Last Updated on August 21, 2023 by Laila Oliveira
Healthcare is a fundamental non-negotiable for every expat considering moving permanently to another country. If you are planning to move to Portugal, you will be pleased to learn that healthcare in this country is among the best in Europe and globally. The region of Alentejo is among those destinations in Portugal that boast good healthcare services for its population. But before you move, learn all about the best hospitals in Alentejo.
This particular region is served by public and private healthcare centers, not to mention several smaller clinics. Because access to healthcare is a basic need, here is what you need to know about medical care in Portugal.
In this article, we’ll discuss medical facilities, how to access healthcare, compare public and private healthcare, and more! Continue reading to be prepared for your life in Alentejo.
What are the best hospitals in Alentejo?
As mentioned earlier, the Alentejo region is no different than the rest of Portugal regarding the quality of medical care. That said, here are the best hospitals in Alentejo.
- Hospital do Espírito Santo de Évora (HESE)
- Hospital José Joaquim Fernandes, Beja
- Hospital do Litoral Alentejano, Santiago do Cacém
- Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora
- Hospital Doutor José Maria Grande
Hospital do Espírito Santo de Évora (HESE)
Hospital do Espírito Santo de Évora (HESE), also known as the Hospital Center of Évora, is a major healthcare facility located in Évora, which is the capital city of the Alentejo region in Portugal. HESE is one of the region’s largest and most important hospitals, offering a wide range of medical services and specialties.
For instance, general medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, orthopedics, radiology, oncology, and more. HESE is known to have modern medical facilities, advanced equipment, and experienced medical staff to deliver quality healthcare services to the community.
Moreover, this particular hospital is associated with the University of Évora. And often serves as a teaching hospital, where medical students and professionals receive training.
Hospital José Joaquim Fernandes, Beja
The Hospital José Joaquim Fernandes is a major healthcare institution located in Beja, a city in the Alentejo region of Portugal. It provides various medical services and specialties to the residents of Beja and the surrounding areas.
These services typically include general medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, radiology, internal medicine, and more. Given its location in Beja, the hospital plays a crucial role in providing healthcare services to urban and rural populations in the surrounding areas of Alentejo. It is one of the best hospitals in Alentejo.
Hospital do Litoral Alentejano, Santiago do Cacém
The Hospital do Litoral Alentejano (HLA) is another good hospital located in Santiago do Cacém, a municipality in the Alentejo region of Portugal. This particular hospital serves the Litoral Alentejano region’s healthcare needs. Which includes towns and areas along the Alentejo coast.
HLA provides various medical services and specialties typical of a general hospital. These may include general medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, radiology, emergency care, and more. As a hospital located in the coastal region of Alentejo, HLA serves a significant role in providing medical care to residents and tourists.
Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora
While not strictly in Alentejo, this hospital is relatively close and has made this list because of its good medical services. This is another one of the best hospitals in Alentejo. And serves the healthcare needs of the population in Amadora and the surrounding areas, including parts of the Lisbon Metropolitan and some parts of Alentejo.
Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca provides various medical services and specialties. These services typically include general medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, cardiology, radiology, emergency care, and more.
Hospital Doutor José Maria Grande
Located in the city of Portalegre, the Hospital Doctor José Maria Grande, also referred to as the District Hospital of Portalegre, is an important health center that serves the population of the Alentejo region.
Like most hospitals, Hospital de Portalegre is equipped to offer a range of medical services and specialties. For instance, general medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, radiology, emergency care, and more.
How to have access to the Portuguese public health system?
The good news is that the Portuguese public healthcare system is open to locals and foreigners. Keep in mind that locals and legal foreign residents can take advantage of the free medical care in the country.
As an expat in Portugal, you can access the Portuguese public health system, the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), which provides healthcare services to residents.
First, you must register as a resident. This involves registering at your local town hall and obtaining a residency certificate (Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia) or residence card.
Then you’ll need to obtain a social security number (Número de Identificação da Segurança Social) from the Social Security office (Segurança Social). This number is essential for accessing public services, including healthcare.
Once you have the legal residence status and also possess the social security number, you can now go ahead and apply for a user card at your local health center (Centro de Saúde). This card is called the “Cartão de Utente” and serves as your identification within the SNS.
- Read our article on Accessing Public Hospitals In Portugal As A Foreigner and prepare yourself for the best hospitals in Alentejo.
