Heading off to the Algarve for some Portuguese sunshine this summer? Or perhaps your reason for visiting the Portuguese coast has more to do with its award-winning golf courses? Whatever your reasons for travelling to Portugal, you’ll find a warm welcome, almost guaranteed sunshine and great value for money prices. Nobody likes to think about being ill on holiday, but the worry is made a lot less if you have organised EHIC cover for each member of the family before you travel. If you do fall ill in Portugal and need to seek medical attention, here’s what you need to know.

Quality of Portuguese Healthcare

Portugal has both private and public healthcare systems, so remember that when using your EHIC, you are only covered for treatment in the state sector. Most doctors in Portugal will have a good level of spoken English, and in Lisbon and on the Algarve you are more likely to find other healthcare professionals who speak English too. Healthcare quality is good, with modern hospitals which are well-equipped. The difficulties in the Portuguese economy mean that there have been cuts in recent years and this has led to longer waiting lists and delays in hospitals. These problems should not affect emergency treatment, but may mean it is harder to get a routine issue attended to.

How do I Arrange to See A Doctor?

The Portuguese state healthcare service is called the Servico Nacional de Saude, often abbreviated to SNS. As with the rest of Europe, dialling 112 from any phone, including a UK mobile, will connect you to the emergency services. Portugal has a thriving private medical care sector, and to complicate matters, private and state patients are sometimes seen in the same clinic. Always make it clear that you are using EHIC cover and wish to be treated as a state patient. It might be difficult to find a local state doctor in remote areas.

Co-Payment

Similar to other countries in Europe, Portugal has a system of co-payment whereby patients have to make a contribution towards the cost of their treatment. The amount you pay will vary according to the type of appointment or treatment given; for example it is cheaper to see a GP than it is to go to A&E at hospital. As these contribution payments are charged to Portuguese nationals, they cannot be waived and you cannot claim them back. You will also be charged between 15% and 90% of the cost of any prescription medicine. Always keep paperwork and receipts which you are given as depending on the amount of charges you may be able to claim them back under your travel insurance cover.

Pharmacies

As there are non-refundable charges for seeing the GP or going to hospital in Portugal, a starting point for many visitors and locals is the pharmacy. Pharmacists are very well qualified and usually speak good English, and can give advice and treatment for minor illnesses and injuries. If they are unable to help, the pharmacist will be able to direct you to the nearest state medical provider.