Experience public health care
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2017
Location: Algarve
Posts: 569
Experience public health care
Hi,
Again and again we are thinking about a private insurance. But the inconvenience is that a private insurance wants to make money and will try not to reimburse you because it was pre-existing or you are longer abroad than 60 days.
When I read about the quality of the SNS, I read the portuguese public health care is one of the best in the EU.
But, when I talk to expats with a private insurance they tell me it is worse than eastern Europe or developping countries. Only young doctors without experience work in the public hospitals .....
What is your experience?
Thanks!!
Again and again we are thinking about a private insurance. But the inconvenience is that a private insurance wants to make money and will try not to reimburse you because it was pre-existing or you are longer abroad than 60 days.
When I read about the quality of the SNS, I read the portuguese public health care is one of the best in the EU.
But, when I talk to expats with a private insurance they tell me it is worse than eastern Europe or developping countries. Only young doctors without experience work in the public hospitals .....
What is your experience?
Thanks!!
#2
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Joined: Jul 2016
Location: Alvaiázere, central Portugal
Posts: 591
Re: Experience public health care
I will also be most interested to see the considered views from others on this forum, as this apparent mis-match of opinions concerns me.
Why is it that so many expats seem dissatisfied with the health service, whereas so many independent reports paint a positive picture? Is it something to do with the health service, or is it perhaps linked to our own attitudes and expectations?
Whilst I think that some, though by no means all, of the doctors we have come across do seem to be afflicted by arrogant self-importance, it is really the quality of treatment that is the vital question - especially for more serious issues. I have medical insurance, though when the whole Brexit mess is resolved, I would like to consider cancelling it.
Why is it that so many expats seem dissatisfied with the health service, whereas so many independent reports paint a positive picture? Is it something to do with the health service, or is it perhaps linked to our own attitudes and expectations?
Whilst I think that some, though by no means all, of the doctors we have come across do seem to be afflicted by arrogant self-importance, it is really the quality of treatment that is the vital question - especially for more serious issues. I have medical insurance, though when the whole Brexit mess is resolved, I would like to consider cancelling it.
#3
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Joined: Mar 2013
Location: central Portugal
Posts: 4,111
Re: Experience public health care
I've been in Portugal for a little over 8 years & in that time, various friends & I have received NHS care here for everything from diabetes to pneumonia to cancer to dialysis to heart surgery to hysterectomy & every single one of us has been immensely impressed with all aspects of that care except perhaps for the food but the food criticism could probably be said of most hospitals anywhere.
I should in fairness add that all of us are in the central zone so none have experience in any of the other areas.
I should in fairness add that all of us are in the central zone so none have experience in any of the other areas.
#4
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Joined: Mar 2013
Location: central Portugal
Posts: 4,111
Re: Experience public health care
I should perhaps have added that my better half had several decades experience of cardio thoracic operating theatres etc including working as part of the team that pioneered various heart surgeries on unborn infants & newly born babies & has several surgical procedures named after so she she's nobodies fool & recognises good from bad medical care & even she is pretty impressed with the NHS car here.
Last edited by mfesharne; Nov 13th 2019 at 11:14 am.
#5
Re: Experience public health care
Luckily in all the years I have been here ,I have only had to seek medical help twice
Both for the same finger ,honestly , middle finger left had, cut it nearly off on my saw bench.
Ambulance "blue & two's" to Leiria Hospital :- put it back together ,service 100%
Last year ,same finger , bitten by my dog , turned gangrenous ,Leiria Hospital again , service 100%
I know these are just small problems, but I have more insight than most Expats, as I am a volunteer for our local
Transport Ambulance Service & have been for many years, the health system here in my humble opinion is good value for the amount off monies it receives.
Both for the same finger ,honestly , middle finger left had, cut it nearly off on my saw bench.
Ambulance "blue & two's" to Leiria Hospital :- put it back together ,service 100%
Last year ,same finger , bitten by my dog , turned gangrenous ,Leiria Hospital again , service 100%
I know these are just small problems, but I have more insight than most Expats, as I am a volunteer for our local
Transport Ambulance Service & have been for many years, the health system here in my humble opinion is good value for the amount off monies it receives.
#6
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2019
Location: Porches, Algarve
Posts: 75
Re: Experience public health care
I will also be most interested to see the considered views from others on this forum, as this apparent mis-match of opinions concerns me.
Why is it that so many expats seem dissatisfied with the health service, whereas so many independent reports paint a positive picture? Is it something to do with the health service, or is it perhaps linked to our own attitudes and expectations?
