How Portugal's Universal Healthcare System Works

How does the healthcare system actually work in Portugal? There's a public sector but is it good enough or should someone only use the private sector? Do you need private health insurance and what does it cover? Michael from Serenity sits down with Josh from ExpatsEverywhere to explain how to use both the public and private sectors to benefit you. There are public and private hospitals, along with public and private clinics. He explains when you should go to each. He also talks about insurance, big companies to consider, and things to look out for when choosing your insurance.
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* ABOUT US *
Josh and Kalie left the US for a life abroad in 2009 and haven't looked back. They have lived in Spain, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and are currently in Portugal. Yes, they realize they only moved to countries starting with the letter "S" until they spoiled that streak with their move to Portugal. Follow ExpatsEverywhere as we aim to get information to you through expat interviews, city breakdowns, expat life, travel, vlogs, and more.
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[@2clarityin30]

I can never thank you enough for arranging this interview. I have been racking my brain trying to better understand the health care systems here. ❤️ The fog is now beginning to clear at last. 🙏

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you very much for the feedback! We're so happy it's helped you too. I know it helped me. - Josh

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@@fatimacorreia4629 Hi. We're sorry for your experience. Michael is an MD himself and his business works in the healthcare industry in Portugal so we're going to lean on his knowledge and understanding of the system in general rather than anecdotally stories. We're not saying what happened to your family isn't true and again, we're sorry to hear that, however, to say that what he's saying isn't truthful (in general) and shame on us is wrong of you. - Josh

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@@fatimacorreia4629 this video was filmed in Lisbon. We're in Portugal. I was at my health center the other day. All the elderly there had an assigned doctor. - Josh

[@joaomoedas1702]

To be fair, not having a GP doesn’t mean being “left alone”, this is absolutely incorrect. I am a Portuguese citizen and don’t have a GP (I moved back to Portugal 5 years ago) and I still get and attend appointments with specialist doctors when I need. Time is an issue (depending on area of residence) but never “left alone”!

[@Hdio99]

yes precisely, here nobody is left alone, but sometimes if you dont have private in certain big areas , you will take to long to see a specialist and even more to do procedures, I am Portuguese to and overall he said it super right... he is talking average, some wait more some are seen fast but when serious things you dont want to wait, if you have money just pick a good heath insurance....

[@JurassicB8245]

Also most of us portuguese that dont have a GP.. actually never pushed for one, also - that being my case.

[@anna_m59]

He means left alone that you don’t have a coach who guide you through in a complicated illness. “left alone” that you need to figure out on your own all steps in your journey of treatments what you need upside seeing one specialist.

[@ppietrap3876]

@@anna_m59 that wouldn’t be entirely true either. Even if don’t have your own GP you still have access to a GP in the public system. The difference is that the next time you go to a public clinic you could end up being seen by a different doctor, and it could be harder to get an appointment.

[@slanwar]

What GP stands for? Not from my time for sure since I left over 30 years ago when healthcare in Portugal was bad and I’m glad they changed for good.

[@ricardolemos2178]

There are several inaccuracies in this vídeo. Specially the part regarding the GP. You can get an appointment with a Doctor on your local health center but it can be a different one the second time you go. You will not be "left alone". General rule: If you need something like a dermatologist etc it will be must faster scheduling an appointment in the private sector. Something serious or urgent public sector.

[@janmaaso]

Thanks! = )

[@nmanjos]

GP's don't work at hospitals, they work at health centers, that are plentiful in portugal, if you don't have an assigned GP you can go to Health Center and just describe your problem and you will be scheduled an appointment to an GP, another thing that works normally very good is Child emergency, i live in central Portugal and just had 2 ambulances(INEM and Bombeiros) at home because my kid had cof and is fingertips where blueish coloration, turns out he had H1N1, we all got it afterwards, but just chose not to go bother hospitals with it. Hospitals are not the only place where you can get public health, and in some cases they will come to your house.

[@janmaaso]

Thanks for that info. It is super useful. Jan.

[@Neliaspnp]

I have been watching a lot of your videos in preparation to move one day. I currently work in healthcare here in the US and know both sides of the system well. This video is probably one of the most educational videos I have seen so far. Your guest speaker was excellent in discussing how the healthcare system works.

[@misssuri2628]

Great interview, but as a Portuguese with a family member that actually had an heart attack recently, as well as a doctor for a sister, I kinda have to point out one misconception. After you have been released from the hospital (for your heart attack), you return home with a treatment plan (you have to go weekly to the hospital for blood work so they can best adjust your medication) and, a couple of days later, you receive a letter from the hospital that will be following you (cardiologist, etc) with the date of your consult. It took 10 days from the release date from the hospital for our appointment date. Obviously for some might be more and for others might be less. But I don't think one can say it takes forever to receive a consult, after you have had a serious health concern/illness. You will also receive a letter (or text message) for your local health center for adicional consultations by your GP, so that he can also monitor your condition. Now, if you just want to consult a specialist, without any previous issue detected, like a dermatologist like you have said, through the public system, then I 100% agree, it can take some time. Also, not having a GP assigned to you, does not mean you are left "alone" at all. It means that you won't be assigned the same doctor every time you have an appointment. You will be received, in your local health center, by the doctor on call. Which might not know you personally, true, but will be able to access your information through the system. Hope it helped!

