Healthcare in Portugal for retirees
Healthcare in Portugal for a D7 retiree starts with travel medical insurance for the visa, then health insurance or public SNS cover for the residence permit.
The hospitals retirees use, what insurance does and does not cover. Checked against official and hospital sources on Oct 8, 2026.
- Life expectancy
- 82.4 years US 78.9. World Bank, 2024
- Doctors
- 5.9 per 1,000 US 3.7. World Bank, 2022
- Health spending
- $2,971/person Per year; US $13,473. World Bank, 2024
- Paid out of pocket
- 28.2% Of all health spending; US 10.9%. World Bank, 2024
Hospitals retirees use in Portugal
Lisbon
Hospital CUF Descobertas
- Adult and children's emergency care open 24 hours
- Shuttle to Oriente station
CUF Descobertas. Checked Oct 8, 2026.
Porto
Hospital CUF Porto
- Opened in 2010; the main private hospital in the north of Portugal
- Adult emergency care open 24 hours
CUF Porto. Checked Oct 8, 2026.
Faro
Hospital CUF Faro
- Accredited by Joint Commission International
- Adult emergency care open 24 hours, intensive care unit
CUF Faro. Checked Oct 8, 2026.
Funchal
Hospital CUF Madeira
- Adult emergency care open 24 hours
- Specialist consultations, tests and surgery
CUF Madeira. Checked Oct 8, 2026.
Portugal's public health system is the National Health Service (SNS). When you apply to AIMA for your residence permit, you show either health insurance or proof that the SNS covers you. Pensioners from a country with a health agreement with Portugal, such as UK S1 holders, may be covered through that agreement instead of private insurance.
Paying for care in Portugal
28.2% of health spending in Portugal is paid directly by patients, about 2.5 times the US share, so plan how you will pay before you move.
Retirees use either an international health plan, which can also cover care at home and in other countries, or a local plan from an insurer in Portugal, which costs less but covers care there only. Prices depend on age and on the insurer's terms for existing conditions; compare written quotes.
If you are on Medicare
Medicare usually does not pay for care outside the United States; the exceptions are narrow, such as a foreign hospital closer to your US home than the nearest US hospital.
Medicare.gov. Checked Oct 7, 2026.
Healthcare questions
Does Medicare cover me in Portugal?
Medicare usually does not pay for care outside the United States; the exceptions are narrow, such as a foreign hospital closer to your US home than the nearest US hospital. Plan on private insurance or paying directly for care in Portugal.
Do I need health insurance for the D7 visa?
The D7 visa application needs travel insurance covering medical expenses, including urgent care and repatriation; the consulate may waive it under a health agreement, such as a UK S1. For the residence permit, AIMA asks for health insurance or proof of SNS cover.
How much of the bill do people pay themselves?
In Portugal, 28.2% of all health spending is paid out of pocket, against 10.9% in the US (World Bank, 2024).
What health insurance do I need for the D7 visa?
Travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including urgent care and repatriation. It can be waived under a health agreement with your country, such as a UK S1. For the residence permit you then show health insurance or proof of public cover.
In terms of healthcare, how do Porto and Lisbon compare?
Both have large private hospitals with 24-hour adult emergency care: CUF Descobertas in Lisbon's Parque das Nações and CUF Porto, the main private hospital in the north of the country.
Is there a JCI-accredited hospital in the Algarve?
Yes. Hospital CUF Faro, in Gambelas, is accredited by Joint Commission International and has 24-hour adult emergency care.
