Emergency Care in Portugal vs. the U.S.: Our Personal Experience with Healthcare in Portugal

One of the biggest concerns for families moving abroad is healthcare. How does it compare to the system you’re used to? What happens in an emergency? Is the quality of care just as good—or even better? These were all questions we had when we decided to make the move to Portugal, especially since we were coming from the U.S., where healthcare is notoriously expensive and often difficult to navigate.

Over the past year, we’ve had several emergency room (ER) visits here in Portugal, and I can honestly say that the experience has been night-and-day compared to what we were accustomed to in the States. While I could go on and on about how great the doctors, hospitals, and healthcare professionals are in Portugal, the ER visits stand out most for me. So, let me walk you through our personal experiences with emergency care here in Portugal—and compare them to what we’ve experienced in the U.S.

First ER Visit: Public Healthcare at Its Best

Our first major ER visit in Portugal happened when my son broke his clavicle after a fall at school. It was a terrifying experience for me as a mother—seeing him in pain and being rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. But I have to say, the emergency response was incredibly professional. The paramedics were calm and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed.

We were taken to the public hospital in the area, which was our first experience with the public healthcare system here. I’ll be honest: I wasn’t sure what to expect. In the U.S., public hospitals can often be overcrowded, and wait times can be hours. But in Portugal, everything was quick and efficient. Despite the fact that English wasn’t widely spoken (as we’d experienced in the private sector), everyone was very attentive and professional.

From the time we arrived until we were finished with X-rays, a consultation with the doctor, follow-up appointments, and prescriptions, it took less than 90 minutes. And here’s the kicker—the total cost for everything, including the ambulance ride, was €0.

Compare this to a similar situation in the U.S. just a year earlier, when my son had a fall at school and suffered a concussion. Even with good health insurance, the total cost was well over $1,000. And that didn’t even include the follow-up care.

Second and Third ER Visits: Private Healthcare, Fast and Affordable

The second and third ER visits happened within a relatively short time frame, and both were for my husband. The first visit was for a serious condition where he needed urgent care. We went to the closest private hospital, and again, the efficiency of the process really stood out. He didn’t even sit down in the waiting area before being called in by a doctor. Within minutes, he was receiving medication, and less than 10 minutes later, he had already received seven different IV medications, along with two follow-up appointments scheduled before we even left.

The total cost for all of this—emergency care, medications, and follow-up care—was just €69. In less than 1 hour, he was treated and discharged, feeling significantly better. We really believe the quick care he received contributed to his fast recovery.

But that wasn’t the only time we had to use the private ER. Just a short time later, my husband experienced another emergency situation and needed immediate care. We once again went to the private hospital, where he was taken back almost immediately, given the necessary medications, and discharged in about an hour. Again, the total cost for everything was €69.

Each time, the care was fast, efficient, and affordable—things we rarely experienced in the U.S., where emergency care can come with a much higher price tag and longer wait times.

Fourth ER Visit: The Public Hospital Again (And a Free Ambulance Ride)

Our fourth ER visit in Portugal was a little different, but it was still another excellent experience. My husband suffered an injury at the gym and needed urgent medical attention. The injury required immediate care, so we called for an ambulance. Within minutes, an ambulance arrived, and they rushed him to the public hospital.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. While the public hospital did take most of the day for tests and treatments (much longer than our previous experiences with private healthcare), the care was thorough, and the hospital staff was incredibly professional. They kept us informed and provided detailed explanations about the care process. The cost? Zero.

In the U.S., a trip to the emergency room—even for a minor injury—would likely result in high costs, even with insurance. But here, we got the same quality care for free.

How Does Healthcare in Portugal Compare to the U.S.?

Based on our experiences, healthcare in Portugal has been nothing short of excellent. Here are a few key takeaways that might help if you’re considering moving to Portugal with your family:

1. Affordability: The cost of emergency care in Portugal is incredibly low compared to the U.S. For example, three ER visits (two private, one public) cost us just €138 total. In contrast, ER visits in the U.S. can easily run into the thousands, even with insurance.

2. Efficiency: In both public and private hospitals, the care was prompt, thorough, and highly efficient. My son’s public ER visit took less than 90 minutes, and my husband was treated and discharged from the private ER in under an hour. In the U.S., long wait times—even for urgent care—are common.

3. Quality of Care: We’ve been nothing but impressed with the level of care we’ve received here. The doctors are knowledgeable, the staff is professional, and the healthcare facilities are modern. This is true across both the private and public sectors.

4. Peace of Mind: For families considering moving abroad, one of the biggest concerns is healthcare. Knowing that you can get quick, high-quality care without the fear of exorbitant bills is incredibly reassuring.

In Conclusion: Portugal's Healthcare System is Family-Friendly

If you’re thinking about relocating to Portugal with your family, you can rest easy knowing that the healthcare system here is top-notch. Whether it’s a public or private hospital, you’ll be in good hands. The accessibility, affordability, and quality of care are far superior to what we experienced in the U.S., especially when it comes to emergency care.

So, if you’re worried about healthcare while considering a move abroad, don’t be. Portugal’s healthcare system is truly world-class, and it’s one of the many reasons we’re happy to call this country home.

Final Thoughts:

If you have any more questions about the healthcare system here or moving to Portugal with kids, feel free to drop a comment below or reach out. I’d love to share more of our experiences as we continue our journey in Portugal!