[@Jess-ci8re]

I think the whole not being assigned a GP thing is a problem though because it causes a lack of quality health care. I am not sure whose responsibility it should be to get a regular GP to go see, probably its one's own responsibility, but even if I do see a regular GP here they always treat me like a stranger, probably because they don't have regular patients. This means in the consultation they rarely ever look at my medical history or dig deeper into issues and only ask surface-level questions this leads to misdiagnosis and confusion for the patients. It always feels like they just want to get me out of the consultation room as quick as possible and just throw medication at me, usually, antibiotics which I don't need (I have noticed Portuguese doctors keep overprescribing antibiotics for those who don't need it which causes more antibiotic resistance for everyone, this is another really big problem). But ultimately, I think a lot of these problems come down to people not being paid enough to care, and I see this in all industries and professions in Portugal. People just don't get paid enough to care about their jobs. And I mean I do understand that honestly, doctors, surgeons etc... especially in public healthcare are paid so little, especially after all the studying and training they had to do, it just doesn't pay off, I guess another reason that there aren't enough healthcare professionals in Portugal, its usually just not worth it. I think the whole system needs re-evaluating and re-shaping.

[@misssuri2628]

@@Jess-ci8re I agree that in the public health care, professionals just aren't paid enough for the responsibility and work hours they put in. That being said, in respect to the GP that consults with you, even if they are not your assigned GP they have access to all your medical history and exams you have done in the public healthcare system (all exams and consultations done in the private sector obviously won't show up in the system so you should take them with you on your consultations). And treating you like a stranger, unfortunately I think it's kind of a Portuguese trait 😅 we are kind of closed off and very straight to the point kind of people (I'm generalizing obviously) so even my assign GP treats our consultations as efficiently as possible, so I understand as it may come across like that, but it's not on purpose. They also have to take care of a large number of patients, so they can't just waste time catching up, but if you feel that some of your concerns aren't being addressed, don't be afraid to speak up, they will do their best to try to solve them with you!

[@ghassanjneinaty4421]

Wishing you speedy recovery dear and a healthy life ahead. Regards from Lebanon

[@Tourabunga]

Hands down one of the very best videos on this topic here on KZbin. Well done Josh.

[@cesarneves]

Very informative video, even for us portuguese. I understand quite well how all works but definitely many people don`t. The juggling is actually pretty accurate. Myself, have never been to a private hospital. I have a health insurance from Multicare (paid by my company - which I never used) and a discount card that I only used once for a free dental cleaning. Since I´m a blood donnor and have made over 31 donations, I`m entitled to free health services until I die (public) and I have been rushed twice to the hospital by ambulance and paid nothing and got instant care. But as for the juggling, my kid is a good example. He was 3 when we noticed something strange with his eyes. He spoke with our GP and she referred us to a specialist (public). Since we knew it would take 6-12 months for an appointment, we took him to the same specialist private office. He got checked and we started treatment immediately. At the end, the doctor himself asked "since you requested the appointment at the public hospital, will you want him to have all the follow up there?". We said yes. About 3-4 months later we got the appointment (with the same specialist) and from that moment on, he has been treated there, by the same people. He even had eye surgery at 4 and we never needed to go private again or pay anything. On top of that, our GP belongs to a health center that usually has very short waiting time for appointments. Since I have all for free, I requested to have 2 benign lumps removed and it only took like 6 months between both surgeries. Nothing urgent, only cosmetic. By mistake, I got a bill of about 10€ to pay for treatments which I took to my health center and they "cleaned" it. It even has psychologists, which I was referred to once and again, waited 2 month, had 1 year of monthly appointments and it was all free and easy. The public system is currently undergoing massive pressure due to lack of doctors and specialists but it`s still my first choice when it comes to my health. I would only go private if I can`t find a way to go public.

[@hasppl9005]

Can anyone explain it to me why waiting time for appt to public doctor takes months? I have answer it is because same doctors seeing patients in private and public clinics so of course they want to see more patients in private and make money. It is wrong and shouldn't be like that. It is similar in Poland. A few months ago I went to see cardiologist and I couldn't wait so I book my appt in private clinic. It took 3 days. Then I needed to do some test and it was done in public clinic by the same doctor. I had to pay because it was recommended by the same doctor but in her private clinic. While I was doing test she had 2 patients waiting for her. So she had 2 patients that day in public clinic and she takes care of 20 patients a day in her private clinic. No wonder so many people waiting for months to see doctor if they have no money. It is wrong and unethical. Everything is about money. Anyway I think Portuguese health system is much better then health system in Poland.

[@ppietrap3876]

Some of the information about primary care is a bit misleading. There are indeed problems with a lack of doctors in some places around the country which can delay access to a doctor, or not being assigned a GP, and the system for appointments is not as organised as it should be. However, not having an assigned GP does not mean you are out of luck, you are still assigned to a public "clinic" (centro de saúde), where you can go and be seen by a doctor, the difference is that (in a very simplistic description) there are fewer slots available for an appointment for people without a GP. As for people with chronic diseases, like diabetes, those have special access and priority for appointments and regular checkups, there are even special programs for screening and house visits with doctors or nurses; it’s not perfect but hardly the image that was conveyed. Also, about secondary care, the national health system (SNS) is organised as a mix of private and public services... your GP can send you to see a specialist, and in some situations you can choose to go to private service with the national health system paying most of the bill. Private and public are complementary, it has been like that for decades, though nowadays we are seeing more private practices with no agreement with the national health system.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

We're certainly not here to argue but this is literally Michael's profession and business.

