Traveling to Portugal offers you the chance to visit museums and explore new cultures. Unforeseen health issues can arise, and it can be difficult to find a general doctor or a specialist that speaks fluent English, especially if you go to a public urgent care or walk-in clinic.
This article offers a comprehensive guide to help you find a doctor if you need emergency medical services or a prescription refill to ensure a safe and stress-free temporary stay in Portugal.
7 Successful Ways to Quickly Seeing a Doctor in Portugal as a Tourist
See an online doctor in Portugal
Find a doctor using your travel insurance
Ask for a medical clinic to your hotel concierge or Airbnb host
Use Embassies list to find an English-speaking doctor
Ask to local expats group
See an emergency doctor at an urgent care facility
Visit a hospital nearby
Online doctor: The quickest Way to Consult a Doctor in Portugal
Telehealth services are the quickest way to consult a doctor in Portugal.
Portugal was first introduced to telehealth in 1990. In 2006, the Portuguese National Healthcare System started using telemedicine services which were also eligible for reimbursement just as in-person doctor appointments.
As a foreigner on a short-term stay in Portugal, you can see a doctor via a video consultation without leaving your hotel or Airbnb.
Doctorsa was created with tourists in mind like you. Booking a doctor appointment is quick and you don’t have to create a new account.
All doctors that work through Doctorsa speak fluent English. They are all vetted and have treated local and international patients.
This means that you don’t have to call Portuguese doctors’ offices to ask if there’s someone that speaks English. In reality, a lot of private doctors do speak English, but those working within the public sector might not. You would have to hire an interpreter or ask someone to help you out.
This can add to your medical and phone bill fees, which of course, isn’t something you want to do while you’re enjoying your time off in Portugal!
In addition to that, booking via Doctorsa is free of charge. You only pay the doctor appointment’s fee, which, on average, is around EUR 25.
You can use Doctorsa even if you’re not insured. Raffaela, in one of the over 600 reviews of Doctorsa on Trustpilot, says:
‘“I am on a trip in Germany from the US and I ended up needing to see a doctor. I was very worried about the cost of seeing a doctor without an insurance and turned to Google for information. I discovered Doctorsa and I got connected to Dr. Ibrar Ahmed. I have received a video appointment within minutes and Dr. Ahmed was on time. He listened to my issues and sent a prescription to a pharmacy of my choice. He explained why he picked that specific medication and clearly explained how it needs to be taken.” – Raffaela on Trustpilot
You can still pay with your insurance though.
When you check out, you’ll have to enter your insurance carrier and payment information. If, at this time, your insurance isn’t confirmed, you’ll receive an invoice so that you can forward it to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
After you’ve completed the booking process, doctors will invite you to their consultation. The price you see is the total price that you’ll pay. No hidden costs.
Other telehealth companies might charge you an extra fee if you need to see the doctor again. With Doctorsa, you have up to 7 days to follow up with your practitioner free of charge. You can ask them questions about your symptoms, prescription, etc.
What You Get When Booking Through Doctorsa
Doctorsa offers a lot of services for tourists who are on a temporary stay in Portugal. These include:
- Free booking.
- Urgent care and pre-booked appointments with English-speaking doctors 24/7.
- Home or hotel visits in some cities, like in Lisbon.
- Prescription refills.
- Free follow-up messaging for 7 days after the first consultation.
- Quick response time – within 5 minutes and same-hour appointments.
Walk-in Doctors: Does Portugal Have Urgent Care?
Yes, Portugal does have urgent care centers that are also available to non-resident foreigners.
Walk-in clinics are for people who have a non-life-threatening medical issue and need to see a doctor without a prebooked appointment. Public walk-in clinics are part of the Portuguese public healthcare system, so you can use any of these cards if you are from the UK or European Union (EU):
- The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): You can get this if you are an EU citizen. When you show it to a pharmacist in Portugal, you may get free medication or a discounted price. So you would get the same medical care as the locals.
- The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC): You can show this to a pharmacist in Portugal if you’re visiting from the UK. The GHIC also allows you to get the same medical treatment as the locals, so you either get free medication or pay a fee as if you were a permanent resident.
