Every time I go to the doctor I am SHOCKED at how much better healthcare is in Portugal compared to the USA. SHOCKED. The healthcare prices in Portugal are significantly lower. I have not tested out the public healthcare system in Portugal and my Portuguese friends say that it has plenty of problems. This post is about Portuguese healthcare with private insurance. Si lo necesitas, I have written an entire blog post on how to get health insurance in Portugal. Antonio and I chose Medis and are very happy with them a year into our membership. en mi opinión, Medis offers the best private health insurance in Portugal. But let’s get back to the issue at hand, healthcare prices in Portugal. Here are a few examples of how much we have paid for different types of medical procedures in Portugal with our Private health insurance.
Healthcare Prices in Portugal
General Practitioner
- 2017 – €15
- 2018 – €15
CAT Scan
- 2018 – €27.50
ENT Visit
- 2018 – €15
Optical Visit (eye exam)
Click the link to see the price of contacts and glasses in Portugal.
- 2018 – €0
ECG
- 2018 – €1.25
Emergency Room Visit
- 2018 – €40.00
All in all, I am thrilled to have moved to Lisbon. Not just because the Healthcare Prices in Portugal are ridiculously low when compared to those in the USA, the quality of healthcare in Portugal is excellent. In the US, we’d get to the doctor’s office and wait for hours in the waiting room, then walk into the exam room and wait what seemed like eternities for the doctor to come in. Then he/she would be in and out in less than 10 minutes. Our experience here is completely different. The most I have waited is 20 minutes, and when I walk in the doctor is already in there. Our GP takes his time and truly spends the time to figure out what is wrong. He is not quick to offer prescriptions but will do so when it is necessary.
Besides the incredible quality of care in Portugal, we’re also thrilled at the quality of life here. Our rent is 1/4 the price of what we paid in NYC, we are just 30 minutes from pristine beaches, and there is seafood pretty much everywhere I turn. The people here are quite nice (although reserved) and there is certainly a lot less racism in Portugal than there is in the US (something that as people who are of Latin descent and pigmented matters incredibly). Sure, the prices of things in Lisbon are significantly cheaper than NYC, but prices are increasing fast, so if you are planning to relocate, I suggest you do your research on the different types of visas and that you do it soon.
Have questions about the price of healthcare in Portugal or anything else before you move, then leave your question in the comments below.
Increasing regarding what? Rent or overall expenses?
Rent is the one cost that is increasing at the fastest rate. Other things are increasing as well, but much slower. Food & drink are pretty much on par with last year. Some utilities have increased. I’ve started updating this post to show the differences year over year: https://blancavalbuena.com/lisbon-prices-cost-of-living/
Healthcare should be affordable and It’s good to have a health insurance. Life is unpredictable you don’t know when you need it.
Absolutely. I remember being in college and having to choose between the dentist and paying tuition. Then my sister got sick (cancer) and the bills were astronomical. I’m so happy to live in Portugal where the prices of healthcare are manageable.
This unfortunately is not shocking to me. The US does a lot things very well, but health care is not one of them. And most civilized countries including Portugal, UK and Canada have figured out how to do it better.
I started seeing this as I began to travel. I could not believe that in Milan we were not charged for an emergency visit and that in Strasbourg we were only charged 25 euros for removing stitches. I think that this was a big factor in making my relocation.
Healthcare is one of those things that we need. Even with insurance, it is pricety
Right? Especially with kids. They get sick all the time and they (and the elderly) are the most vulnerable.
OH man, healthcare can get pricey. I think the US needs to go the Canada route and have it be free. Some of the costs can be insane.
Right? I hear that healthcare in Canada is superb…and can I just say…Justin is not too bad to look at 😉
Living in the UK it always amazes me reading the difference of healthcare around the world. We are very lucky to have the NHS here and while yes it does have it’s issues, there isn’t a system out there that doesn’t in one way or another.
Totally agree. Healthcare in Portugal is not perfect, but it is so nice to know that all its citizens can get help when they need it. I know so many people that let small things go in the USA because they lack money…and then end up with much more serious issues.