[@ppietrap3876]

​@@ExpatsEverywhere Being his profession doesn’t mean he gave an accurate picture. Most of what he said is correct and very important information if you are new to the country, you do have to juggle with both private and public systems if you want a fast response. However, the idea that portuguese people with chronic disease cannot get regular checkups with their GP is not correct, and you can go to see a doctor even without a GP assigned... You can even be seen by a doctor without an appointment at the public clinic, though availability for those slots is limited, and organisation is a mess. The not so funny thing is that it started to get worse once more private hospitals opened, since it led to many doctors leaving the public system for the private system. It will probably get even worse since most doctors in the public system are over stressed, and many are retiring early because of that. And in Lisbon it’s even worse since most new doctors don’t want to work in Lisbon public hospitals due to the high cost of living for what they are getting paid. The equilibrium that existed for decades between private and public is broken.

[@pinheirokde]

PPietra is 100% correct

[@jaimeconceicao]

@@ppietrap3876 this is the real picture!!!

[@proactividade]

@@ExpatsEverywhere Ele ganha dinheiro com desinformação. Um doente nunca fica de fora, um doente grave nunca espera, um dermatologista, ou seja que médico for, tem sempre um bom domínio do inglês. .

[@suebowman7258]

This is the best interview with the CEO of Serenity! I have seen other channels interview Michael, but it was not as informative as this video. The other healthcare interview by Kalie was Awesome as well. Well done, Josh. Thank you.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Sue, thank you very much for the feedback. There was a lot that went into this video so we're really glad that we got it right for you. - Josh

[@budadams412]

Wow… just wow. This might be the most valuable video to watch if you’re planning on relocating to Portugal! Thanks Josh for sharing… I’m sure I’ll watch this with my wife 2 more times. Great content! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you, Bud! Good to hear from you! We appreciate the "review" - Josh & Kalie

[@VitorFM]

May I ask you: where are you from and why do you want to move to Portugal? I am Brazilian, I do speak Portuguese, I have an European ID and I can move to PT but, wright now, I see that there is very few opportunities to work there, and living costs are ramping up.

[@budadams412]

@@VitorFM I live in the US, most places are a lower cost of living for me and I don’t plan on working locally, as I’m a web designer and can work from anywhere for my clients all across the globe.

[@lucchese20]

Invaluable information! This video by Josh and Kalie’s video (noted at the end) are both FUNDAMENTAL sources of information for those seeking to better understand healthcare in PT. Great information! Thank you. 🙏🏻

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for that! We appreciate it, Maurice! 🙏 ❤️ - Josh & Kalie

[@reneebrown908]

That was excellent. Thank you for this incredibly helpful content!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

You're very welcome! We're trying to put together the stuff that our viewer wants and needs. Sometimes we get it wrong though. 😅 We're glad this one worked for you. - Josh & Kalie

[@mergsTM]

Quite possibly your most helpful video to date. Thanks guys!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank for the feedback, Jeff. And we were worried that people would be too bored with the topic. - Josh & Kalie

[@user-wp7zn8ii5u]

This video is absolutely amazing. The information is incredibly useful and the production quality is documentary film quality. Thank you for the content.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Oh! Thank you very much!! We were having lighting and sound issues the whole time. 😅 We weren't thrilled with the production quality (post-production was harder) so this is nice to hear from you. - Josh

[@sheilahanna8768]

This was sooo informative. Thank you Josh and Michael with Serenity.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Fantastic! We're glad you found it informative. You're welcome. - Josh & Kalie

[@tonistojcev6281]

Beautiful video I love this that this guy explains all this insurance stuff. Thank you my friend helps a lot

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Awesome! Glad you liked it. - Josh & Kalie

[@michaelsparks8632]

Absolutely essential information, many many thanks!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Glad it was helpful! We appreciate the feedback, Michael. Sorry for the late reply. - Josh & Kalie

[@jimmiewhite]

This was a great interview and clarifies so much. Thank you. We work with Serenity and are always pleased. Our recent encounters with health care in Porto have been more than positive.😀

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks, Jim. Sorry it took so long for me to respond. Great grabbing Indian food with you and Mandy last week. - Josh & Kalie

[@peteralmazan7034]

This is great info. Presented in simple terms easy to understand. Now I got it. Thinking about moving to Porto or Braga in a year or two. Thank you for a very informative video.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks, Peter! We appreciate the feedback. - Josh & Kalie

[@moward301]

Very useful information! Great insights. Giving me a leg up on what to expect within the Healthcare system and insurance plans. So Very useful. Thanks Josh and Kalie!!! Appreciate you both write ❤👍🏾!

[@valm4739]

Thank you. Once again you have helped so much with my understanding about my adopted country.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

❤️ Love hearing that, Val. - Josh & Kalie

[@therehastobesomethingmoore]

We are traveling and currently in Nicaragua. Sounds like a similar situation as here and most of Latin America ….public for everyone, private for people with money.

