Overview of Health Services for International Students
International students in Portugal have access to healthcare through two primary channels: the public National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) and the private healthcare market. Access to these systems depends on the student's country of origin, the duration of their stay, and their specific visa type.
The Portuguese healthcare system is known for high-quality standards. While the public system is heavily subsidized by the state, it often involves waiting times for non-emergency consultations. Consequently, many international students utilize a combination of the SNS for primary care and private insurance for faster access to specialists and diagnostics.
EU, EEA, and Swiss Students
Students from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland are entitled to the same healthcare rights as Portuguese citizens under the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) scheme. This card covers essential and unplanned medical treatment during a temporary stay.
- Access: Presenting a valid EHIC at public hospitals or health centers (Centros de Saúde) ensures treatment at the same cost as locals.
- Duration: Valid for the duration of the study period, provided the student remains insured in their home country.
- Exclusions: The EHIC does not cover private healthcare or repatriation costs. For these, supplemental private insurance is recommended.
Non-EU International Students
For students arriving from outside the EU/EEA, health insurance is a mandatory requirement for the student visa and residence permit application. The requirements vary based on the stage of the relocation process.
Initial Visa Requirements
When applying for a study visa at a Portuguese consulate, students must present proof of private medical insurance. This policy must cover the entire initial stay (usually 12 months) and include coverage for emergency medical expenses and repatriation. The minimum coverage required for a Schengen-compliant policy is typically 30,000 EUR ($31,500 USD, Jan 2026).
Brazilian Students and the PB4
Due to a bilateral agreement between Portugal and Brazil, Brazilian students can utilize the PB4 form (PT-BR/13). This document allows Brazilian nationals to access the Portuguese public health system (SNS) under the same conditions as local residents. While this often satisfies visa requirements, some consulates may still request a private travel insurance policy for the initial travel window.
Registering with the National Health Service (SNS)
Once an international student has obtained their residence permit (issued by AIMA - Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum), they are eligible to register for the SNS and obtain a Número de Utente (User Number).
To register, students must visit their local Centro de Saúde (Health Center) with the following documents:
- Valid Passport and Study Visa.
- Residence Permit (Título de Residência).
- Proof of address in Portugal (e.g., rental contract or utility bill).
- Proof of enrollment at a Portuguese Higher Education Institution.
Once registered, the student can book appointments with a family doctor (médico de família) and access public hospitals at subsidized rates.
Private Health Insurance Costs
Many students choose to maintain private health insurance even after registering with the SNS to avoid waiting lists and access private hospitals like CUF or Luz Saúde. Prices for student-specific private insurance vary based on age and coverage limits.
- Basic Student Plan: Approximately 20 EUR to 40 EUR per month ($21 USD to $42 USD, Jan 2026). These plans usually cover consultations and basic exams with a co-payment.
- Comprehensive Plan: Approximately 50 EUR to 80 EUR per month ($52.50 USD to $84 USD, Jan 2026). These plans typically include hospitalization, surgery, and sometimes dental care.
It is important to note that most private insurance policies in Portugal operate on a "network" basis. Using providers outside the insurer's network will result in significantly higher out-of-pocket costs.
Costs of Public Healthcare (Taxas Moderadoras)
While the SNS is state-funded, users typically pay small "moderating fees" (taxas moderadoras) for certain services. However, as of 2025/2026, many primary care services and consultations referred by a family doctor are exempt from these fees for most residents.
- Emergency Room Visit: Approximately 15 EUR to 20 EUR ($15.75 USD to $21 USD, Jan 2026).
- Specialist Consultation: Approximately 7 EUR ($7.35 USD, Jan 2026).
- Diagnostic Exams: Varying prices, usually between 2 EUR and 10 EUR ($2.10 USD and $10.50 USD, Jan 2026) depending on the complexity.
Note: Foreign students may be exempt from these fees if they can prove low income, though this process involves additional administrative steps at the local Social Security office.
Pharmacies and Medication
Medication in Portugal is divided into prescription and non-prescription categories. For prescription drugs, the state subsidizes a percentage of the cost (comparticipação), provided the student is registered with the SNS and has a prescription from a public doctor. The subsidy level depends on the therapeutic value of the drug and the student’s economic status.
Pharmacies (Farmácias) are easily identifiable by a green cross. In major cities, there are always 24-hour pharmacies available on a rotational basis.