Public or private hospitals?
The public healthcare system in Portugal operates under the administration of the Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), commonly known as the Portuguese National Healthcare System.
The management of the SNS falls under the jurisdiction of the Portuguese Health Ministry. Conversely, private hospitals do not fall under the purview of the SNS. Instead, they are overseen by large private healthcare organizations. Like many countries globally, private healthcare generally entails higher costs than its public counterpart.
However, it’s worth noting that private healthcare expenses in Portugal are comparatively more reasonable than those in other European or North American nations. Apart from the cost aspect, the waiting time is a notable distinction between these two options.
Regrettably, the Portuguese public health system faces challenges akin to those encountered by public healthcare systems worldwide.
Long queues and staffing shortages, particularly for specialized medical practitioners, are prevalent issues. Conversely, private hospitals offer a broader array of services and increase the likelihood of receiving medical attention from a doctor proficient in English.
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Are hospital costs expensive in Alentejo?
As mentioned earlier, public healthcare in Alentejo and the whole of Portugal is free for the most part. This is quite impressive, considering that the cost of medical care in Europe is quite expensive.
Nevertheless, most dental treatments and non-hospital emergency services come with charges in public medical facilities. While private healthcare can be financially demanding, comprehensive medical insurance can help alleviate some of the financial burdens of private medical services.
What’s the difference between health centers and hospitals?
Understanding the distinction between hospitals and health centers is crucial when seeking medical assistance. Health centers, often known as clinics, are smaller in scale compared to hospitals and focus on routine and preventive care.
These establishments are suitable for quick check-ups and non-urgent medical concerns that do not require overnight stays. They generally have fewer resources compared to comprehensive hospitals.
On the other hand, hospitals serve as larger medical facilities that you are referred to by your primary care physician at the health center. Hospitals are equipped to handle both minor and major medical procedures as needed. When specialized medical attention is required, public or private hospitals are the optimal choice to access such services.
Where should I go if I have a health emergency?
If you have a health emergency in the Alentejo region, you should seek immediate medical assistance by contacting emergency services or visiting the nearest hospital. There are several hospitals where you can receive emergency medical care, including those previously mentioned.
These hospitals are equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies. Remember that timely action is crucial in emergencies. And the sooner you get to the healthcare facility, the quicker you get medical intervention.
Should I have health insurance in Portugal?
Having health insurance in Portugal is not mandatory for residents. This is because the country has a comprehensive public healthcare system, Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS), providing basic medical care to all legal residents.
However, there are a few reasons why expats and other locals choose private insurance to complement the free public healthcare plan.
First and foremost, the main reason is to get access to faster medical care. While the SNS provides quality healthcare, waiting times for certain non-urgent procedures or specialist appointments can be longer.
Private health insurance can offer quicker access to medical services in the best hospitals in Alentejo. The other reason people choose to have health insurance is to help finance specialized healthcare. Private health insurance can cover specialized treatments, elective surgeries, and alternative therapies that the public system might not fully cover.
Does Portugal have good hospitals?
Healthcare in Portugal is just as good as in any part of the world. To give you some context, according to the 2021 World Index of Healthcare Innovation, Portugal ranked 17th globally, which is statement enough about the country’s healthcare quality.
Portugal is home to more than 200 hospitals, encompassing both private and public sectors, delivering healthcare services of high caliber that align with international benchmarks. The notion of cost-effectiveness doesn’t necessarily equate to subpar service quality.
The Portuguese healthcare framework offers affordability and maintains a high standard of medical attention. Moreover, the accessibility of hospitals in Portugal starkly contrasts with the situation in other nations.
Living in Alentejo means having access to good healthcare
Expats have different reasons for moving to Alentejo. For some, the allure of a chilled and tranquil lifestyle is motivation enough, while for others, it is the warm weather all year round.
Regardless of your reasons for immigration, you should rest assured that you will find some of the best hospitals in Alentejo. So when are you moving to this region in Portugal? Whenever you’re ready, contact our experts at Viv Europe for professional immigration services.
If you have additional questions, consider joining our Facebook Group – All About Portugal For Expats. This provides a chance to engage with individuals who have navigated the same journey previously. Feel free to reach out to us today, and together, let’s facilitate your move to one of the world’s most desirable destinations.
