How to see a doctor as a tourist in Portugal (without an SNS number)
Falling ill on holiday is stressful — even more so in a country where you don't speak the language or know the health system. Here's a clear, no-nonsense guide to seeing a doctor in Portugal as a visitor.
Your options as a tourist
There are four realistic ways to see a doctor when you're visiting Portugal: a public hospital emergency room (SU), a private hospital, a walk-in private clinic, or an online consultation. Each has very different cost, waiting time and language profiles.
For minor illness — UTI, traveller's diarrhoea, sunburn, throat infection, a forgotten prescription — online is almost always the fastest and cheapest. For genuine emergencies, call 112.
Public hospital emergency (SU) — free but slow
Tourists from the EU can use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC) for free or low-cost emergency care in public hospitals. Non-EU tourists pay a fee, usually around €100 plus exams.
The catch: triage is strict. If your case is not urgent (and most aren't), you may wait 6–12 hours. English is spoken but not guaranteed at every counter.
Private hospital emergency — fast but expensive
Private hospitals (Lusíadas, CUF, Hospital da Luz) have emergency rooms that operate 24/7 with shorter waits and reliable English. Expect an entrance fee around €100–€150 plus any exams. A simple visit easily reaches €200–€300.
Most travel insurances reimburse this, but you pay upfront and claim later.
Online consultation — fastest for non-emergencies
An online consultation with an EU-licensed, English-speaking doctor typically costs €60–€90 and you are seen within 15 minutes — from your hotel, Airbnb or even the beach. The doctor issues a Portuguese electronic prescription you can use at any pharmacy, and an English-language sick note for your insurance.
Six Medic charges €80 per consultation with these things included. We send the invoice in English with diagnosis codes so your travel insurance can reimburse it.
Pharmacies in Portugal
Portuguese pharmacies are excellent. Pharmacists are highly trained and can advise on minor ailments without a prescription. Every pharmacy displays the nearest 24-hour pharmacy on its door. Most accept Visa/Mastercard. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
Prescription drugs cost a fraction of US prices and are often cheaper than the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Need to talk to a doctor today?