Health cover for temporary visitors in Portugal (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: The EHIC covers care from public-system providers in Portugal, with doctors generally free of charge. Private healthcare, repatriation and planned treatment are not covered.

RuleWhat applies
Health cards acceptedUnplanned care during a temporary visitEHIC, GHIC [1]
What the card coversUnplanned care during a temporary visitCare under the Portuguese National Health Service, at public health centres and hospitals. Doctors are generally free of charge; a standard fee may be payable in hospital emergency without a referral (children up to 18 and pregnant women exempt). Medicines are partly paid by the state (10% to 85% of the price) and the rest is paid upfront. No reimbursement can be obtained during the stay. [2]
Private care coveredUnplanned care during a temporary visitNo [3]
Repatriation coveredUnplanned care during a temporary visitNo [3]
Planned treatment coveredUnplanned care during a temporary visitNo [3]
Body to contactUnplanned care during a temporary visitSNS 24 (National Health Service contact centre, 808 24 24 24) and the National Health Service website; 112 in an emergency. [2]

Notes

  • GOV.UK says UK visitors need a GHIC or an EHIC. The Commission country page covers the EHIC.
  • The Commission page also notes a limited number of public dental services with a standard fee, and that dialysis, oxygen and chemotherapy must be arranged before travel.
  • The Commission country page links a list of private providers with an agreement with the National Health Service, in addition to the list of public providers.
  • The EU pages state this for the EHIC in general: the card does not cover rescue or repatriation. The Commission page says ambulance transport in an emergency is part of the care provided by the treating hospital.
  • The Commission page lists the Instituto da Segurança Social, IP as contact for holders of EHICs issued in Portugal; it does not name a body that handles visitors' claims.

Sources

  1. GOV.UK (UK Government, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office): Health - Portugal travel advice (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. European Commission (Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion): Portugal - European Health Insurance Card (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  3. European Union (Your Europe): Health cover for temporary stays in another EU country (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

Compare all countries →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.