[@castalianightwish8751]

Amazing video guys, and amazing interviewee! Congratulations to both!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks so much! - Josh & Kalie

[@hermes6587]

Super helpful video thanks for putting this together.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

You're welcome. We're glad it was helpful. - Josh & Kalie

[@markrodgers9527]

Very informative, especially regarding age and pre existing conditions! Thank you

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you, Mark. We appreciate the feedback. - Josh & Kalie

[@glenngoveia689]

Great interview. Very thorough and easy to understand.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for the feedback, Glenn. - Josh & Kalie

[@Fzrox303]

This is excellent! Thank you, Josh!!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Glad you liked it! - Josh & Kalie

[@randydasilva6420]

Very helpful video, thank you!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you, Randy! 🙏 - Josh & Kalie

[@DianaLuckysova]

This is a great video everyone should watch when they move to Portugal. Thank you!💞

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you! 😃 - Josh & Kalie

[@rsdapshis1]

Brilliant explaination.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks, Richard. Since we understood it, we felt like our audience would too. 😊 - Josh & Kalie

[@pbohearn]

Great interview Josh! You’re really good at active listening- the shrink is impressed! Truly i learned a lot about navigating the system and have some action items just from watching. Everyone who is a legal resident should really watch this video. PS how is the home show Lapa going? Hahaha

[@rebeccagutierrez1960]

Josh, you hit it out of the park with this interview. Thanks!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

🥳 Thanks, Rebecca! I appreciate the heck outta this comment. - Josh & Kalie

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Also, love the sports reference. - Josh

[@andrewgentile5427]

Great one, Josh!! Thanks from us the foreigners here on Madeira!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks, Andrew! We appreciate hearing from our neighbors on the islands. - Josh & Kalie

[@tomadams2735]

Really helpful, thank you!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Glad it is helpful, Tom. - Josh & Kalie

[@anaalfarra3138]

Thank you for this extremely helpful clarity on Pvt and Public health care system, well done sir.!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you, Ana. - Josh & Kalie

[@hasppl9005]

Wow, thank you for that video. So important information and a lot to learn about Portuguese health system.

[@OurContinuingAdventure]

Excellent interview and explanation of how the two medical systems here in Portugal mesh together. FYI - when we (wife and I) went to our local SNS office to register we were immediately assigned a physician who spoke English, a nurse and a secretary, along with their phone numbers and emails. We immediately set up appointments, which were both scheduled less than 2 weeks out, to establish a baseline of care. This also included lab work and radiology both of which took place immediately. Plus results were received within 24 hours. Amazing! Also - any explanation of what it is Continente offers, for free and at a monthly cost, would be great. Assume it is a health plan. Again, great and informative interview. Obrigado

[@bellychic8]

Do you live outside of LIsbon? It's impossible in Lisbon =(

[@susanhighfield3370]

A fantastic interview, my husband is 66 and I'm 71 so we will be very careful looking at Private Insurance and Plans (now I understand the difference} thank you so much.

[@josepedromartins5095]

I can help you with that

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you very much, Susan. You can email Kalie about some plans that she knows of or contact Michael at Serenity as well as they'll surely know other plans as well. Kalie's email is [e-mail] - Josh & Kalie

[@vibrantly50]

Michael has helped us navigate these two healthcare systems for the past year. His concierge service SERENITY is a godsend! Totally worth every euro to have someone to turn to with medical concerns here as an expat in Portugal! Thank you, Michael!!

[@serenity4558]

Dear Jody, you are very kind! It's an honor to serve you! Our team truly appreciate your feedback.

[@emesekovacs]

Where/how do I find out more about this SERENITY program?

[@tamaramadelin4831]

So, we are currently navigating the healthcare system now...I am surprised your guest did not mention centre de saude because I've been there twice and it has been great! You can see a doctor in an emergency case and make an appointment if not an emergency. I've also been to the ER 3 times and besides the wait time the care was exceptional!! My partner has a pre-existing condition and by way of the public system has an excellent neurologist, FREE 700+€/month medication and several appointments with specialists and tests no problem! It has not been easy, but I never had it 'easy' in the US with healthcare, but always had great healthcare due to research and shopping around. I lived in France for 14 years and I think the systems are similar, but if you need care you will get it and it's great!! I may consider incorporating a private plan for my basic regular needs, but only after going to my new local centre de saude...We shall see!

[@ppietrap3876]

He did mentioned "centro de saude" but using a different terminology: primary care and GP. However, like you and others seem to have noticed, his description of the quality of "centros de saude" is misleading.

[@shelleypeppard4694]

Where are you based out of interest?

[@tamaramadelin4831]

Lisbon before and now Torres Vedras...Care way better in Lisbon though so far as my experience.

[@pbohearn]

in the Algarve I was told that it could take a year to get an appointment for a non-emergent problem, AFTER you’ve seen the GP which you must do in order to get a non-emergent referral to a specialty department; Some of the clinics are really suffering in certain locations and my understanding is the Algarve is one of those. Very underfunded, understaffed, overwhelmed.

