Healthcare in Portugal

Julien · 2012-05-16 15:03:14

Hi,

how does the healthcare system works in Portugal ? Is it efficient ?

What are the main differences between public and private sectors?

Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Portugal?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experience !

Julien

pigletinportugal · 2012-07-21 22:04:08

Hi Julien,

The Portuguese healthcare system used to be really good. However, due to the severe Austerity measures imposed by Brussels(cost cutting)many doctors, specialists and nurses were told they were no longer required, and basically made redundant to cut costs. In fact, our own centre de saude (Health centre) made 3 doctors redundant and now there is only one doctor available. Be warned many (most) of the doctors at local centres (depending on location) do not (wont) speak English.

We have private medical cover which I think was a requirement of residency (but dont quote me)We use the doctors surgery at the private hospital now. The cost of seeing a doctor privately is about 40 euros from memory for a prebooked appointment. These doctors are usually German or Dutch (from my experience) and speak EXCELLENT English. The cost of the Portuguese national doctors is now 5 euros per appointment and they may or may not speak English. You pays your money and takes your choice! (Some appointments are covered on your insurance; it really depends why you are seeing a doctor)

If you join an organisation called AFPOP (association for foreign residents in Portugal) you receive discounted health cover. www.afpop.com

I personally would not use the Portuguese healthcare system through choice as they are cutting costs and services. I used to think the Portuguese system was great and far better than the UK

If you are not a resident, perscription medicines can be very expensive as you will not receive discount.

Harmonie · 2012-07-23 11:47:20

Thanks for your contribution pigletinportugal! wink

Harmonie.

somabonus · 2012-10-22 19:50:39

I agree with pigletinportugal and I just want to say something more.

Unfortunately Portugal has really bad politicians ( well, they are just being perfect in this job of stealing money from tax payers just as all the others do, the problem is that the Portuguese politicians give nothing back ) who did destroyed the social security system and as told before no one suppose to trust the state health care system anymore.

The alternative is to subscribe insurance policies, buy private hospitals membership cards, politicians once again managed to create such a situation where now we can see many private hospitals around the area and 2012 and 2013 are the deadlines for performing what they ( and this is not only here, you will see the same happening everywhere bit a bit from now on ) have planned, which is push people to go to private health care while the state saves more money ( our money to be spent with the BCE and the BEI and FMI and Brussels have quite many other deep hole financial reasons to steal more money from tax payers everywhere in Europe, wait and see that coming in the next months ).

It is possible to find good prices from private hospitals but be very careful before you hire one of those, try to have a list of their doctors and find out about them first, what sort of cooperation protocols do they have with the different insurance companies and it´s policies, then make your choice.

Once again I have to say, before you agree with any private hospital ASK a writing letter from them with all terms and conditions, read them all and sign it up only after. I mean read those very tiny letters for nobody read, read it! Because you can change one or many paragraphs if you sit with the administrator or director of such hospital.

I can tell you exactly how to do it as I usually do it for many people, I do not charge for advice, I am totally against it.

Just one guideline to help you consider what is good and what is not.

In the central Algarve it is possible to find the perfect offer for both ages, over 65 years and below it.

Over 65 years old you can get membership card for € 10.00 per year and get in exchange 15% Discount in General Practice Appointments and Specialties like:

Emmergency Department;
Hospital (includes daily costs, anesthesia, operating room and recovery);
Exams ( X-Ray, Electrocardiography, Clinical Analysis Service);
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service;

But there is more that comes within this offer;

Below 65 years old it is possible to get 20% discount when you get the membership card for € 120.00 per year. Here again there is much more benefits included.

If we think about the national health care system ( state ) with all those changes implemented recently we have to simply forget it about, who´s going to put his / her own health care in this new reality´s "hands"?

As I usually say "it is enough one regular person to find disease in his life" while special people finds health, by making the right choices in life, food, rest, air, exercise, complimentary ways of balancing health in his / her body, visiting natural therapists, meditating, making long walks along the coastal areas, etc.

I hope this helped someone.

Christine · 2012-10-23 09:23:44

Hi somabonus,

Thank you for your contribution! smile

palmtree22 · 2013-01-22 01:35:56

One of the main reasons I have wanted to visit and possibly move there was that I was hoping to be able to get affordable health care as an expat, and that this health care would be good quality. After reading this and other posts on other websites, it sounds like those days might be over. Other websites say that expats are struggling with higher health care costs for poorer quality of care. This seems to be the trend worldwide.

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Healthcare in Portugal

#1 2012-05-16 15:03:14

Healthcare in Portugal

#2 2012-07-21 22:04:08

Re: Healthcare in Portugal

#3 2012-07-23 11:47:20

Re: Healthcare in Portugal

#4 2012-10-22 19:50:39

Re: Healthcare in Portugal

#5 2012-10-23 09:23:44

Re: Healthcare in Portugal

#6 2013-01-22 01:35:56

Re: Healthcare in Portugal

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