Tourist clinic · Portugal 2026
Need a Doctor in Portugal? Here's How Tourists Can Get Care
As a visitor without SNS registration, your fastest options are a private clinic or an online consultation — both work without a Portuguese family doctor.
Online is usually faster and cheaper for non-emergency issues. Go to a public hospital emergency room (urgência) only for genuine emergencies — or call 112.
Dr. Rita AguiarLicensed physician · Portuguese Medical Association · ERS 45475
Consultations in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
Next available times
See this week's availabilityPublic (SNS) vs. private vs. online — which is right for you?
- SNS (public system)
- Built around residents with a registered family doctor. As a tourist, your realistic public access point is the emergency room (urgência) — appropriate for genuine emergencies, but expect long waits for non-urgent issues.
- Private clinic or hospital
- Fast and often English-friendly in Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve and other tourist areas, but can be costly without insurance, and you have to travel there.
- Online consultation (Lon Clinic)
- Best for common, non-emergency issues. A doctor registered with the Portuguese Medical Association sees you by video. If needed, the prescription is electronic and works at any pharmacy in Portugal. Consultations: English, Spanish, Portuguese. €39, shown before checkout.
Do you need travel insurance or an EHIC/GHIC card?
EU/EEA citizens with an EHIC (or a UK GHIC) can access public healthcare at resident rates for necessary care — this does not cover private or online consultations.
Non-EU visitors should have travel insurance. Lon Clinic can issue a receipt for reimbursement if your policy covers outpatient or telemedicine care.
For a quick, non-emergency issue, an online consultation is often simpler than navigating insurance paperwork for public care.
Finding an English-speaking doctor
Major hospitals in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve generally have English-speaking staff. Smaller towns and rural areas are less reliable.
You do not have to guess with Lon Clinic: say English, Spanish or Portuguese when you book. We do not currently offer French or German consultations — English covers most visitors who need one of those.
Booking an online consultation
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Choose your language
Lon Clinic consultations are in English, Spanish or Portuguese. Pick one when you book — there is no extra language filter to hunt for.
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Pick a time
Same-day slots are often available, seven days a week. The price (€39) is shown before you pay.
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Join the video call
A licensed doctor sees you on video — not a questionnaire that issues antibiotics on its own.
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Advice and, if needed, a prescription
If indicated, you receive a Portuguese electronic prescription, valid at any pharmacy in the country, usually by SMS or email.
Price
39 €
Video consultation with a licensed doctor, about 30 minutes. Electronic prescription included if indicated. No extra prescribing fee at checkout.
Book consultationWhen an online consultation makes sense
- Common, non-emergency issues: cystitis, reflux, constipation, a cold, a skin rash, traveller’s diarrhoea
- Prescription renewal for a stable long-term medicine you already take
- You can join a video call from your phone or laptop
- No fever with severe illness, no chest pain, no trouble breathing
When to go to the ER
- Chest pain, trouble breathing, stroke signs, heavy bleeding, collapse
- High fever with severe pain, confusion, or vomiting you cannot keep down
- Pregnancy with worrying symptoms
- Any situation where waiting for a booked slot would be unsafe
For a genuine emergency, call 112 or go to a public hospital emergency room (urgência).
FAQ
Can a tourist just walk into a Portuguese hospital?
Yes, for emergencies — public hospital emergency rooms treat everyone regardless of nationality. Non-residents may be billed, and it is not designed for minor issues.
Is there a cost for using SNS as a tourist?
Non-residents without an EHIC/GHIC or Portuguese registration are generally charged for care, including emergency visits.
How quickly can I get an online consultation?
Same-day appointments are often available, seven days a week. You choose the slot when you book. The consultation is €39.
Will the prescription work at any pharmacy?
When a prescription is issued, it is a Portuguese electronic prescription. You can collect it at any pharmacy in the country with the code sent by SMS or email.
Reviewed by the Lon Clinic medical team
General information for visitors in Portugal. It does not replace an individual medical consultation. In an emergency call 112.