Can You Move to Portugal With Pre-Existing Health Conditions?

a box of medications with days of the week

Moving abroad is scary enough. But when you have pre-existing conditions? It gets properly terrifying. Right now, you’ve got a setup that works. Your doctor knows your history, your prescriptions are sorted, your medical records are more or less all in one place. Everything’s familiar, even if it’s not perfect. Then you start thinking about Portugal. What happens to your medications? Will insurance companies cover you? How long until you can access the public health system, and can you access …

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Health Insurance in Portugal: Get A Quote Today

A doctor wearing a white coat and stethoscope smiles while speaking with a woman and a young girl in a medical office. In the foreground, text reads “Understanding Health Insurance in Portugal.”.

Feeling lost in the maze of Portuguese healthcare? Trying to get health insurance quotes but ending up with a headache instead of answers? We get it – it’s confusing! Health insurance isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s a must-have for many visas (hello, D7 and Digital Nomad Visa!) and increasingly recommended for, well, just about everyone else. Don’t worry, though – we’ve got your back! At Portugalist, we’ve been the trusty sidekicks for folks moving to Portugal since 2016. …

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Understanding the Portuguese Healthcare System

A man in a white coat holding a tablet sits at a desk with office supplies, notebooks, and a computer. The background shows a bookshelf with various items. Text overlay reads, "Understanding the Portuguese Health System.

Portugal’s healthcare system, like many in Europe, offers a unique blend of public and private options. But how does it stack up against other countries, and what can newcomers expect? A WHO study from 2000 ranked Portugal 12th globally, outperforming the UK (18th) and the US (37th). However, given how much time has passed, this data is now outdated. More recent assessments paint a similar but varies picture: These rankings suggest Portugal’s healthcare is solid within Europe and impressive on …

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How To Get a Número de Utente (SNS Number) in Portugal

A man wearing a badge is assisting a woman at a reception desk. The woman, with a ponytail, is leaning on the counter, holding a black handbag and looking at the book the man is writing in. The background features minimalistic decor and a vase with white flowers.

If you’re familiar with the NIF (tax number) in Portugal, get ready to add another crucial number to your list: the número de utente or SNS number. This number is your gateway to the Portuguese public healthcare system, and it’s a must-have for anyone planning to reside in Portugal. What is the SNS Number? The SNS number allows you to access: Obtain your SNS number as soon as you become a resident in Portugal. Healthcare is vital, so this should …

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Positively Pregnant in Portugal: An Interview with Shona Becker

Shortly after Shona moved to Portugal, she found out that she was pregnant. While obviously excited, she was also unsure how to navigate being pregnant in a country where she didn’t really know the language or culture. Her experience later inspired her to create Positively Pregnant in Portugal, a resource for expectant mothers also living in Portugal. James: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to create this website? Shona: Hi James! I’m Shona, a …

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