Non-resident, no insurance, minor healthcare question?
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2007
Location: A Magical City
Posts: 469
Non-resident, no insurance, minor healthcare question?
Very briefly...
I used to be based in Spain, but have convinced myself a move to Portugal is my best option. I am in Portugal and need to have a minor skin thing removed. Very small operation, or even ointment treatment only (prescription). I don't want to return to Spain for this. I have used a consultant here privately for a back problem. Cost just €20, but no prescription med's were needed.
Does anyone have any idea if I could pay privately for such a minor operation, or prescription medication before I actually apply for residency and join the state health system?
Can't leave it that long, so my options are return to Spain, or pay privately here (if possible).
Thanks.
I used to be based in Spain, but have convinced myself a move to Portugal is my best option. I am in Portugal and need to have a minor skin thing removed. Very small operation, or even ointment treatment only (prescription). I don't want to return to Spain for this. I have used a consultant here privately for a back problem. Cost just €20, but no prescription med's were needed.
Does anyone have any idea if I could pay privately for such a minor operation, or prescription medication before I actually apply for residency and join the state health system?
Can't leave it that long, so my options are return to Spain, or pay privately here (if possible).
Thanks.
#2
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Joined: Aug 2007
Location: A Magical City
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Re: Non-resident, no insurance, minor healthcare question?
Cutting to the quick...
A return to Spain would cost around €150 in travel minimum (whichever way I look at it). Three days in time all told (if lucky). Two nights accommodation etc. So, around €500 in total (including lost income).
Any cost here at less, or around the same price would be my preference.
Asking because it is Saturday. Will call my Spanish doctor Monday anyway. Curiosity more than anything.
A return to Spain would cost around €150 in travel minimum (whichever way I look at it). Three days in time all told (if lucky). Two nights accommodation etc. So, around €500 in total (including lost income).
Any cost here at less, or around the same price would be my preference.
Asking because it is Saturday. Will call my Spanish doctor Monday anyway. Curiosity more than anything.
#3
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Joined: May 2010
Location: San Diego, California
Posts: 9,654
Re: Non-resident, no insurance, minor healthcare question?
One can pay privately for most things these days - never heard of a doctor that won't take a patient on a private basis for money; and one does not have to be resident etc to pay for services.
Can you not find a doctor who will take you on privately?
Can you not find a doctor who will take you on privately?
#4
Re: Non-resident, no insurance, minor healthcare question?
Yes, you can have it done at any of the private hospitals.
I was quoted 175 euros to remove a mole [considered cosmetic surgery so not covered by my insurance].
I was quoted 175 euros to remove a mole [considered cosmetic surgery so not covered by my insurance].
#6
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Joined: Aug 2007
Location: A Magical City
Posts: 469
Re: Non-resident, no insurance, minor healthcare question?
Thank you. My pockets feel heavier already. Off for a late night tipple in Lisbon to celebrate.