[@tamaramadelin4831]

That's why I might have to get s private insurance, but I will go to my public center first! I know it's s bit of a challenge, but it's always worked out for me in France so I will make it work for me here!! Takes time and effort...

[@kendalllampkin3188]

Hey Josh, Thank you so much for the informative healthcare video. I have followed all of your videos ( I'm a Patron member)and actually met you twice once in n.v Porto and on the street in Lisbon near Time Out Market. I have also got a private health plan from Mellinium bank. Thanks to your viedo now I know my limitations. So thanks again. Kendall Lampkin

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks, Kendall. We appreciate you being a Patron. As you know, it's a massive help and affords us the opportunity to do videos like this. You saw us on the day we flew down to Lisbon to do this video! Great seeing you! - Josh & Kalie

[@theanalognomad]

Thanks Josh, a great video, insightful

[@GuMo320]

What a fantastic and comprehensive interview. Thank you so much for this video! 5 stars!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Wow, thank you! We appreciate the feedback. - Josh & Kalie

[@valeriacastro5594]

I had a spinal fusion, stayed for 3 days in the hospital and paid nothing. Countless of X-rays, tests and consultations with my surgeon and paid nothing. The surgery costs 50k in the private sector, not including prescriptions, meals and hospitalization costs. I asked the nurse that helped leave the hospital where could I pay and she laughed at me and said it was nothing. I still have consultations with my surgeon and never once have I paid. The staff extremely welcoming and supportive. In the private sector, doctors told me that I should have the surgery in the public hospital. Wait list was about a year, but if it worsened I could go up in the list and the time would be shortened. The video really shows the realities of portuguese healthcare, well-done!

[@SWHulse]

Alma watched this vid yesterday and really enjoyed it. We use Serenity and I spoke with Michael before signing up. Thanks again and hope you guys are doing well. Sam and Alma

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

You are so welcome! We appreciate hearing from you, Sam. - Josh & Kalie

[@MrTriple3]

Thank you for this excellent video.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

You're very welcome. - Josh & Kalie

[@crasicatlady]

Very informative video, even for locals. I think is worth adding that if you go to a private physician, without insurance, it shouldn't cost you more than 100€. Where I live, you pay between 60-80€ (depending on the specialty) per appointment. Exams can be costly if done privately, but one usually can get them done in the public service.

[@noelsharma25]

Great video and a lot of good information. Thank you for sharing.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you! - Josh & Kalie

[@briany7658]

Great video! Very informative and helpful as I hope to one day move to Portugal from Canada. Thanks for posting!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Glad it was helpful! - Josh & Kalie

[@blankslate6393]

This inteview is invaluable for new commers looking for an insurance plan ! Thank you so much guys.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you very much for that feedback. If you know anyone to share the video with, please do! - Josh & Kalie

[@sharoncuadra3174]

Great info- really was good

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks, Sharon! - Josh & Kalie

[@Lion-fj3wp]

Thank you!! Great conversation and you asked all the right questions 👏 Very impressed with the Portugal health care system 👍🌏

[@diogotonelo3132]

Thanks for making my life hard as young Portuguese with average salary....

[@maletu]

Thank you for this, one of the most helpful informational videos I have seen.

[@TinaD-qm6mu]

Talk about timing! We just received some health insurance quotes and could use some help deciphering. I have reached out to Serenity to see if they can help. The one area I'd also love to hear more about is what type of insurance Americans use when they go back to the States to visit. One quote only covers $10,000 and we know that isn't sufficient unfortunately. Thank you EE!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

We're really glad to get the timing right for you, T D! You're very welcome. 😁 Sorry for the late reply. - Josh & Kalie

[@ginasmith2484]

This is a great video thank you Josh.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you very much, Gina. - Josh & Kalie

[@robinbailey55]

Very helpful!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Glad you think so! - Josh & Kalie

[@daveaway]

Great Info

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you. - Josh & Kalie

[@lisbondiaries9212]

I am Portuguese and moved here five years ago…born in the U.S. Absolutely not alone. I don’t have a GP either and still get healthcare. I don’t like the message about not worrying about paying social security to support healthcare system. Truth is that part of social security tax does go to supporting healthcare. Being born in the US, I know many Americans will not have patience for our system, but it is a system, which will not choose profit over people like the absurd system of the U.S. Saying people wait 16-20 hours for ER is a bit of an exaggeration. People can wait all day but never heard of someone waiting 16-20 hours. Also, if it’s evident that the man being interviewed is Portuguese, so not sure why he referred himself as an “expat”. He isn’t an expat if he is ethnically Portuguese and/or a citizen of Portugal, no matter if he moved away or was born in another country. The word, “expat” is elitist and overused but mostly Americans and those of the Anglo world. If you move here or any other country as a permanent move, then you are an immigrant like any other immigrant. If you move here for work, like for a temporary basis, then that is an expat. So, let’s not use the elitist term. Also, Médis is an insurance, as far as I know. I know people who have Médis. They pay copay and have coverage like mine with my insurance company.

[@rosalindhb]

Wow! This was so helpful as a older person with Cancer history. I was wondering how to handle maintenance care. So basically retirement age, you will probably only have public available to you.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

We're really glad it was helpful! - Josh & Kalie

[@tacilabezerra4635]

Excelent Video!!!!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks, Tacila. - Josh & Kalie

[@magbstylemagnoliaboutique8068]

Thank you for this video, was helful.