And if you’re a non-Eu foreigner, you can benefit from a travel insurance plan.
You can also find private urgent care or walk-in clinics, but these are more expensive and you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket, as the EHIC and GHIC don’t cover the costs.
To help you save time and avoid long waiting times in queue, you can book an urgent care doctor appointment through Doctorsa. 90% of the visits take place with general doctors, and the remaining 10% take place with specialists, like psychologists, dermatologists, etc.
A lot of patients feel ignored when they visit a doctor’s office where English isn’t spoken. Or, they feel that their privacy is compromised if you or the doctor has to ask someone else to help with translating.
With Doctorsa, there are no language barrier problems. The platform lists medical professionals that are fluent in English, and this is confirmed during the hiring process.
How to Get a Prescription in Portugal
You can get a physical or electronic prescription from a general doctor, private doctor, or a specialist.
Getting a private prescription online with Doctorsa is fast, easy, and discreet, without the hassle of visiting a doctor in person.
With telemedicine, you can chat with a licensed doctor from anywhere and have your prescription sent to a nearby pharmacy—or even delivered right to your door.
For example, with Doctorsa you can see a private doctor online and get a prescription fast. Just fill in the quick intake form. You’ll be asked things like, “When would you like to be seen?” and “How can the doctor help you?”.
This entire process takes just a few minutes, and once you’ve selected a doctor, you can jump on a video call almost immediately.
If you prefer to see a doctor in-person or if your medication is controlled and cannot be prescribed online, you can visit public health centers, which are widely available across Portugal, and, if you have one, you can present your EHIC or GHIC (European Health Insurance Card and Global Health Insurance Card).
Private clinic doctors can also issue prescriptions and you may also find more English-speaking doctors there. The services are usually more expensive and you can’t use your EHIC or GHIC.
Telehealth services are also very popular in Portugal. Most medical clinics issue e-prescriptions rather than physical prescriptions.
Online Prescription in Portugal
When you’re visiting Portugal, you can present an online prescription to pharmacists. You can get an eprescription from a Doctorsa doctor.
Schedule a consultation with a doctor at any time or day, and you don’t have to create an account. The booking process is quick and there are no hidden charges.
After booking a consultation, you’ll receive requests from doctors. You can read patien reviews and you’ll also see the price that you’ll have to pay.
How to Get Antibiotics in Portugal
If you have a bacterial infection, like a urinary tract infection (UTI) or bacterial vaginosis, you will need a prescription from a primary care doctor.
A lot of medical centers do employ English-speaking staff. You can find a list of English-speaking doctors on Google, Embassy websites, or governmental websites. But as a tourist, you won’t have time to read reviews and check if they can help with your medical needs.
You can book a medical appointment with an English-speaking PCP through Doctorsa. Fill out your personal details and give as much as information as possible about your symptoms. You will receive requests from doctors as well as their visit fee.
Can’t leave your hotel or Airbnb room? Or are you feeling unwell during your visit to the National Azulejo Museum in Lisbon?
You don’t have to worry. Doctorsa offers online consultations and you can ask your physician questions for up to 7 days from the first visit, at no additional cost. — Which is why foreigners prefer Doctorsa over other telehealth platforms.
“The doctor was friendly and knowledgeable and emailed me an antibiotic prescription, I filled it easily (without needing to print). I’m especially impressed by the follow up service – she has been texting me to see how I’m doing and to ensure that I filled the prescription without issues. Easy to use and super affordable. Very impressed! Wish we had this service at home (Canada).”- Julia, on Trustpilot.
Can pharmacists prescribe antibiotics in Portugal?
No. Only doctors can write a prescription for your antibiotics in Portugal. You can then show your prescription to a community pharmacist who will provide you with the medication package.
Keep in mind that some antibiotics can cause heart problems. If you have booked a consultation with a Doctorsa doctor and they think that you are at a high risk for heart problems, they may ask you to visit a community pharmacy to get tested.
Pharmacists in Portugal can test your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body mass index (BMI).
How much do antibiotics cost in Portugal?
The most common antibiotics in Portugal cost EUR 5–15. You can benefit from a subsidized rate if you have the EHIC or GHIC card.