Whilst I think that some, though by no means all, of the doctors we have come across do seem to be afflicted by arrogant self-importance, it is really the quality of treatment that is the vital question - especially for more serious issues. I have medical insurance, though when the whole Brexit mess is resolved, I would like to consider cancelling it.
Why is it that so many expats seem dissatisfied with the health service, whereas so many independent reports paint a positive picture? Is it something to do with the health service, or is it perhaps linked to our own attitudes and expectations?
Whilst I think that some, though by no means all, of the doctors we have come across do seem to be afflicted by arrogant self-importance, it is really the quality of treatment that is the vital question - especially for more serious issues. I have medical insurance, though when the whole Brexit mess is resolved, I would like to consider cancelling it.
#7
Re: Experience public health care
We have private insurance; I don't think they prey on anyone. They provide health care.
Do they recommend excessive tests [that seems to be the big fear]? No, they do not.
And I'd rather have too many tests than too few.
Down here in the Algarve, the health service is severely overburdened and underfunded. Some people get the care they need, others don't.
Much depends on if the specialist you require has too much work; orthopedics is notoriously bad.
My OH has a rare disease. she is alive thanks to us having private health insurance.
It has a cash limit but if we hit that then the public hospital is there for us too.
I think if you can afford it, take out private health care.
We do without a lot of things due to budget. We pay for the health insurance though.
I suggest talking to your local pharmacist; they meet the patients and hear all the stories, but are not invested in either system.
Do they recommend excessive tests [that seems to be the big fear]? No, they do not.
And I'd rather have too many tests than too few.
Down here in the Algarve, the health service is severely overburdened and underfunded. Some people get the care they need, others don't.
Much depends on if the specialist you require has too much work; orthopedics is notoriously bad.
My OH has a rare disease. she is alive thanks to us having private health insurance.
It has a cash limit but if we hit that then the public hospital is there for us too.
I think if you can afford it, take out private health care.
We do without a lot of things due to budget. We pay for the health insurance though.
I suggest talking to your local pharmacist; they meet the patients and hear all the stories, but are not invested in either system.
Last edited by liveaboard; Nov 13th 2019 at 5:39 pm.
#8
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2019
Location: Porches, Algarve
Posts: 75
Re: Experience public health care
We have private insurance; I don't think they prey on anyone. They provide health care.
Do they recommend excessive tests [that seems to be the big fear]? No, they do not.
And I'd rather have too many tests than too few.
Down here in the Algarve, the health service is severely overburdened and underfunded. Some people get the care they need, others don't.
Much depends on if the specialist you require has too much work; orthopedics is notoriously bad.
My OH has a rare disease. she is alive thanks to us having private health insurance.
It has a cash limit but if we hit that then the public hospital is there for us too.
I think if you can afford it, take out private health care.
We do without a lot of things due to budget. We pay for the health insurance though.
I suggest talking to your local pharmacist; they meet the patients and hear all the stories, but are not invested in either system.
Do they recommend excessive tests [that seems to be the big fear]? No, they do not.
And I'd rather have too many tests than too few.
Down here in the Algarve, the health service is severely overburdened and underfunded. Some people get the care they need, others don't.
Much depends on if the specialist you require has too much work; orthopedics is notoriously bad.
My OH has a rare disease. she is alive thanks to us having private health insurance.
It has a cash limit but if we hit that then the public hospital is there for us too.
I think if you can afford it, take out private health care.
We do without a lot of things due to budget. We pay for the health insurance though.
I suggest talking to your local pharmacist; they meet the patients and hear all the stories, but are not invested in either system.
#9
Re: Experience public health care
In 2013 I had breast cancer op at Portimao (Barlevento) Hospital then followup Radiotherapy in Faro at Private Clinic, refused Chemo . Had checkups at six weeks, 6 months then yearly. Discharged this year.
In 2014 I had Total Hip Replacement at Portimao Hospital after falling and cleanly breaking the neck of my femur. Had 18 followup Physio sessions.
In 2016 Husband had Neck Tumor removed in Lisbon. Radiotherapy in Faro.
All of the above on SNS. No complaints whatsoever... except food!
In March 2018 I had Total Knee Replacement and in March this year Revision Hip Replacement, again due to fall (I have Osteoporosis). These were done privately in Alvor by choice and paid for by us. We have been here 18 years and never had health insurance but put the cost of premiums by monthly and therefore able to pay privately ourselves.
I have a Continente card which I use at the private HPA hospitals/clinics and get discounts for my many consultancies and blood tests. There are no discounts for hospitalisations. I also use the card for Dental work at the Clinic in AlgarveShopping.
https://www.planosaudewells.pt/
In 2014 I had Total Hip Replacement at Portimao Hospital after falling and cleanly breaking the neck of my femur. Had 18 followup Physio sessions.