[@MichaelMarko]

This is really great! Thanks

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Glad it was helpful! - Josh & Kalie

[@healthycanadian3604]

Great video!!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks! We appreciate the positive feedback. - Josh & Kalie

[@richardcoffman6794]

As a senior citizen (70) moving to Portugal in early 2023 would you recommend contacting Serenity once we've arrived to help us set up our private insurance? Is that a service they provide? BTW Expats Everywhere has been an invaluable source of information and inspiration for us as we've planned our move. Thank you!

[@vibrantly50]

Can’t recommend Serenity enough. Our insurance agent is outside of Michael’s services yet, Michael is very knowledgeable about what is out there. He has helped me find a psychiatrist, a neurologist for myself and a cardiologist for my husband. Plus, medications I needed.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you very much for the vote of confidence, Richard. You could contact Serenity a month before or so depending on your needs and they can help you get some things sorted before you arrive. That's what a friend of ours did. - Josh & Kalie

[@MaxRunyon]

Wish dental care was discussed too but very insightful regardless. Thank you

[@Solo50plus]

This was very interesting and essential listening. Thanks for sharing ~ Luise🇬🇧🇵🇹

[@gestapoid]

Excellent and very thorough video! How difficult would getting care as a foreigner in Portugal be with ongoing anxiety/depression issues? Both are managed well in the US with SSRI and bupropion.

[@THEdeadsinger]

The area of psychiatry is very solid in Portuguese hospitals, especially those located in large population areas of the country. You will have no problem being referred to this area if you are unable to resolve your medical situation during a mere general medicine consultation at a health centre. There is also no problem in obtaining the prescription for your medication, and also consider, that the majority of medication for anxiety and depression here in Portugal is very cheap, you will be pleasantly surprised, I believe you will even ask yourself: wow, these guys are to offer me the medication practically free of charge.

[@trevorleak8517]

Retired in Portugal from the UK acouple of years, had a heart attack and these guys were fantastic..saved my life with kindness and efficiency. God bless them...better still pay them more. On the other hand...anything other than an emergency takes forever so private health care is worthwhile thinking about. I pay 70 euros a month asw a 70 year old widower. After the shock I researched a lot and am total carnivore for one year..no joint pain, no exema, no hair loss and a salute every morning..if you understand my meaning.Take care...no sugar, no cereals, no alcohol...olive oil and butter....massive weight loss and no brain fog!! Saturated fat is our ancestral diet

[@HelderPereira-MrHP]

1. It's true what he said. The private health sector wants to profit and keep things as smoothly as possible. So, overpricsd diseases or conditions, long period admisions, overpriced exams or treatments or complex or rare cases they just don't like it or do it and tend to send it off to the public system. When people need to see a specialist in some area like a dermatologist and their situation isn't urgent, yes it wiil take time. Specialists are more rare, more expensive etc. But if you need one and the case is severe/urgent you can get one without to much of a headache. You need to move your ass to be a GP assigned to you also, but no one is left alone and everyone can get another GP to see them. I'm 40 and I never had a nightmate experience lol or never had to wait to be and emergency on anything. If I want to see my GP I wait like a month or so. The concern and things that don't work are people going to the hospital emergencies without and emergency and the long time you need to wait for a specialist in a none urgent case. In that situation private can be better that the public system. That's it.

[@lucyoliveira4943]

Thank you!!!

[@a.b.5418]

Thank you for the great information. Very helpful. One thing I'd say is that in the Algarve hospitals they do not speak English or choose not to (from what one Portuguese lady told me everyone learns English from grade 1 and she's seen this happen quite a lot where they refuse to speak English to foreigners). This also causes issues from getting immediate attention when required and necessary. In fact, I wouldn't ever go to a public hospital - only private. As I found the public system had misdiagnosed urgent care, you really have to stand up for yourself and you have to keep on them to get them to do anything. Staff at the front pass the buck. Doctors don't check fully - you actually have to ask them to check you out. It's rather crazy. The Portuguese as well are going through horrendous wait times and getting the attention they need. It's not all as rosy as everyone makes it out to be. Do your own research and see what works for you as everyone's experience is completely different.

Learn to speak Portuguese ,best for you since you're in Portugal

[@a.b.5418]

@ Hey - just traveling through not living here. I still stand by what I said above. :)

[@VitorFM]

@ not helpful! Like when I was traveling to France and needed assistance due to a fall on the streets. Nobody in the health system speaks English, except for the physician, that spoke a limited English. Nor they speak other languages too. I do speak English, Portuguese and some Spanish.... Imagine you going to Asia and nobody speaks anything that you understand, that is very bad

[@ashvoj]

Interesting commentary!

[@miguelaraujo2116]

A.B so you are just healthcare tourist!!! Using our sns * a social democratic system *.. So are you a capitalist??

[@angelagarrison572]

If you are required to have private insurance for your first 6 months while your D7 visa is being sorted but you have pre-existing conditions or you are age 60 or older and these factors prevent you from obtaining insurance, what do you do?