If you’ve forgotten or lost your EHIC while holidaying in Portugal, you can contact your home country’s authorities to get the Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) by email.
It’s the same if you’ve forgotten your GHIC or haven’t received the card before traveling to Portugal. Go to the National Health Service (NHS) website and apply for the PRC.
If you’re a non-EU foreigner, keep in mind that the Portuguese health services aren’t free. Get a travel insurance plan that covers at least around EUR 30,000 during your whole stay. Your insurance should cover emergency treatment, pre-existing conditions, and screening tests. Without travel insurance, health costs can be very high.
How to get an emergency prescription in Portugal
If you need an emergency prescription in Portugal, you can choose different options to help you see a PCP without wasting too much time.
Ask your hotel concierge
This is usually the first option for tourists. Hotel employees are very familiar with the area and they can recommend emergency doctors that are available for non-residents.
It might not be the best option though – These emergency services could be expensive and you’d have to read online reviews to check if the GP speaks fluent English or if they can treat your condition.
Ask a pharmacist
If you visit a local Portuguese pharmacy, pharmacists can offer advice on minor ailments. They can also recommend medical clinics or private hospitals where GPs can write an urgent prescription. Public medical clinics usually have long queues, and private medical centers can be expensive if you’re a tourist, as you cannot use your EHIC or GHIC. These cards are only acceptable at public health clinics. Just a heads up, pharmacists are knowledgeable but aren’t doctors, so they can offer advice, but for a full medical consultation, you’ll need to talk to a doctor.
Ask your travel insurance provider
Travel insurance providers may have a 24-hour hotline, so you can call them to ask for recommendations. You won’t know if the doctor’s services are of high quality or if they speak fluent English. You can read reviews online, but this will only take you more time, and the only thing on your mind would probably be how to get a prescription so that you can take your medication.
Use Doctorsa to see a doctor and get a prescription
If your prescription was issued in another EU country, you might still be able to get the same medication from a Portuguese pharmacy. Portugal may have different brands, so in that case, you will have to get a new prescription recognized by Portuguese pharmacies.
When you book a doctor appointment through Doctorsa for an emergency prescription, you can select the “get urgent care” or “prescription refill” option. A lot of in-person urgent care clinics in Portugal don’t open on Sundays, but Doctorsa offers urgent care services 24/7, even on Sundays and public holidays.
You can book a medical appointment with a specialist. If you’re not sure about the type of doctor you should consult, book a consultation with a primary care doctor.
You don’t have to meet them in person. During the video consultation, all you have to do is tell them about your condition and symptoms, and you can also show them your original prescription. You will then receive an e-prescription on WhatsApp or via e-mail. Alternatively, the doctor can send the prescription directly to the pharmacy themselves.
If you need a prescription for controlled medications, you’ll need to book a face-to-face consultation. Doctorsa does offer in-person visits to your hotel or temporary accommodation, but this service is only available in some cities.
Pharmacies are open from Monday to Friday from 9am till 7pm, and on Saturdays from 9am till 1pm. Portuguese pharmacies also take turns to open on Sundays, and some are also open for 24 hours. So, whether you’re on your way to the Jardins do Palacio de Cristal or Porto Cathedral, you will always find an open pharmacy.
How much is a prescription in Portugal?
A consultation with a GP in Portugal costs around EUR 5-10. Prescriptions have a separate fee, but they are subsidised between 15-90% for foreigners who present their EHIC or GHIC.
Private doctors may charge from EUR 40 for a consultation, but the EHIC and GHIC only covers public health costs.
If you book a doctor appointment through Doctorsa, you only pay one price for the consultation and prescription. The fee starts just from EUR 20.
This is what Angel commented about Doctorsa
“It was easy to use and cheap as an American traveler in the EU. The doctor responded to me, evaluated me and provided the prescription quickly. This was efficient and made my travel experience much better. I had a great experience with Dr. Jubran. I am in Germany and he is in Italy and there was no problem. Only issue I ran into was the prescription he sent to me directly via messaging app was not what they do in Germany. In Germany they require the original prescription or for the doctor to send it straight to the pharmacy. I was able to reach Dr. Jubran after hours at like 10pm and he sent the pharmacy for me.”
