Healthcare System in Portugal
With the responses we received to the questionnaire we have created, we realized that the Health System in Portugal, especially in Lisbon, has not been efficient.
In the Public Health System you may encounter long wait times for certain procedures or specialists, completely different to the Privat Health System that offer reduced waiting lines. Lot of patience is needed.
Lisbon, like the rest of Portugal, has a mixed healthcare system with both public and private options, where the public system, the National Health Service (SNS), provides comprehensive and affordable services to residents and expats with legal residency.
It can find medical specialists through public health centers with referrals, or you can directly book appointments at private hospitals and clinics. Online directories, insurance networks, and recommendations from expat communities are also valuable resources for finding trusted specialists. With a variety of options available, accessing specialized medical care in Lisbon is convenient and efficient.
How to locate medical specialists in Lisbon:
1. Public Healthcare System (Serviço Nacional de Saúde – SNS)
If you are using the public healthcare system, the first step is to visit a Centro de Saúde (Health Center). You will need a Número de Utente (health user number) to access public healthcare services. At the health center, you can be associated with a family doctor (médico de família) who can provide referrals to specialists within the public system. These referrals are necessary for consultations with specialists in public hospitals, such as Hospital de Santa Maria or Hospital de São José.
While the SNS provides essential services, residents may need to pay a small portion of their medical costs, including contributions to doctor and specialist visits, hospital care, and prescriptions.
Keep in mind that
*wait times for specialist appointments can be long in the public system, so it’s a good idea to schedule appointments well in advance;
*Being associated with a family doctor can also take years.
2. Private Healthcare System
In the private sector, you can directly book an appointment with a specialist without needing a referral.
It’s always suggested to have private insurance. You can pay on your own with a monthly price, if you don’t have a job that already offers you.
Lisbon has several private hospitals and clinics known for their specialized medical services, including:
- Hospital da Luz – Offers a wide range of specialties and modern facilities.
- CUF Descobertas – Part of the CUF network, known for its advanced medical care.
- Hospital das Lusíadas – Renowned for its specialist consultations and high-quality care.
3. Online Directories and Platforms
There are several online platforms and directories where you can search for medical specialists in Lisbon:
- Doctoralia Portugal – A popular platform where you can find specialists, read patient reviews, and book appointments online.
- Saúde 24 – The official healthcare helpline (808 24 24 24) provides information about nearby specialists and healthcare facilities.
- CUF Online Portal and Hospital da Luz Website – These hospital websites allow you to search for specialists by name, specialty, or location and book appointments online.
4. Health Insurance Networks
If you have private health insurance, check the list of affiliated specialists and clinics included in your policy. Most insurance providers, such as Médis, Multicare, or Allianz, have online portals where you can search for in-network specialists by specialty and location.
5. Recommendations and Expat Communities
For expatriates or English-speaking patients, seeking recommendations from local expat communities can be helpful. Online forums, social media groups, and expat websites like Expat.com or Internations often provide reviews and personal experiences with medical specialists in Lisbon.
6. Embassies and Consulates
Embassies and consulates in Lisbon often maintain lists of recommended medical specialists who speak English or other languages. This can be particularly useful for expatriates or travelers seeking medical care in a language they are comfortable with.
