Portugal may be a small country but it punches above its weight when it comes to both public and private healthcare options across the country.


According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Portugal is ranked in 12th place when it comes to the health systems of countries from around the world, considerably higher than the USA which sits in 37th position.


WHO's assessment system was based on five indicators: overall level of population health; health inequalities (or disparities) within the population; overall level of health system responsiveness (a combination of patient satisfaction and how well the system acts); distribution of responsiveness within the population (how well people of varying economic status find that they are served by the health system); and the distribution of the health system's financial burden within the population (who pays the costs).


Public system


Public health care in Portugal is available to all citizens and also to temporary and permanent residents who hold a health care number (Número do Utente). To get this number you will need a social security number first before visiting a health center to pick up your health number which gives you access to the national health service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde). The process to gain this number is pretty straight forward but if you need support with this then a relocation specialist can help.


The public health care system has a network of hospitals and health centers across the country and also provides emergency care through the Integrated Medical Emergency System – this means that when you call 112 you can ask for emergency health care with an ambulance if required.


The public system does charge patients for care but this is as little as $7 depending on the case and is free in certain scenarios depending on your situation.


As with many national health services, the quality of care that you receive is impeccable but do be prepared to wait for consultations, and if you are hospitalized you will need to share a room in the majority of cases.


Private health


Many foreign visitors and residents choose to take advantage of the ample choice of private health care options in Portugal. You can pay as you go at these hospitals and clinics but most people choose to take out private health insurance which costs around $50 a month depending on your plan.


Private hospitals are to a very high standard and cut down on waiting times, as well as offering private rooms and the choice of procedures in various locations in the country – giving the most flexibility for patients needing everything from a simple consultation to major surgery.


With both public and private healthcare options being very attractive, it comes as no surprise that Portugal is seen as a destination of choice for healthcare, with many choosing to visit simply to take advantage of the high standards and low cost of procedures.


For information about private health options please visit www.grupohpa.com / www.upclinic.pt.