How Do I Get Emergency Medical Help in Portugal?
There are different options that, as a foreigner, you can use if you need emergency medical help during your vacation in Portugal. But, first of all: “What is an emergency?”.
What is an emergency?
An emergency is a situation in which someone needs to see an emergency doctor as soon as possible. You may have had an injury or a serious symptom that can lead to serious complications without medical care.
These are examples of medical emergencies:
- Chest pain
- Choking
- Heavy bleeding
- Seizures
- Rapid swelling to the face, tongue, or lips
- Having suicidal thoughts
What if I have a medical emergency in Portugal?
If you have a medical emergency during your temporary stay in Portugal, call 112. It is free and is used in all European Union countries. You can call at any time of day. It’s free of charge and medical representatives take an average of 6 seconds to answer.
When visiting a public emergency room in Portugal, your waiting time will depend on the severity of your condition. Minor ailments are often classified as ‘inappropriate use’ of emergency services, which adds strain to the already overburdened public hospitals. For non-life-threatening cases, waiting times can vary greatly, ranging from 1 to 17 hours.
Pros of visiting the ER for a minor ailment:
- They are open 24/7
- They are easily accessible
Cons of going to the ER for a minor ailment:
- You may face hours of waiting, especially if your condition is not an emergency
- Utilizing ER resources for minor issues adds unnecessary pressure on a system designed to save lives, diverting attention from critical cases.
- You will be at risk of getting Covid or other infectious diseases. Emergency rooms are high-risk environments for the transmission of infectious diseases due to the close proximity of patients, the nature of their conditions, and the high volume of people passing through.
What if my need is urgent but it's not an emergency?
There are different options that, as a foreigner, you can use if you need emergency medical help during your vacation in Portugal.
You can visit urgent care or walk in clinics if you need an urgent in-person doctor appointment after hours, because these clinics have extended opening hours.
Pros of visiting a local urgent care clinic:
- The accept patients on a walk-in basis
- They usually have extended opening hours
Cons of visiting a local urgent care clinic:
- Language barriers
- Costs
- Waiting time
Summer is the peak tourist season across Portugal, and it’s the time when tourists seek emergency services even if they don’t have anything serious. If you need to see an emergency doctor but your situation isn’t life-threatening, you can book an appointment with a GP through Doctorsa.
Doctorsa doesn’t and cannot replace in-person urgent care or emergency services, but it is designed for foreigners who have a minor ailment that would cause unnecessary long queues at the emergency department.
During the consultation, the practitioner can advice you if you need further evaluation face-to-face.
Portugal hospital charges for tourists
Hospitals in Portugal have different price lists – depends if you go to a public or private hospital. As a tourist, you may want to go to a public medical clinic, as public health services are usually cheaper and you may also get a discounted price if you have the EHIC, GHIC, or travel insurance.
But even without insurance, public healthcare costs are very affordable. A visit to the emergency department costs around EUR 15, and for inpatient services, you may have to pay EUR 10-20 per day.
There may be additional fees if you need to undergo some tests or procedures.
As for private clinics, inpatient care services cost up to EUR 500 per day. You’ll have to pay out of pocket, unless the private hospital and public health authority have an agreement.
Common Scenarios
Finding a doctor while you’re on holiday can be challenging and time-consuming. Here’s what you can do if you have a UTI or you need to refill your prescription:
What to do if you need UTI medicine in Portugal
Samantha knew that she had a UTI, as she had developed a burning sensation when urinating, pelvic pain, and red-colored urine. It wasn’t the first time that she had these symptoms, so she knew that she needed to see a doctor right away. Otherwise, the infection could cause complications.
She asked the receptionist at the hotel she was staying at in Porto. The receptionist told her that she can go to the nearest public hospital or walk-in clinic, but long waiting times were expected.
Samantha didn’t speak Portuguese and called the nearest walk-in clinic and asked if there was a doctor who could speak English and treat her UTI. The receptionist didn’t speak fluent English and had to ask her colleagues if they could translate to help Samantha.
Samantha couldn’t wait any longer. She couldn’t go to the clinic herself and had to visit the bathroom frequently.