In 2016 Husband had Neck Tumor removed in Lisbon. Radiotherapy in Faro.
All of the above on SNS. No complaints whatsoever... except food!
In March 2018 I had Total Knee Replacement and in March this year Revision Hip Replacement, again due to fall (I have Osteoporosis). These were done privately in Alvor by choice and paid for by us. We have been here 18 years and never had health insurance but put the cost of premiums by monthly and therefore able to pay privately ourselves.
I have a Continente card which I use at the private HPA hospitals/clinics and get discounts for my many consultancies and blood tests. There are no discounts for hospitalisations. I also use the card for Dental work at the Clinic in AlgarveShopping.
https://www.planosaudewells.pt/
#10
Re: Experience public health care
That hasn't happened with our private PT health insurance; in 10 years, the premiums only rise with inflation [I think].
Once they accept you, it seems you're in at that price unless you opt out.
I don't know if this is due to law or company policy.
We have used it a lot.
Private insurance won't cover preexisting conditions [defined as previously diagnosed, if it wasn't medically determined then it didn't happen].
Public health care will.
As a Portuguese resident you have a right to public health cover, and your public health insurance number allows discounted prescriptions even when they're issued by a private doctor or clinic.
the discounts vary, but for some conditions the savings are significant.
Once they accept you, it seems you're in at that price unless you opt out.
I don't know if this is due to law or company policy.
We have used it a lot.
Private insurance won't cover preexisting conditions [defined as previously diagnosed, if it wasn't medically determined then it didn't happen].
Public health care will.
As a Portuguese resident you have a right to public health cover, and your public health insurance number allows discounted prescriptions even when they're issued by a private doctor or clinic.
the discounts vary, but for some conditions the savings are significant.
#11
Re: Experience public health care
Having tripped over a shoe lace and busted my knee open on a rock yesterday in the garden we ventured off, somewhat sceptical, to Portimao hospital. All in all the experience was entirely comparable to what you could expect from an NHS A&E. I was done and dusted in 3 hours which included booking in, triage, being seen by a doctor who spoke much better English than my Portuguese, anesthetic, clean up, stitches and a referral letter to my local Centro de Saude to have the wound cleaned, checked and redressed every 2 days for the next 10 before the stitches are removed. The doctor was kind, took her time to explain, answered all my questions, even chatted to distract while she injected the anesthetic. No complaints at all, even the 16€ charge was reasonable.
#12
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2017
Location: Algarve
Posts: 569
Re: Experience public health care
Having tripped over a shoe lace and busted my knee open on a rock yesterday in the garden we ventured off, somewhat sceptical, to Portimao hospital. All in all the experience was entirely comparable to what you could expect from an NHS A&E. I was done and dusted in 3 hours which included booking in, triage, being seen by a doctor who spoke much better English than my Portuguese, anesthetic, clean up, stitches and a referral letter to my local Centro de Saude to have the wound cleaned, checked and redressed every 2 days for the next 10 before the stitches are removed. The doctor was kind, took her time to explain, answered all my questions, even chatted to distract while she injected the anesthetic. No complaints at all, even the 16€ charge was reasonable.
hope you are ok today without too much pain.
Wow, I am really impressed. Only 3 hours, that won't happen in Spain and France. There you need to wait maybe 6 to 8 hours.
I am happy to read your very positive experience with the Portimao Hospital.
Thanks!
#13
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2017
Location: Algarve
Posts: 569
Re: Experience public health care
Thank you all for taking your time to put your experiences here.
Important for me and I am sure for toher expats too, because a lot of expats are in doubt wether to take private insurance or not.
Important for me and I am sure for toher expats too, because a lot of expats are in doubt wether to take private insurance or not.
#14
Just Joined
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 29
Re: Experience public health care
I've had 2 awful experiences with my family doctor at the local Centro de Saude - arrogant, he was just processing me - he was practically ushering me out within 30 seconds of entering his room. He was one hour late because he was in the cafeteria having a coffee. I am thinking that Liveaboard's comments make sense - even if you have to do without other things.
#15
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Joined: Aug 2006
Location: Velez-Malaga
Posts: 4,916
Re: Experience public health care
Previously I had accompanied a friend and her young daughter to the same Urgencias Department when the child had a fall and broke her arm. She was triaged immediately, subsequently seen by the doctor, sent for X-rays then had the arm put in a cast and X-rayed again to check the alignment, which all took under 2 hours.
Last edited by Rosemary; Nov 21st 2019 at 4:28 pm. Reason: corrected quote