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Healthcare

SNS, S1 form & private insurance

Healthcare

SNS, S1 form & private insurance

This chapter is for informational purposes only. Always consult a professional.

Sources: sns.gov.pt | seg-social.pt | cak.nl

The Portuguese Healthcare System (SNS)

Portugal has a national health system (SNS - Serviço Nacional de Saúde) that provides free or almost free basic care to all registered residents. The quality is generally good, but waiting times for specialists can be long.

Registering with the SNS

  • Go to your local Centro de SaĂşde with NIF, passport, residence permit
  • You will receive a NĂşmero de Utente (patient number)
  • Assignment of a general practitioner (mĂ©dico de famĂ­lia) — there may be a waiting time
  • SNS 24 (808 24 24 24) for telephone medical advice

S1 Form (EU Citizens)

The S1 form entitles EU pensioners to SNS care, paid by the home country. Apply at the CAK (Netherlands). Bring it to the Centro de SaĂşde when registering.

Applying for S1 at CAK

Request the S1 form from the CAK BEFORE your departure from the Netherlands. This entitles you to full Portuguese healthcare. Without S1 you may need to take out private insurance.

Private Healthcare

ProviderTypeCost/month
Multicare (Fidelidade)Most popular, broad network€30–€100
Médis (Ageas)Good hospital coverage€35–€120
AdvanceCareFlexible plans€30–€90

Private consultations: general practitioner €40–€70, dentist €30–€50, specialist €60–€120. Medicines are 30-60% cheaper than in the Netherlands.

Mental Healthcare

Emigration can be emotionally challenging. Portugal offers various options for mental healthcare: • SNS: Free psychological help via GP referral • Private psychologist: €40–€80/session • Online therapy: Platforms like BetterHelp, Talkspace (in English/Dutch) • Expat support groups: Facebook groups, local meetups • SOS Voz Amiga: 213 544 545 (listening line)

Pharmacy (Farmácia)

Portuguese pharmacies offer excellent service and advice. Many medicines that require a prescription in the Netherlands are freely available here. Each region has an on-duty pharmacy (farmácia de serviço) for evenings/nights/weekends. • Prescription: receita médica — digital or paper • Generic medicines: standard prescribed, 30-60% cheaper • Subsidy: 15-90% reimbursement depending on category • On-duty pharmacy: check MySNS app or farmáciasdeserviço.net

Dentist (Dentista)

Dental care is not covered by the SNS for adults. Private dentists are affordable compared to the Netherlands: • Check-up + cleaning: €30–€50 • Filling: €50–€80 • Crown: €300–€600 • Implant: €700–€1,200 • Tip: request multiple quotes for major treatments

Emergencies

  • 112 — European emergency number
  • SNS 24 — 808 24 24 24 (telephone triage)
  • UrgĂŞncia — Emergency hospital care
  • Nearest hospitals: CovilhĂŁ (~20 min), Castelo Branco (~30 min)

Common Mistakes

  • Not applying for S1 before departure — Arrange with CAK BEFORE your move.

  • Not registering at Centro de SaĂşde — Without registration no GP or SNS access.

  • Not considering private insurance — SNS is free but waiting times are long for specialists.

  • Going to urgĂŞncia for non-emergencies — Call SNS 24 (808 24 24 24) first.

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Glossary
  • NISS (Social Security Number)

    The Portuguese social security number. You need your NISS if you plan to work in Portugal or start as a freelancer. It is also required for access to certain social benefits and allowances.

  • SEF/AIMA (Immigration Service)

    The former Portuguese immigration service SEF was replaced by AIMA in 2023 (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum). AIMA handles residence permits, visa applications and all immigration matters. Wait times can be long, so start your application early.

  • IRS (Personal Income Tax)

    Portuguese personal income tax. The IRS return is filed annually between April and June. Rates range from 14.5% to 48% depending on income. Tax residents must declare their worldwide income.

  • ISV (Vehicle Registration Tax)

    Tax when registering or importing a vehicle in Portugal. The ISV amount can be substantial, especially for older or polluting vehicles. EU citizens who relocate may be eligible for exemption under certain conditions.

  • CPCV (Promissory Purchase Agreement)

    The preliminary purchase contract when buying property in Portugal. Upon signing you typically pay a 10-20% deposit (sinal). If the buyer withdraws, they lose the deposit; if the seller withdraws, they must repay double the amount.

  • CertidĂŁo de Teor (Property Registry Extract)

    An extract from the Portuguese property registry at the ConservatĂłria. The CertidĂŁo de Teor shows who owns a property and whether there are mortgages or liens on it. Always check before purchasing a property.

  • Junta de Freguesia (Parish Council)

    The local administrative body at neighborhood level, comparable to a Dutch district council. At the Junta de Freguesia you can request an Atestado de ResidĂŞncia (proof of residence) among other things. It is often your first point of contact for local matters.

  • ConservatĂłria (Registry Office)

    The Portuguese registry office for property and civil status. At the ConservatĂłria, property transfers, marriages and births are registered. For property purchases, registration at the ConservatĂłria do Registo Predial is mandatory.

  • TĂ­tulo de ResidĂŞncia (Residence Permit)

    The Portuguese residence permit card, comparable to a Dutch residence permit. After approval of your visa application, you receive a TĂ­tulo de ResidĂŞncia allowing you to legally live and work in Portugal.

  • Multibanco

    The Portuguese payment network and ATM system. Multibanco is not only used for cash withdrawals, but also for paying bills, taxes and even concert tickets. It is an essential part of daily life in Portugal.

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