[@kirisaki5584]

"emergency room cannot refuse seeing them". This is only partially correct. After struggling through the system to be seen by a GP and get guidance for an unknown abdominal pain I felt for weeks, I was feeling bad, not sleeping right and scared of it so I went to the emergency room of the St Maria Hospital. I waited a few hours, they did a simple blood test and a random x ray and sent me home saying the emergency room is for emergencies and that I had to go through my GP. I said my GP had just prescribed probiotics and did not guide me in any way forward and I felt physically bad and could not sleep right and they just told me to go, no prescription, no further exams, nothing. And I have to say, it was 2021, the hospital was the emptiest I have ever seen it in my life, doctors just standing around and they still did not even try to help me. As an update, I am still trying to find the source for this pain and have just done an MRI after waiting for over one year (!). I had to complain to ERS (a public body regulating hospitals) to get them to reschedule me for sooner, since at one point the waiting time after the first reschedule would have been 2.5 years for December 2023...

[@castalianightwish8751]

Does Serenity cover for pre existing conditions please? Thank youuu

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Serenity isn't an insurance provider but they can help you get connected to one that'll work and alternatively we know a few that might work. - Josh & Kalie

[@brendanobern7403]

Essa información tem muitooo valor. Ayuda muito. Obrigado.

[@SirJackOcean]

Thanks!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Jack! Thank you very much. We're grateful for you support (financial and moral). - Josh & Kalie

[@abirmaliyanker4740]

Great video, very very important. Would be great of you can make something similar just about pregnancy, birth and early age medical care. Thank you!

[@microsilva2]

Pregnancy????? Women are dieing at the hospital doors for lack of doctors, many lost their lives in these last month's, never seen nothing like it all my life...

[@jayhuxley2559]

The Portuguese health system is the best in the world. I was in a hospital, that looked a 5 star hotel, including great ocean view from my room, great professional attention and I just paid a few euros. Even Denmark is learning with the Portuguese Health System.

[@Duck-wc9de]

You were "in" a public portuguese hospital? Or you actually depended on a public portuguese hospital? God... I dont wish that upon Danes. Look, the Portuguese health system is on the verge of colapse. And it is going down with a bang. I actually dont know how it keps surviving every December and august, whem it almost colapsed, but then the month ends.

[@jayhuxley2559]

I suppose you are a Jew with your traditional HATE PORTUGAL BULLSHIT! For centuries you are telling tales of bad things happening in Portugal, even when Portugal was the richest country in the world, which occurs very two centuries and its more than enough, or when Portugal won the European Football Cup and you told that it was why Portuguese Football was so bad, so go bark wherever you want, but far from Portugal, because you are just vampire dogs, telling tales for economic speculation. One thing you can be sure, we dont want yout kind here, go to Florida!

[@microsilva2]

As a Portuguese that always lived in Portugal, I can say that I never had good experiences with me or my family in hospitals in Portugal, but ok, maybe you have different treatment because your foreigner...

[@JPinPortugal]

Excellent Josh! Michael is a friend of mine and I will be signing up to use the services of SERENITY prior to my move to Portugal in March of 2023. JP

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hey JP, thank you! That's great that you and Michael are friends. 😁 - Josh & Kalie

[@Anamartarodrigues79]

As a Portuguese and a user of the health system, some things need to be corrected: regarding the family doctor, even if you don't have a doctor assigned (GP), you can go to the "recurso" consultation. Register at your residence “centro de saúde” for a family doctor. Just by being registered you already have the right to go to the “recurso” consultations - every day, 3 times a day. There is always a doctor on call to provide emergency care (emergencies that do not require you to go to the hospital). Another aspect on the system: under 18 (minors); pregnant women; blood donors; unemployed people; elderly; etc, do not pay anything, including hospitalization; surgeries. And when there’s a payment, it’s so much affordable, that no one avoids going to the hospital for financial reasons.

[@JonesTravelers]

Thank you for another great video! Never get tired of Michael's insights. Serenity has been a game changer for us this year. We waited until we got our residents permits to sign up. We now realize since we had our MGEN policy for 8 months prior that we should have signed up with Serenity then. It has all worked out in the end. Our case manager Marta is amazing. She obtained our SNS numbers in a week after getting our residents permits. On our last doctor visit for a follow-up at CUF the doctor asked how did we get this appointment since she had no availability until January? We just told her Marta got it for us. She recommended another doctor for further evaluation but told us he would be booked out for months but have Marta try. Marta was able to get us in the following week with the other doctor. So in under two months Marta found an ENT specialist, scheduled an MRI, had hours of lab tests scheduled, did the follow up with the ENT and scheduled the Neurologist evaluation. We pay Serenity 30 euros a month for the two of us. We pay MGEN 125 euros a month for the two of us. The total out of pocket for all these appointments is 175 euros. The last MRI we had done in the US with top-of-the-line insurance cost us over $300 out of pocket.

[@davidchang8468]

What he said sound some familiar with the medical system here. If you are rich U need not worry. For those people who are unable to afford healthcare (public/private) just practice IF. No worries.

[@diogor420]

As a Portuguese that has always lived in Portugal, everything that he said is unfortunately/fortunately very true! Couldn't be more accurate!