I’m from Ireland where healthcare is very cheap and I lived in NY for 5yrs where healthcare WASNT!! To me this is something that should be cost effective for everyone and not leave them bankrupt – go Portugal!!
I can’t imagine the shock you must have had when you first went to the doctor in NY. NY is probably one of the most expensive places for healthcare…and don’t even get me started on the wait times.
That’s amazing. I hope every country will have affordable healthcare. It is really so pricey.
I hope the move is a wonderful one for you. I’d love to visit Libson.
Having healthcare and insurance is part of my adulting. I must say this should always be considered since we cannot say what will happen next. That is why I am always encouraging my friends to get their own too.
I guess pretty much everywhere healthcare is better and cheaper than in the US. If you need to pay more than $100 for a consultation, you end up not even going anymore. Healthcare should be affordable for everyone!
Right? Healthcare is so prohibitive sometimes. And in many cases, it can make or break a family. I’m so happy that healthcare in Portugal is affordable. I am still in shock as to how good it is compared to healthcare in the US.
These healthcare costs do look less expensive than in the US. I’m curious how other expenses compare to US costs, as well.
They are so much cheaper than the US. I paid 15 euros for a procedure that cost me over 1,000 in the US. Most things are cheaper in Portugal as compared to the US…Lisbon is the most expensive city, so it would depend on where in the US…I actually have a blog post that outlines the cost of basic things in Lisbon so that people can make a more educated decision before moving from the US to Portugal https://blancavalbuena.com/lisbon-prices-cost-of-living/
Wow healthcare around the world seems so much cheaper the USA. Some of those prices are very surprising! I’m glad you are getting good care over there.
Sounds like you have found a good plan for yourself and your husband in Portugal. Thankful for our Canadian health care.
I’ve heard healthcare in Canada is AMMMAAZING. I’m definitely happy that I am dealing with health insurance in Portugal and not in the US. The change is shocking.
Healthcare is already very costly in my country for many years and it sucks. . It should be cheap.
It is a good relief when healthcare facilities are affordable.Compared to most countries’ healthcare rates,these rates sounds very low.
It’s so great that healthcare in Portugal is not only affordable but also quality. That has to be the opposite of what we are offered here in Kenya.
What’s the healthcare system like in Kenya, I have never been.
I am sure the reason why the healthcare is so cheap is because they pay some sort of premium in their taxes. Healthcare in Canada is free, but they also have super high taxes.
You are correct. Taxes are definitely high here…but you won’t go broken when you get sick 🙂
I have a friend from Portugal and we’ve discussed healthcare and just living there in general. You are so right about the waiting time in the US Dr offices. omg.
Hated the prices of US healthcare and the wait. It was seriously out of control. While the system is not perfect here in Portugal, it is better in so many respects.
Healthcare should be affordable or free. It should not be a privilege. Being healthy is a right. America is the only country with high premiums and high doctor bills. You should not have to suffer because you are not rich. I have been fortunate enough to have great insurance and can afford it. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t like it to be cheaper. I also know what it means to not have insurance for yourself and children. The worst feeling ever.
I completely agree. At least for kids and the elderly. Could not agree more. Como estadounidense, I am ashamed that our country does not offer this. Imagine if people could go to the doctor and not worry about bills? Productivity would go up at work, kids would miss fewer school days, and people would not have to worry about losing their livelyhood if they got sick.
Sadly it in’t really shocking to see better health care everywhere else than the US. The US has one of the worse… Used to live in Canada and remember I would go to the doctor if needed without second guessing. When I first moved to and had no insurance, I was charged nearly $500 for an emergency room visit.
Right? It’s kind of insane. When my stepsister got cancer, it almost bankrupted her. Healthcare should be accessible to all.
Hello Blanca
I am a senior, 72 years old, and attempting to move to Portugal. Do you know of any company offering private insurance for seniors living in Portugal?
Gracias
Rex
Nice to meet you, Rex,
That’s a bit complicated. There are a few insurance companies in Portugal that will ensure people past 65, but it is pretty pricy. You can check Medal…but I can connect you with a friend that runs a company that specializes in this exactly. I’ll send you a private note with his contact info a bit later today.
Blanca