Portugal
Health
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
If you’re feeling unwell, but it’s not an emergency, call:
- Mainland Portugal: (+351) 808 24 24 24, press 9 for English. If you have hearing loss and cannot hear on the phone, you can make contact by videocall or webchat (Portuguese language website).
- Madeira and Porto Santo: (+351) 800 24 24 20
- Azores: (+351) 808 24 60 24
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine information for Portugal
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in Portugal.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
UK prescriptions are not recognised in Portugal. Carry enough medication for your visit.
If you need a repeat prescription, go to the nearest health centre or hospital A&E. You may have to pay for your medication.
You will need to go to a pharmacy to get most medicines, though some non-prescription medication is sold at health stores in supermarkets and shopping centres. Find a pharmacy on the Pharmacy Association website.
Healthcare in Portugal
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Portugal, where some staff will speak English.
Health insurance cards
To get medically necessary state healthcare in Portugal, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad has details about:
- how to apply for a GHIC
- how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
- who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
- what treatment counts as medically necessary
A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:
- changes to travel and accommodation bookings
- additional standard costs for treatment
- medical repatriation to the UK
- treatment that is ruled non-urgent
- private healthcare
- private clinics
There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Portugal.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health and mental health support for UK nationals in Portugal.
There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.