Healthcare in Portugal for Foreigners: SNS, Insurance and How to Register
As a legal resident you can use Portugal's public health service (SNS) on the same terms as citizens, once you register for a Numero de Utente at your local health centre. For your D7 or D8 visa you first need private health insurance, which many people keep alongside the SNS for faster specialist access.
Can foreigners use the SNS?
Yes. People who live legally in Portugal are entitled to the same healthcare as Portuguese citizens. That covers holders of residence permits and temporary residents, as well as EU and EEA nationals who register locally. The one step you must take is getting your SNS user number.
How to register: the Numero de Utente
You register at the Centro de Saude (health centre) that covers your parish, your freguesia, not one of your choosing. Go in person with proof of a full Portuguese address, your identification, your NIF, and your social security registration where it applies. You will be given a Numero de Utente, your SNS number, and can then register with a GP.
Private insurance and your visa
For the D7 or D8 visa you generally need proof of private health insurance when you apply, and it protects you in the weeks before your SNS number comes through. Basic plans commonly start around €15 to €20 a month. Many residents keep a private policy even after joining the SNS, for quicker specialist appointments and more choice.
| Public (SNS) | Private insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Legal residents with a utente number | Anyone, and required for the visa |
| Cost | Free for most services since June 2022 | From around €15 to €20+ a month |
| Speed | Can have waits for specialists | Faster specialist access |
| Best for | Everyday and serious care | Speed, choice, the visa requirement |
What the SNS covers
The SNS covers GP visits, specialists, maternity care, hospital stays and treatment for serious illness. Since June 2022, the user co-payments known as taxas moderadoras were removed for nearly all services, so most care is free at the point of use. You may still pay for some prescriptions.
Before you are resident
On arrival, and until your residency and utente number are sorted, rely on travel or private health insurance. Do not assume you can walk into the SNS before you are registered. Line up cover that meets your visa rules first, then add the SNS once you are settled.
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Get your healthcare sorted in order
See how it fits the wider move in the complete guide, or let the Discovery Plan sequence every step.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners use the public health service?
Yes. Legal residents can use the SNS on the same terms as Portuguese citizens, once they register for a Numero de Utente at their local health centre.
What is a Numero de Utente?
It is your SNS user number. You get it at the health centre that covers your parish, in person, with proof of residence, ID, your NIF and, where it applies, your social security registration.
Do I need private insurance for my visa?
Yes. The D7 and D8 visas generally require proof of private health insurance as part of the application, and it covers you until your SNS registration comes through.
How much is private health insurance?
Basic plans commonly start around 15 to 20 euros a month, with cover and price rising for broader plans and older applicants. Many residents keep one for faster specialist access.
Are there fees to see a doctor on the SNS?
For most services, no. Since June 2022 the user co-payments, the taxas moderadoras, were removed for nearly all SNS services.
How long does it take to get my utente number?
It can take a few weeks after you are resident, which is one reason to keep private insurance in place at first.
Sources: Portuguese Government healthcare for migrants (gov.pt), SNS. Insurance prices are indicative and vary by provider and age. Current June 2026.
Last updated June 2026. By Claire Lawrence, who moved to Portugal and now helps others do the same.