SNS emergency rooms: charging non-resident foreigners up front is «technically impossible»
The health inspectorate (IGAS) had recommended that local health units assess charging non-resident foreigners on arrival at the emergency department. The São José local health unit in Lisbon says the Ministry of Health's shared services replied that it is «not technically possible to bill an episode before it is closed». In practice there is no charge on arrival: hospital administrators note that at the door it is impossible to know what the final cost will be.
Why it matters for your move
If you are not yet resident and need emergency care, you will not be asked to pay at the door — the bill, if any, comes after the visit. Keep your insurance or European Health Insurance Card to hand.
This is Re-locant.com’s own brief, written to explain what the update means for people moving to or living in Portugal. For the full original report, see the source below.