SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde)
Free (tax-funded)
Best for: All students — register after arrival
Register at local health center (centro de saúde). Mostly free care with small co-pays (€4–€18).
Learn more
Health Insurance for Students in Portugal
Register with SNS (Portuguese National Health Service) for mostly free care. Small co-pays €4–€18. Optional private from €25/month.
5 requirements 3 plan options 5 setup steps
Compare Plans Insurance Requirements
- All residents in Portugal can access SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde)
- EU/EEA students with EHIC have immediate SNS access
- Non-EU students register at local health center after arrival
- SNS registration is free for students
- Private insurance optional but recommended for faster access and extras
Available Insurance Options
Private Health Insurance (Basic)
€25–€40/month
Best for: Students wanting faster access to specialists and private clinics
Optional supplement to SNS. Faster appointments, English-speaking doctors, private hospitals.
Learn morePrivate Health Insurance (Comprehensive)
€40–€70/month
Best for: Students wanting premium care with dental and optical
Full private coverage with dental, optical, and alternative therapies.
Learn moreCost Overview
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| SNS Registration | Free | Register at local centro de saúde with residence permit and student ID |
| SNS Co-Pays | €4–€18 per visit | Small fees for GP visits (€4), specialists (€7), emergency (€18) |
| Private Insurance (Basic) | €25–€40/month | Optional for faster access and English-speaking doctors |
| Private Insurance (Comprehensive) | €40–€70/month | Premium care with dental, optical, and private hospitals |
Item
SNS Registration
Cost
Free
Details
Register at local centro de saúde with residence permit and student ID
Item
SNS Co-Pays
Cost
€4–€18 per visit
Details
Small fees for GP visits (€4), specialists (€7), emergency (€18)
Item
Private Insurance (Basic)
Cost
€25–€40/month
Details
Optional for faster access and English-speaking doctors
Item
Private Insurance (Comprehensive)
Cost
€40–€70/month
Details
Premium care with dental, optical, and private hospitals
Visa & Insurance Requirements
- Student visa requires proof of health coverage
- EU students: EHIC sufficient
- Non-EU students: Travel insurance required for visa, then register with SNS after arrival
- Private insurance certificate accepted for visa application
- Insurance must cover entire stay and include repatriation
How to Get Insured
Apply for Student Visa
Submit visa application with proof of insurance (EHIC for EU, travel/private insurance for non-EU).
Arrive in Portugal and Get NIF
Apply for NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) at local tax office (Finanças) or online. This is your Portuguese tax ID.
Register with SNS
Visit your local health center (centro de saúde) with passport, residence permit, and NIF to register for SNS.
Receive SNS Number (Número de Utente)
After registration, you'll receive your SNS user number (número de utente). Use this when accessing healthcare.
Choose Your Family Doctor (Médico de FamÃlia)
Register with a family doctor (médico de famÃlia) at your health center. This is your primary care contact.
Student Health Insurance in Portugal
Portugal’s SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) provides universal healthcare to all residents, including international students. Registration is free, and you’ll pay only small co-pays (€4–€18 per visit).
Registering with SNS
After arriving in Portugal, follow these steps:
- Get your NIF: Apply for your NIF (tax ID number) at the local tax office (Finanças) or online
- Visit your health center: Go to your local centro de saúde with your passport, residence permit, and NIF
- Receive your número de utente: You’ll be assigned an SNS user number
- Register with a family doctor: Choose a médico de famÃlia (family doctor) at your health center
What SNS Covers
SNS provides comprehensive coverage with small co-pays:
- GP visits: €4
- Specialist consultations: €7
- Emergency room: €18
- Hospital stays and surgeries: Free
- Prescriptions: Variable co-pays (often 30-60% of cost)
Optional Private Insurance
While SNS is excellent, many students get private insurance (€25–70/month) for:
- Faster specialist appointments (no waiting lists)
- English-speaking doctors
- Private clinics and hospitals
- Dental and optical coverage
- More convenient locations
Why Portugal?
With over 60,000 international students, Portugal offers excellent universities, beautiful weather, rich culture, and affordable living costs. Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra are vibrant student cities with growing international communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is healthcare free in Portugal?
SNS healthcare is mostly free, but patients pay small co-pays: €4 for GP visits, €7 for specialists, €18 for emergency room visits. Hospital stays and surgeries are free.
Can EU students use EHIC?
Yes, EU/EEA students with EHIC can access Portuguese SNS immediately. Registering at a health center is still recommended for easier access.
Should I get private insurance in Portugal?
SNS is excellent, but private insurance (€25–70/month) offers faster specialist appointments, English-speaking doctors, and private clinics. Optional but recommended for convenience.
How do I see a doctor in Portugal?
Contact your médico de famÃlia (family doctor) at your health center for appointments. For emergencies, visit urgências (ER) or call 112.
What is a NIF and why do I need it?
NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is your Portuguese tax ID number. You need it for SNS registration, banking, phone contracts, and most official services.
Ready to Study in Portugal?
Register with SNS for affordable healthcare and explore optional private insurance for faster access.
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