[@ghassanjenainaty4212]

how do you conclude the health care system in the country as a whole ?? Are you satisfied with it ? People who lack money will die at the doors of hospitals ?

[@diogor420]

@@ghassanjenainaty4212 I didn't understand the first question. Yes, kind of. It's ver affordable and available to everyone, no one dies due to financial issues

[@ghassanjenainaty4212]

@@diogor420 Even after retirement ? I was trying to understand if you as a citizen of Portugal is satisfied from the health care system in the country. I am quite aware that no health care system in the whole world is 100% perfect

[@diogor420]

@@ghassanjenainaty4212 Yes, even after retirement. As he said in the video, it's better than the private system in what concerns urgent and very specific surgeries and stuff like that, but for smaller things i.e. making eye/allergies appointments it can take months to see a doctor. In that aspect, I am not satisfied

[@ghassanjenainaty4212]

@@diogor420 I am working seriously to move to Portugal as digital nomad. I read about many countries but realized that Portugal could be the best from all aspects. Hope it could work with me. Hopefully i would be a beneficent and productive for the economy of the country

[@sandrasingh4963]

Very interesting. I have D7 visa. I need to apply for Europe’s health insurance. Please advise

[@jetfowl]

Once you have your residency card in hand, you go to your main Centro de Saúde for your city and apply for your SNS number. At the same time, they should assign you to a local clinic. Then you should go to the clinic to make a new patient appointment... and to get their telephone number and email address. One important thing to note is that most of the public health clinics/hospitals will *NOT* answer their phones. But they will respond to emails pretty quickly. So if you need to make an appointment, don't call them, as they'll never answer. Email them.

[@terrisokolow7796]

What a wonderful video/interview! Michael is certainly full of helpful information!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

We agree! Thank you very much. - Josh & Kalie

[@michaelmiddleton3311]

That background music is really annoying, but appreciate all the great info here.

[@ninelr222]

And all that while here in US, with an expensive health insurance, when I wanted to switch my primary care physician the earliest appointment I got was only... 7(seven) month away. Still waiting. It is scheduled for the end of June. And my endocrinologist appointment is every 6 months only because I am in his regular checkup list. But for the first time to see this doctor I had to wait almost 8 months. So listening that someone had to wait what? 89 days? Is that supposed to scare me?

[@royharper2003]

I don't belive you.

[@yolandagonzalez-hansen1215]

Very good information from Michael -the more I listen him speak in different platforms the better I feel that I will be able to make a good decision when I start my visa process. Thank you

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Wonderful! That's such great feedback, Yolanda! Thank you. - Josh & Kalie

[@johnpalmer5131]

What about using Tricare for Life in Portugal?

[@saragomes6242]

As receitas passadas pelos médicos no privado são iguais às passadas pelos médicos do SNS

[@mansar172]

Ele não disse o contrário...

[@jonnyreh001]

I wonder how do they find out if I had some preexisting condition or not.

[@KA-hx4bw]

As a non resident, I'm currently paying €750 for a prescrip every two months (shocking). When i become a resident and receive my Sns#, will this prescription really become €0 (or very little copay)? Also, how does one get a prescription via Centro de Saúde.... Must you go in person? Grateful for any clarifications on this as I must reduce this expense somehow. 🙏

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hi, have you by chance contacted Serenity to ask them? - Josh & Kalie

[@JurassicB8245]

The juggling does get to be second nature; my youngest had some lung issues and "of course" we called for an ambulence to go to a public hospital - and "of course" he now goes for regular check ups at a private one. We pay the appointment (like 30 euros for 15m, its nothing serious now) and "of course" we dont pay for his regular medicine. Its simpleeee of course being born here helps with the understanding

[@carolemattina9869]

Hi guys, this video was certainly very interesting and informative 👍 I'm epileptic, and didn't had seizures for over 15 years. But suddenly...hey I'm baaaaccckkk 😱 so I tried to find an neurologist, and ended up with I think a GP 🤔 who knows 🤷‍♀️ because I never got her name, neither her specialty. But for sure not an neurologist! I also needed an gynecological operation, and not all my paperwork is 100% done yet... So went back where I came frome, to sorted out everything very quickly. But for the future... I would like to find some help here, and in need of an SNS number... where do I go to request all this? Thx again for this video Josh 👍😉

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hi Carole, thanks for sharing your experience. 🙏 💪 ❤️ Have you reached out to Serenity to see if they can help you with the health care stuff you need? - Josh & Kalie

[@carolemattina9869]

@@ExpatsEverywhere Thx for replying and the info 👍

[@GCarnell]

Sounds like a great opportunity for the development of an infographic …

[@SilviaPaulo1982]

If you dont have a GP you can go to your area of residency and ask for an open appointment or consulta aberta. I think not all gps have it but you can ask wich on does and go to that one to book your appointment. You might need to go early so that you re able to book it. It is not a perfect system as we dont have enough doctors and many run to the private sector for better wages... also if you live south its worse. In the north people are more sensitive and helpfull.

[@Gadelho22]

Its been some years since you can already choose in wich hospital you want to be checked by a specialist, not area restricted anymore. Also, you can check the waiting time.

[@onyiandubuisindubuisi1951]

Hi brother pls do u no of any good hospital one can go for knock knees surgery in portugal 🙏