some knowledge of Portuguese or to bring a translator.
In any situation. Whether you’re living or traveling in Portugal, any foreigner who feels ill or needs any kind of health care is entitled to be seen in at a public health center or hospital.
Although the public and private health systems in Portugal have several differences, it’s important to clarify that you don’t necessarily have to choose between the two. You can have appointments in both – it’s completely fine.
No. If you can be inserted in any of the exemptions, then you’re exempt – as long as you’re legally residing in Portugal. Some cases of exemption: minors, pregnant people, people with a degree of disability equal to or greater than 60%; people in a situation of economic insufficiency and benevolent blood donors, for example.
Searching online, visiting homes and consulting with Social Security or private agencies can help you find the best option.
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