Any citizen has the right to health and the duty to protect it. If an immigrant is sick, or needs any health care, has to be assisted at a Health Centre or Hospital (in case of emergency). Those services can’t refuse to assist, regarding any reasons related with nationality, lack of economic means, lack legal status or any other.
Foreigners that have no residence permit have access to NHS services and facilities, by presenting to health services in their area of residence a support document (residency certificate), issued by the parish councils (Juntas de Freguesia), accordance with article 34.º, of the Decree of 135/99, 22 April, that they are in Portugal for more than ninety days.
For the residency certificate, two witnesses also resident in the same area are needed to confirm the information, can be individuals (known people, neighbors) or shops (the guest house owner or where they are costumers), or still make a declaration on honor.
After confirmed by the parish council, they should go to the Health Centre to make an one time registration.
For the residency certificate, two witnesses also resident in the same area are needed to confirm the information, can be individuals (known people, neighbors) or shops (the guest house owner or where they are costumers), or still make a declaration on honor.
After confirmed by the parish council, they should go to the Health Centre to make an one time registration.
Underage, in an irregular situation, have access to de NHS with the same rights the law gives to the underage in a regular situation, in national territory. This right regulated in the Decree of 67/2004 of 25 March.
These services cover:
- Promotion and monitoring of health care and disease prevention;
- Health care for both general practice and specialisation;
- Nursing care;
- Hospitalisation;
- Supplementary diagnostic tests;
- Medicines and pharmaceutical products;
- Prostheses and other complementary therapeutic devices.
- Promotion and monitoring of health care and disease prevention;
- Health care for both general practice and specialisation;
- Nursing care;
- Hospitalisation;
- Supplementary diagnostic tests;
- Medicines and pharmaceutical products;
- Prostheses and other complementary therapeutic devices.
Yes, with no reservations. Beyond their technical skills and human dedication, the health professionals are subjected to professional secrecy and all the information you give them is confidential. People that are in an irregular situation shouldn’t be afraid and should go to a health service whenever the situation requires.
Source: Ministry of Health
