Menu
Expat.com
Search
Magazine
Search

State Social Security System (Health Care)

carlos-sousa
#1

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
JohnnyPT
#2

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

The Portugal expat guide

Updated in 2025, comprehensive and free

Read it now
Portugal
G
#3

@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
#4

Thank you.


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

Your Trusted International Health Insurance

Award-winning provider of health insurance, offering first class service, through its use of innovative digital tools and its experience as a global leader in international healthcare.

10% off your international health insurance for life! Promo code LIFE10. Valid until 14th August 2026. Selected plans only. T&Cs Apply.

JohnnyPT
#5

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... 

Essential services for your expat journey

Plan your international move
Plan your international move
Facilitate your move to Portugal by getting a quote from our top rated movers.
Open a bank account that suits you
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
Plan your retirement
Plan your retirement
Plan your retirement income with the advice of an expert.
Reliable financial advice
Reliable financial advice
Connect with our financial advisor in Portugal for expats wealth management and financial advice.
Other discussions on healthcare in Portugal
Ask your questionOther discussions about health system in Portugal

Further reading

Healthcare for the elderly in Portugal
Portugal is a popular destination for retirement for Europeans, but also for retirees from other countries. ...
Pregnancy in Portugal
If you plan to have a baby while in Portugal, you will probably be happy to learn that the country has quality ...
Internships in Portugal
Many students and young professionals dream of acquiring professional experience in a foreign country. More often ...
Phones and Internet in Portugal
Whether or not you are a tech-savvy person, this is still quite an important part of everyday life – and it ...
Dating in Portugal
If it's true that dating in general can be tricky and present its challenges, even more so when we talk about ...
Things to do in Porto on weekdays
While walking through the streets, interacting with the people, and visiting local museums, restaurants and ...
Accommodation in Portugal
As you are planning your move to Portugal, one of the key things that you will need to decide is where you are ...
Starting a business in Portugal
From stunning beaches on the Atlantic coast and a mild Mediterranean climate to fabulous food and rich history ...