How to see a doctor in Lisbon as a tourist

Your options, from quickest to most serious

1. See a doctor online today

Lon Clinic is a Portuguese online medical clinic, registered with the health regulator (ERS). You can have a video consultation from your hotel or apartment in English, Spanish or Portuguese. If you need medication, the doctor can issue a Portuguese electronic prescription for any pharmacy in the country. You also receive an invoice and a medical report for your travel insurer.

2. Pharmacies (farmácias)

Look for the green cross. Portuguese pharmacists are well trained and can help with minor problems, but many medicines, including antibiotics, require a prescription. Outside normal hours, a rota of on-duty pharmacies (farmácias de serviço) is posted on the door of every pharmacy.

3. SNS 24 health line: 808 24 24 24

Portugal's public health line gives 24-hour phone triage and can tell you where to go. It's a good option if you're unsure how urgent your problem is.

4. Hospital emergency departments

Public emergency departments use colour-coded triage, so people with less urgent problems can wait many hours. Use them for emergencies, not for a sore throat.

Main public hospitals in Lisbon

Hospital de Santa Maria

Public hospital with a 24-hour emergency department.

Hospital de São José

Public hospital with a 24-hour emergency department.

Hospital Dona Estefânia

Public children's hospital.

Tips for your stay in Lisbon

Lisbon's steep hills and polished limestone pavements (calçada) cause a surprising number of sprained ankles and falls, especially when wet. Wear shoes with grip.

In summer, heat and long walking days lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion, and stomach upsets are among the most common reasons visitors look for a doctor.

Insurance and costs

Visitors from the EU, EEA and Switzerland can use the public health system with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). UK visitors can use a GHIC. That covers necessary public care. It does not pay for a private online consultation.

Everyone else should rely on travel insurance. Online consultations are paid directly. Keep the invoice and medical report to claim reimbursement, and check your policy's conditions first.

How the online consultation works

1. 01

   Book from your hotel

   Same-day video slots are often available, seven days a week. The price is 39 €, shown before you pay.

2. 02

   English, Spanish or Portuguese

   Consultations are in English, Spanish or Portuguese. French and German are not offered; most visitors use English.

3. 03

   Prescription at a Lisbon pharmacy

   If medication is clinically appropriate, you receive a Portuguese electronic prescription. It works at any pharmacy in Portugal, usually with a code by SMS or email. You do not need a Portuguese health number.

4. 04

   Invoice for your insurer

   You receive an invoice and a medical report. Online consultations are paid directly. Keep both documents if you claim reimbursement, and check your policy first.

FAQ