State Social Security System (Health Care)

Member since 06 August 2021

carlos-sousaNew member14 November 2022 18:07:16

I'm a Portuguese citizen who recently purchased a home in Portugal and is planning on spending 5 months of the year in Portugal. However, my primary residence is in Canada.

Does anyone know if I'm eligible for Portuguese state social security system (health care specifically) and whether I'm eligible for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?

See also

The health system in Portugal - Guide
Pensions and social security - 7 Replies
Getting into the Portuguese Health system - 11 Replies
Private health care - 5 Replies
Social Security - 5 Replies
Private Health Care - 22 Replies
US Social Security - 7 Replies

JohnnyPT Portugal Expert

Member since 23 May 2020

JohnnyPTPortugal Expert15 November 2022 09:40:14

5232

You must be a resident in Portugal.

Access to the National Health System:

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=902977

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC):

Portuguese Government website

https://eportugal.gov.pt/en/cidadaos-eu … -de-doenca

Portuguese Social Security website

https://en.seg-social.pt/european-health-insurance-card

GuestPoster316 Guest

GuestPoster316Guest15 November 2022 11:47:06

@carlos-sousa No because your primary residence is in Canada so you belong to their health system not Portuguese and even less European.

carlos-sousa New member

Member since 06 August 2021

carlos-sousaNew member15 November 2022 15:36:02

Thank you.

Wonder what the purpose of the social security number and heath number on the back of my "cartao de cidadao" is for

JohnnyPT Portugal Expert

Member since 23 May 2020

JohnnyPTPortugal Expert15 November 2022 18:29:31

5232

As a Portuguese citizen, you have the citizen card with that informations. It is likely that you can use the NHS, although it doesn't seem right to me, because you don't contribute to Portuguese social security, and you are not resident in Portugal. But ask at a local health centre. At the moment, the NHS is responding so poorly, that you can look for other private health ways, with health insurance...