Portugal Travel

Portugal is a beautiful country located in the south west of Europe. The country shares its East and North borders with Spain and the Atlantic Ocean in the West. The Madeira and Azores group of islands also belong to Portugal.


Since 2002, the healthcare services in Portugal have become more efficient and effective. The basic healthcare services in the county is now available to all Portuguese and is now patterned after most health care systems of other European Union states. There are also some health benefits that are extended for free to foreign European Union residents.


A resident in Portugal is eligible to have a medical card that can be used to give him access to basic medical needs. In order to get a card, a bonafide citizen must provide his social security card together with his residency permit. A resident who regularly contributes to the social security system can also avail discount on medicines.


European Union residents who are visiting Portugal can also be given given basic health care benefits based on the European Union reciprocal health care agreement. You must however obtain the E111 form from your country of origin for this document will be asked from you by the clinic or hospital that you would like to visit in Portugal.


Many of the basic healthcare services that are offered for free in Portugal are of good standards. They may not look as good or as modern like those found in the US or in most countries in Europe, but they still meets international healthcare standards and efforts are also being made by the Portuguese government to update our equipments and give additional training to our health care professionals.


For foreign tourists who are on Portugal travel who needs medical attention, you need not fear going to a Portuguese clinic or hospital. Many local doctors in the urban centers can speak English, plus a lot of foreign doctors also set up their own medical clinics in many cities in Portugal such as in Lisbon, Sintra, and Fatima.


If you are a foreigner that needs medical attention, it is advisable to go to the nearest city for it may prove difficult to find a public hospital in the rural regions of Portugal. You can also ask for referrals from your Portugal tour organizer if you availed of a Portugal vacation package.