For many families applying for the Portuguese Golden Visa, one of the most important considerations is access to quality healthcare. Portugal consistently ranks among the top countries in Europe for healthcare quality, affordability, and accessibility, making it a safe choice for retirees, families, and professionals alike.
As a Golden Visa resident in 2025, you enjoy access to both the public healthcare system (SNS) and the private healthcare sector, giving you flexibility depending on your needs.
This article explores the healthcare options, costs, and benefits available to Golden Visa residents.
Public Healthcare (SNS – Serviço Nacional de Saúde)
The SNS (Portuguese National Health Service) offers universal coverage to all legal residents, including Golden Visa holders.
- Eligibility: Golden Visa holders can access public healthcare once they obtain residency and register at their local health center (Centro de Saúde).
- Services Covered: General practitioner visits, hospital care, maternity, surgery, vaccinations, and emergency services.
- Costs:
- GP consultations: €5–€10 (nominal co-payment).
- Specialist consultations: €7–€15.
- Hospitalization: modest fees depending on treatment.
- Strengths: Affordable, widely accessible, strong focus on preventive medicine.
- Limitations: Longer waiting times for specialists and certain treatments compared to the private system.
Best For: Routine healthcare, affordable basic services, and long-term residents.
Private Healthcare
Many expats and Golden Visa families supplement public healthcare with private insurance. Portugal’s private sector is modern, efficient, and significantly cheaper than in the U.S. or U.K.
- Private Insurance Requirement: Golden Visa applicants must show proof of private health insurance during their application stage.
- Costs:
- Private insurance: €500–€1,000/year per person (varies by age and coverage).
- GP consultation: €50–€70.
- Specialist: €80–€120.
- Advantages:
- Shorter waiting times.
- Access to English-speaking doctors.
- Choice of hospitals and clinics, especially in Lisbon, Cascais, Porto, and the Algarve.
Best For: Expats seeking faster service, international-standard care, and English-speaking professionals.
Pharmacies and Medication
- Pharmacies are widespread and accessible in every city and town.
- Prescription Medications: Often cheaper than in North America; many are partially subsidized by SNS.
- Over-the-Counter Medicines: Affordable and available at most local pharmacies.
Healthcare for Families
Golden Visa dependents also benefit:
- Children: Access to public healthcare services including routine check-ups, pediatrics, and vaccinations.
- Retirees: Affordable care ensures pensioners can manage expenses, particularly under Portugal’s chronic disease management programs.
- Family Planning & Maternity: High standards of care, widely accessible through public and private providers.
Emergency and Specialty Care
- Emergency Services (112): Public emergency care available to all residents.
- Specialized Treatments: Oncology, cardiology, and surgery available in both public and private systems, with global-standard treatment facilities.
- Private Clinics: Particularly strong for dentistry, cosmetic surgery, dermatology, and physiotherapy.
Comparing Public and Private Healthcare
| Aspect | Public Healthcare (SNS) | Private Healthcare |
| Eligibility | All residents (Golden Visa holders included) | Requires insurance or out-of-pocket |
| Cost | Very low (co-payments) | Moderate (insurance or per visit fees) |
| Waiting Times | Longer for specialists | Short and efficient |
| Language Support | Limited English in rural areas | English-speaking doctors in major cities |
| Coverage | Universal & comprehensive | Flexible, faster, personalized |
Healthcare Costs for Golden Visa Families
Example Annual Budget
- Family of four with private insurance: €3,000–€3,500/year.
- GP visits (SNS): €40–€60 annually.
- Occasional private visits: €300–€500/year.
Total: €3,500–€4,000 annually for full healthcare coverage, far below international averages.
Conclusion
Healthcare access is one of the strongest benefits of the Portuguese Golden Visa. Once residents register, they can enjoy Portugal’s SNS public healthcare system at very low cost, while supplementing with private insurance for faster and more personalized care. For families, retirees, and professionals alike, Portugal offers high standards of care at an affordable price — one of the key reasons the country remains a top destination for Golden Visa applicants.
Next Step
Planning your move with the Golden Visa? Our team assists with healthcare registration, private insurance providers, and family relocation planning to make your transition seamless. Contact us today for expert support on healthcare in Portugal.