At the pharmacy
Pharmacies are open from 9am to 1pm and 3pm to 7pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. While most drugs available in the US or the rest of Europe are available in Portugal, they may be called by different names and available in different doses than what you might be accustomed to. But all pharmacies are manned by qualified chemists who will be able to assist you in choosing the right drugs. Also be aware that some drugs which may be over-the-counter in a different part of the world might require a prescription here.
Pharmacies are open for fairly long hours as are health centres and there's normally a duty pharmacy ( farmácia de serviço) open outside usual business hours. A list of duty pharmacies is posted in pharmacy windows and announced in the local press (you can also telephone 118 and ask for the name of your local duty pharmacy).
Depending on where you come from, you may find the healthcare quality in Portugal below the standards you are used to, particularly if you are from the United States or Northern Europe. However, this does not necessarily mean that Portugal's healthcare system is poor. Portugal's healthcare is relatively good, and has been enhanced with the improvements observed in recent years.
For a list of all pharmacies in the city, please click here.
Hospitals
Public and private hospitals are easily accessible in urban areas, like Lisbon, with doctors well versed in English. While medical facilities are relatively good in major cities, the facilities will be less adequate in rural areas. The main hospitals in Lisbon are Hospitais Civis de Lisboa, Hospital de Santa Maria, Hospital Pulido Valente, and National Institute of Oncology Francisco Gentil.
Click here for a list and contact details of all reputed hospitals in the city.
Update 7/09/2009
Expatriate health insurance in Portugal
With so much to deal with before leaving your home country, (taxes, moving house, paperwork etc.) the careful planning of your expatriation to Lisbon is an essential step. As far as healthcare is concerned, your local social security scheme won’t be accompanying you to your host country and, once abroad, you might be surprised by the care system you find in Portugal So, before leaving, make sure you have appropriate cover!
Cigna is one of the world's biggest international insurers with more than 30 years' experience in providing global health insurance across 200 countries and territories. They have access to more than 1.65 million hospitals, physicians, clinics and specialists worldwide.
Cigna Global's flexible plans are specifically designed for expats and globally mobile individuals who move to Portugal. All their plans can be tailored to your individual requirements in Portugal, always finding the right healthcare solution, whatever the situation and budget.
Getting a health insurance quote
Create your perfect plan with Cigna and combine the reassurance of comprehensive inpatient cover with the flexibility of optional extra benefits.
Click on the button to access the online tool and get a quote in 2 minutes.