Healthcare
Algarve MP points to €1.2m unpaid health bills in push to tighten SNS access for non-resident foreigners
A bill submitted by PSD and CDS-PP to Parliament proposes new rules to ensure the SNS recovers costs for healthcare provided to foreign non-residents. It would require non-residents or those staying in Portugal irregularly to provide proof of insurance or an entity responsible for payment; emergency and life-saving care would still be provided, with billing and coverage verification managed afterward.
Why it mattersIf you are a non-resident visitor or staying in Portugal irregularly, this proposal aims to implement stricter billing and payment recovery mechanisms for non-emergency healthcare; it does not change your right to access life-saving treatment.