She googled “English-speaking doctor in Portugal” and Doctorsa appeared on Google’s first page. She booked an urgent care appointment with a PCP, and within 5 minutes, she received 1 request from a female doctor and 2 requests from male doctors.
Samantha chose the female doctor who had a high positive rating from other patients. The appointment was only EUR 30 and Samantha received the eprescription via email.
After 20 minutes, she found a pharmacy close to her hotel and bought her antibiotics.
I'm running out of medication and I need a prescription refill
“I was in Portugal and needed one of my medications refilled. I was able to talk to talk with an OBGYN who was well versed in my issue and medication and he was able to prescribe in Portugal. This was a great experience (and I could do it from my hotel room)”– Calli
If you’re running out of medication and need a prescription refill, you probably won’t have a lot of time to call urgent care clinics and ask if they can help you.
You can however ask for recommendations in a local expat group. Groups like this can be helpful, but most of the time, users will provide information that is only relevant to permanent residents. Even if they recommend an English-speaking urgent care PCP, you won’t know if tourists have found their services to be helpful.
Go to Doctorsa’s website:
Step 1: Select the prescription refill option.
Step 2: Indicate if the prescription is for you or someone else.
Step 3: Enter the patient’s age (Yes, medical services booked through Doctorsa are also available for children)
Step 4: Choose between a primary care doctor or a specialist. If you’re unsure, book with a PCP.
Step 5: Give a brief description about your condition and why you need to refill your prescription.
Here’s a revised version with improved flow:
After just a few moments, you’ll begin receiving messages from doctors who have reviewed your request and are offering real-time appointments. Some may add a personalized message to ask for more details about your condition or to explain how they can assist you.
The entire process is simple and efficient, culminating in a conversation with a doctor just minutes after submitting your request.
This could be the quickest path to recovery, especially when dealing with a simple prescription renewal.
Seeing a Doctor in Portugal
If you’re in Portugal, you can book an in-person or online visit. This can be done through Doctorsa, although in-person doctor appointments aren’t yet available across all Portuguese cities.
What to expect during an in-person visit
An in-person visit can take place at a public hospital, urgent care, or walk-in clinic. A Doctorsa doctor can also visit you at the hotel or Airbnb.
The GP may perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and medical history. If you already have a prescription, show it to them. They may refill your prescription if you need one.
Health clinics may have long waiting times and it can be difficult to find someone who speaks English. With Doctorsa, all appointments are scheduled with English-speaking doctors and they reply within a few minutes, eliminating those long queues.
Most healthcare facilities accept cash and card payments, but you may have to confirm this beforehand.
What to expect during an online visit
You can join a video chat with a private doctor through Doctorsa from your hotel room. You’ll have to talk about your symptoms and let the GP know if you’re on any medication.
The GP then sends you a prescription via Whatsapp or email so that you can present it to a pharmacist. Doctorsa payments are made online and you don’t need to be insured.
How Much Does it Cost to See a Doctor in Portugal
A medical appointment can vary in price between an EU and non-EU foreigner. It also depends if you’re insured, non-insured, or visit a public or private hospital.
Can tourists get free healthcare in Portugal?
Portuguese healthcare isn’t free for tourists. If you’re a GHIC or EHIC holder, you can get medical access at a discounted rate – the same as what residents pay. If you’re from a non-EU country, check what your travel insurance can cover.
Without insurance, you’ll have to pay the full price.
Doctor visit cost without insurance
If you don’t have insurance, you can visit a public doctor’s office, as these services are still affordable for foreigners. – A consultation can cost between EUR 5-10, but it can take a long time to see your doctor at public clinics. These are also understaffed sometimes. Private clinics are expensive, and spending a lot of money on healthcare is probably the least thing on your mind during your holiday.
With Doctorsa, you pay on average just EUR 25, which includes the doctor appointment and prescription. There are no hidden fees and you don’t need to be insured.
Knowing that you have the right information for medical access, can help put your mind at ease while you’re on holiday. In Portugal, you can ask pharmacists for medical advice or visit a walk-in clinic without a pre-booked doctor appointment. For a quick appointment, a Doctorsa doctor can help. Booking is free and consultations start from EUR 20.
