Portugal has an extensive state health care system, but overcrowding and inconsistent standards of treatment may make private care a preferred option. Within the state health care system treatment is provided without charge to Portuguese citizens. Private medical treatment tends to be costly, so private medical insurance is advisable.

Note: An agreement with the UK entitles British passport-holders to free care in standard wards of State Hospitals. Other EU nationals must present form E111 when seeking care. The British NHS does not reimburse medical costs incurred in Portugal.

24 hour emergency treatment is available at all major hospitals, but be aware that not all hospital staff will understand foreign languages.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies are widely distributed throughout Portugal. They are generally open from Monday to Friday, 09:00 am to 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. On weekends they are open from 09:00 am to 1:00 pm. Addresses and telephone numbers of 24-hour pharmacies are listed on every pharmacy door.

Note: Persons with chronic medical conditions requiring prescription medication should keep at least one month's supply on hand.

Portugal is considered to have an overall healthy environment with relatively minor health risks for visitors. However, damp chilly weather is frequent throughout Portugal during the winter months, and may aggravate rheumatism, sinusitis, asthma, and bronchial and other respiratory conditions. Local meats, fish, fruits, and vegetables are safe for consumption.

The following list has the contact details of the principal state and private hospitals on the Algarve, then those in Lisbon, followed by some hospitals in other key areas:

Algarve - Principal State Hospitals

Faro District Hospital: 289 89 11 00 or 289 802 555

Lagos Hospital: 282 770 100 or 282 770 116

Hospital da Misericórdia de Portimão: 282430040

Algarve - Principal Private Hospitals

Hospital Particular do Algarve S.A.
(3 Locations)
Website:http://www.hpalg.com/

Estrada de Alvor Lote 27
Cruz da Bota
Alvor 8500-322
Portimão
Algarve
Tel (+351) 282 420 400
Website:http://www.hpalg.com/

Parque de Saúde da Misericórdia de Portimão
Av. São João de Deus
8500-508 Portimão • Algarve • Portugal
Tel: (+351) 282 420 020

Urb. Casal de Gambelas Lote 2 - Faro
8005-226 Faro • Algarve • Portugal
Tel: (+351) 289 892 000

Hospital Privado São Gonçalo de Lagos Avenida D. Sebastiao
Lagos 8600-502
Tel: (+351) 282760181
Tel: 24hr (+351) 282 790 700
http://www.hpplagos.pt

Hospital Santa Maria de Faro
Largo Camoes 11
Faro 8000-140
Tel: 351 289 892 040
Tel: 24hr (+351) 289 892 040
http://www.hpplagos.pt

Lisbon - Principal State Hospitals

Hospital de Santa Maria
Av. Prof. Egas Moniz - Lisbon
Tel. 21 780 5000

Hospital de S. Jose
Rua Jose A. Serrano - Lisbon
Tel. 21 884 4100

Hospital de S. Francisco Xavier
Estrada do Alto do Duque - Lisbon
Tel. 21 300 0300

Hospital de Cascais
Rua D. Francisco de Avilez - Cascais
Tel. 21 482 7700

Hospital de Santa Cruz
Av. Prof. Dr. Reinaldo dos Santos - Carnaxide
Tel. 21 416 3400

Hospital Amadora-Sintra (specializing in Pediatrics)
IC 19 Amadora Sintra
Tel. 21 434 8200

Hospital Dona Estefania
Pediatric Hospital
Rua Jacinto Marto, 10 - Lisbon
Tel. 21 312 6600

Lisbon - Principal Private Hospitals

Hospital da Cruz Vermelha
Rua Duarte Galvão 54 1549-008 - Lisbon
Tel. 21 771 40 00

Hospital da CUF
Travessa do Castro, 3 - Lisbon
Tel. 21 392 61 00

Hospital Particular
Av. Luis Bivar, 30 - Lisbon
Tel. 21 358 6200

Hospital CUF Descobertas
Rua Mario Botas (Parque das Nações) - Lisbon
Tel. 21 002 5200

British Hospital
Torres de Lisboa - Lisbon
Tel. 21 721 3400

Other Lisbon Hospitals

S. Louis Hospital: 21 321 65 00
SAMS Hospital: 21 842 20 00

Hospitals - Other Key Areas

Oporto:

São João Santa Hospital : 22 551 21 00
Santo António Hospital: 22 207 75 00

Coimbra:

Coimbra General Hospital (Covões): 239 800 100
Coimbra University Hospital: 239 400 400 / 239 400 600

Évora:

Espirito Santo Hospital: 266 740 100 / 266 700 357
Misericórdia de Évora Hospital: 266 760 630 / 266 760 634

Leiria:

Santo André Hospital: 244 817 000
São Francisco Hospital Centre: 244 819 300

Portalegre:

Doutor José Maria Grande Hospital: 245 301 000
Elvas - Santa Luzia Hospital: 268 637 600

Other:

Beja- José Joaquim Fernandes Hospital: 284 310 200
Braga- São Marcos Hospital: 253 209 000
Bragança District Hospital: 273 310 800
Castelo Branco- Amato Lusitano Hospital: 272 000 180 / 272 000 272
Funchal Hospital Centre (Madeira): 291 705 666 / 291 705 600
Guarda- Sousa Martins Hospital: 21 200 200
Santarém District Hospital: 243 300 200 / 243 300 861
Setúbal- São Bernardo Hospital: 265 549 000 / 265 522 133
Viana do Castelo- Santa Luzia Hospital:258 802 100
Vila Real / Peso da Régua Hospital Centre: 259 300 500
Viseu- São Teotónio Hospital: 232 420 500