Health Insurance

shelby · Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 11:24 am Post subject:

Hi Shanagarry, BeckyH and SteveJ.

I would like to apologise for inferring that it is relatively simple to get into the Portuguese health system. It is now almost 48 hours and 190 odd page views since I put up a post asking (?) if anyone would tell it like it is rather than the endless looking at often contradictory websites.

Due to the lack of response from Forum members it is obvious that it is hideously expensive, diabolically complicated and dam near impossible to accomplish.

It would appear that Julie and I are a bit unique in that we found it very easy,straightforward and a little bit reassuring to know that we can access their services if and when we require them and at a comparative low cost.

Sorry for the misleading information!

Gordon
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Two bedroom cottage to rent in Tabua, Central Portugal
www.portugalescape.co.uk

SteveJ · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 659 Location: The UK (still!!)

shelby · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2010 8:24 pm Post subject:

as you put your post I was preparing this

Hi,
earlier this year I went to the doctor, posts passing, and she told me I was getting to fat.

No subtlety with her just the truth.

I was given an appointment for mid August and told to lose some weight but about 10 days prior I had to go to the private clinic in town with a couple of printed sheets detailing what she wanted tested and the results sent to her.

The form clearly states that I am a “Migrant” not an expat and that the Doctor wants 9 blood analyses done including prostate, two types of cholesterol,thyroid ,PSA and a hormone test.

I popped into the clinic today at 1700 thinking they may be shutting for the holidays and was given an appointment for 0800 hours tomorrow and the cost for everything is

€8.30

This is because I am in the system, its well worth making an effort to do it.

ps I don't know how to do emoticions
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Two bedroom cottage to rent in Tabua, Central Portugal
www.portugalescape.co.uk

trubby · Joined: 23 Jul 2008 Posts: 211 Location: Lousa

I have been registered with the Portuguese Health System for the past 9 years without any problems.Just went along and registered no questions asked. I have just turned 65 and have received an S1 for UK which I have handed in to the Social Security.
During the past 2 years I have a major operation, and the only costs for my Hospital stay where for the food.

trubby Laughing

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Yesterday is history,
Tomorrow is a mystery,
Today is a gift,
Because it's called the present,
Enjoy life to the full.

shelby · Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2010 8:14 am Post subject:

I went to the Doctors yesterday.

My appointment was for 1200 so got there at 1145, handed over my appointment card they didn't ask for my cartao de utente and paid my fee of €2.20

Only one couple in the waiting room and at exactly noon I was called in to see the nurse who checked my blood pressure and weight and sent me back outside to wait.

And I waited

At 1240 a elderly couple came out of the Doctors examination room and then the other couple were called but only the man went in.

And I waited

After approx 30 minutes he too came out and then it was my turn.

Went in and the Doctor explained EVERYTHING, she entered all the information from my tests onto the computer and showed me the previous and current analyse results and after about 30 minutes I too left.

She gave me another appointment in November but the thing is that there was no rush to get me out, obviously similar with the other two patients ahead of me.

Some may find it annoying sitting waiting and waiting but strangely I find it reassuring that they take as long as it takes unlike certain places where the Doctor has 7 minutes allocated for each patient.

And I am aware that all Doctors may not be the same.

So get yourself registered.
_________________
Two bedroom cottage to rent in Tabua, Central Portugal
www.portugalescape.co.uk

EMM · Joined: 25 Nov 2008 Posts: 1295

THere was a story in yesterdays press about a young girl badly injured in a fall when on holiday.

Like so many they thought that their E cards covered them.
They are faced with a bill for at least £15000 to get back to the UK.

There is a very sad case of a well known expat who lies in Albufeira who died from cancer earlier this year.
The specialist treatment he needed was only available in the UK.

His family are faced with a bill from the UK in excess of £80,000 as they were regarded as PT resident.
Again they did not have health insurance.

If you can afford it it clearly makes sense to take it out because as we get older none of us know what is going to happen.

lobito · Joined: 17 Jul 2008 Posts: 2218

lance etchells · Joined: 27 May 2010 Posts: 60 Location: ellon,aberdeen

Can I just say I have been following this thread with great interest and have learnt a great deal from it,so a thankyou to all that have posted Very Happy

chas & linda · Joined: 21 Jan 2006 Posts: 1824 Location: Near the Minho

I have every sympathy with someone requiring medical care, but I really don't understand why people continue to ignore the purpose of the EHIC, which entitles a EU citizen to the same Health Care as a National of the EU country they are visiting, no more and no less, it is not vaild for use in the country you are a Resident in.
If someone requires repatriating to their own country then that is their responsibility or their insurers, a lot of insurance companies also require the policy holder to have a EHIC for basic medical care.

Sad tale about the gentleman from the Algarve, but if he was registered with the PT Health System, then it is possible to receive specialist treatment outside Portugal, without "charge", it's one of the reasons for correctly registering.

http://ec.europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/health/planned-treatments/access/index_en.htm?profile=0