What to Do If You Get Sick in Portugal | Expat Healthcare Guide скачать в хорошем качестве

What to Do If You Get Sick in Portugal | Expat Healthcare Guide

If you're an expat or immigrant in Portugal, getting sick can be stressful—especially if you’re unfamiliar with the healthcare system. Whether you have a fever, infection, or need urgent medical care, knowing your options can save you time, money, and frustration. In Portugal, you have several healthcare options, depending on the urgency of your situation. Private hospitals like CUF and LUZ have emergency rooms (the word for this is Portuguese is ATENDIMENTO PERMANENTE) that also function as urgent care centers, where you can be seen by a doctor, receive a diagnosis, and get prescriptions for medication. The cost of visiting a private emergency room typically ranges from €35 to €50, depending on whether you have insurance. These hospitals often post wait times on their websites, though keep in mind that triage wait times may differ from the actual consultation time. If you have private health insurance, many providers offer a doctor hotline or even a home visit service. This can be useful if you’re sick but don’t feel well enough to leave home. However, response times can vary, and this option may not always be reliable—especially outside of business hours. Another option is online medical consultations. Services like Doctor Online PT allow you to speak with a doctor remotely and get a prescription if needed. This is particularly helpful on weekends or holidays when clinics and pharmacies may have limited hours. The cost for an online appointment is typically around €35. For those using Portugal’s public healthcare system, it’s important to note that emergency rooms prioritize cases based on urgency. Upon arrival, you’ll be given a color-coded wristband—red for critical cases, yellow for semi-urgent, and green for non-urgent cases. If you receive a green wristband and the ER is busy, you may experience long wait times. In such cases, it might be more convenient to visit a private clinic instead. The Portuguese public health system also has a triage hotline that you can call before heading to an emergency room. This can help direct you to the right facility for your condition and even includes an English-speaking service. While healthcare in Portugal is excellent, navigating the system takes some getting used to. Whether you choose private, public, or online medical care, it’s essential to understand your options before you need them. Have you had experience seeking healthcare in Portugal? Share your experience in the comments! If you have any questions, let me know—I’d be happy to answer them in a future video. LINKS Dr.Online.PT: https://dronline.pt/en/ National Portuguese Phone Triage Line: 351 808 24 24 24 and the line to call for an ambulance is 112. 🔔 Subscribe for more expat tips on navigating daily life in Portugal! Follow us on: IG:   / day2dayportugal   FB:   / day2daypt   Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/day2daypt.bs...