The Portuguese medical system competently treats all types of medical situations every day.  I’ve heard story after story of incredible care received for heart attacks, strokes, car accidents, and more.  All of our experiences with medical care in Portugal have been very positive.  Our relatives have also occasionally needed care while visiting (once for pneumonia and other times for basic antibiotics) and have loved the ease, affordability, and proficiency of English in Portuguese medical care.

Best of all, medical care is free to visa residents (and, in many cases, to everyone).  Medical care won’t be denied to those needing it, and, most times, the public health system fees are low or nonexistent.  Public health care in Portugal is very good, although you may share a room, wait longer than you are used to, or be in an older building that doesn’t seem very modern. We have found these to be small concessions for low-cost or free medical care.