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EU citizen retiring to Portugal - national health care eligibility

Good day,



My first post regarding the topic - please forgive me if I have overlooked the relevant answers posted throughout the forum.


I am a non-Portuguese EU citizen. I have lived, worked, and paid taxes in Canada throughout my working life (I have never worked in the EU, the family relocated to Canada decades ago). I am currently not covered by the national health care system provided by my EU country of birth.


Upon moving to Portugal, I would not work any more - I would cover my cost of living by savings/investments/state-funded pension from Canada. These funds will have been taxed in Canada, per the non-resident rules (I plan to give up my residency in Canada upon relocating to Portugal).


Where can I find more information about my eligibility for the Portuguese national health care system and the associated fees? I remember being told that there is no annual premium or tax, and - instead - every doctor/hospital/emergency room visit and every medical procedure is subject to fees (that do not appear to be very high), but this may have changed since I researched this years ago.


I would be very grateful if the forum participants could direct me to the appropriate Portuguese government websites or to an immigration guru. Or - maybe there are forum participants here who are in the situation I would be in upon retiring.



Thank you in advance!

See also

Hi Howard,


Some info here:


Citizens of Third Countries – under Bilateral Agreements

https://www.acss.min-saude.pt/2017/05/0 … s/?lang=en



Access to the National Health System:

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

(Post #1)



Be aware that is highly recommended to have a private health insurance. The NHS is currently with a lot of trouble.


Private Healthcare System in Portugal

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=914196



Regards

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@JohnnyPT


Fantastic - thank you so much, this helps a lot!


You are a star! 👍🏻

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