Mental health support for UK nationals in Portugal
Published 29 July 2020
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/portugal-mental-health-support-abroad/mental-health-support-for-british-nationals-in-portugal
Disclaimer
The information contained in this note is intended for your general guidance only, it is not a substitute for obtaining your own medical and legal advice. While all due care has been taken in compiling this information, accuracy cannot be guaranteed and the applicable law and procedures may occasionally change. For these reasons, neither His Majesty’s Government nor any member of the British Consular staff can accept liability for any costs, damages or expenses which might be incurred.
His Majesty’s Government holds and uses data for purposes notified to the Information Commissioner under the Data Protection Act 1998 (which may be viewed at www.ico.org.uk). Such personal data may be disclosed to other UK Government Departments and public authorities.
Consular support
Whenever possible we will seek your permission before taking any action on your behalf.
We can:
- listen to you and help you look at your options
- help you to contact friends and family members if you want to
- visit you in hospital or prison in line with our usual procedures
- raise any concerns about your treatment or welfare with the responsible authority (such as a hospital or prison)
- help overseas medical staff contact medical staff in the UK who may be able to provide advice on your medical history
- give information about local medication suppliers
- be available, as appropriate, to offer you assistance if you choose to remain overseas
- liaise with your travel rep or travel insurance company, if you want us to
We cannot:
- give advice on mental health issues
- buy or supply medication
- withhold or remove a passport
- stop you from travelling abroad
- require you to return to the UK
- pay for you to return to the UK
- pay for food, accommodation or medical bills
- get you better treatment in hospital or prison than is given to local people
What to do if you need help
Emergencies
If there is an emergency or urgent need for medical attention, you should either:
- call 112 for the emergency services
- call SNS 24 (health helpline) on 808 24 24 24 or
- go to A&E (“Serviço de Urgência”) at any hospital
If you are a resident and your requirement is not an emergency, the first option as in the UK is to request an appointment with your GP (médico de familia no centro de saúde), who will make a first assessment, provide some support, signpost you elsewhere, if necessary, or assist you in going to hospital. You can find a list of GPs in Portugal on the Portuguese Ministry of Health website
There are psychiatric hospitals in Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra, and mental health units in district hospitals throughout the country. In the Algarve, you will need to go to Faro Hospital.
You may also make an appointment with a psychologist (psicólogo) or a psychiatrist (psiquiatra) in a private practice. Your GP may be able to recommend one, or you can contact one directly. See also our list of English-speaking doctors
Repeat or replacement prescriptions
If you are on holiday in Portugal or have moved to Portugal and require a repeat or replacement prescription, you should approach a local pharmacy who will be able to provide advice or indicate the nearest hospital or health centre.
Carrying a copy of your prescription while on holiday, or after your move to Portugal, can help doctors to find the exact or similar medication.
Compulsory hospitalisation
As in the UK, people with mental health needs may be hospitalised without having given their consent, if they are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. In Portugal, this is called “internamento compulsivo”.
In an emergency
A police officer can take you to hospital if the danger to yourself or others is imminent. On arrival in hospital, a psychiatrist will assess you and make a recommendation on further treatment. If the doctor recommends a period of hospitalisation and you disagree with this decision, the doctor can ask the court for authority to keep you in hospital for treatment. The application has to set out the reasons why treatment is necessary and be accompanied by psychiatric assessment report. The court has 48 hours to make a decision on your continued hospitalisation or discharge.
A further psychiatric assessment report will be submitted to the court within 5 days of your compulsory hospitalisation. When the reasons that originated your hospitalisation no longer exist, the doctor will discharge you and your compulsory hospitalisation will come to an end.
For ongoing treatment
A family member, your doctor or a public prosecutor can apply to the court for your compulsory hospitalisation if you refuse to undergo a recommended course of treatment or if you wish to discharge yourself during a period of voluntary hospitalisation. The application has to set out the reasons why in patient treatment is necessary and, where possible, be accompanied by a medical report.
The court will arrange for you to undergo a psychiatric assessment (unless you are already receiving treatment in hospital) and can ask for other evidence of the need for you to receive treatment in hospital. If you do not go for the assessment, the court can issue a warrant obliging you to attend.
On receipt of the assessment, the court will set a date for a hearing. The judge will normally make a decision on your compulsory hospitalisation at the hearing.
If the court decides on compulsory hospitalisation, the judge will issue warrants for you to be hospitalised closest to your place of residence. If you refuse to go, the police can take you. When the reasons that originated your hospitalisation no longer exist, the doctor will discharge you and your compulsory hospitalisation will come to an end.
Costs of hospitalisation
If you are resident in Portugal, you will be entitled to medical treatment on the same basis as a Portuguese national. Make sure you have a healthcare user’s number (“número de utente”) as you will be asked to show this to hospital administration staff.
If you are a visitor to Portugal, you will be entitled to state healthcare through your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have travel insurance, this may also cover the cost of your treatment provided you have declared any pre-existing conditions to your insurance company before you travelled.
Whatever your circumstances, though state hospital treatment is generally free-of-charge, there are occasions when you may have to make a small co-payment (“taxa moderadora”).
Suicide
If you’re feeling like you want to die, it’s important to tell someone. You don’t have to struggle with difficult feelings alone. Let family and friends know what’s going on with you, or talk to your doctor. The following organisations can also help.
Organisations in Portugal
| Name | Telephone | Times | Observations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voz de Apoio | +351 225506070 | sos@vozdeapoio.pt | Daily 9pm to midnight | Member of Befrienders Worldwide. Helpline available in Portuguese. Emails in English |
| SOS Voz Amiga | +351 213544545, +351 912802669, +351 963524660, Freephone 800209899 | direccaolphm@gmail.com | Daily 4pm to midnight, Freephone Daily 9pm to midnight | Emergency helpline providing emotional support |
| SOS Estudante | +351 239484020, +351 969554545, +351 915246060 | geral@sosestudante.pt | Daily 8pm to 1am | Helpline run by students for students who need emotional support |
| Telefone de Amizade | +351 228323535 | jo@telefone-amizade.pt | Daily 4pm to 11pm |
Organisations in the UK
| Name | Telephone | Times | Observations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mind infoline | +44 (0)3001233393 | Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm | Information line and website that gives advice on a range of topics including: types of mental health problem, where to get help, medication and alternative treatments, advocacy |
| Saneline | +44 (0)3003047000 | Daily 4.30pm to 10.30pm | Advice and information about mental health supports in the UK |
| Samaritans | Freephone 116123 (UK and EU), +44 08457909090 | 24/7 | Take calls from people who are suicidal or in distress. If you dial the freephone number in the EU, this links to local supports services |
If you have harmed yourself or you know someone whose life is at immediate risk from them self, call 112 for the emergency services or go to A&E.
Returning to the UK
Once the medical team or doctors have decided that you are able to travel, they will discharge you from hospital and provide you with a fitness to fly certificate. They will also give you a medical report to show your doctor on arrival and enough medication to get you home.
Discharge may be dependent on travelling with a member of your family or a mental health professional. In this case, your travel insurance may be able to cover the costs.
A medical repatriation company in the UK may also be able to help.
Other useful information
Travel Advice for people with mental health issues (includes links to UK NGOs/services)
UK organisations
The NHS list of mental health helplines has a list of organisations that can offer advice to those in the UK by phone. These organisations in the UK may be able to help you before you travel, or support family and friends in the UK.
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The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA)
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Inspire Wellbeing (Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland Association for Mental Health