Hi, Has anyone had a knee replacement under the Portuguese health system? Thanks

Do you mean the public or private health system ? From what I have heard you get the same doctors ..just have to wait longer on the public service. Friend has just had a hip replacement operation in Alvor private hospital. All went extremely well. What do you need to know ?

Hi, thanks
After 2 years waiting I just had a letter from Faro Hospital For an examination. I am a permanent resident in Portugal and was wondering if it is free or are there any costs involved. Thanks

I had a hip replaced in Portimao Hospital and it did not cost on the SNS. I had a knee replaced plus a hip revision due to a fall at Alvor Hospital and they did cost privately.

My Surgeon in the SNS system at Portimao also works in the private sector at Lusiades Albufeira but my Surgeon at Alvor only works privately. However, my friend's hip replacement at Alvor was performed by an SNS doctor from Portimao. You may be given the option to go private at no cost.

Maybe the SNS will propose this more and more.

I will have a colonoscopie in a private clinic within the SNS. The only thing is that I am not free to chose a private clinic. The SNS will give you a list of private clinics. The SNS has agreements with these clinics.

This is the same with blood/ urine checks and fysiotherapy: within the SNS we can go to private clinics and laboratories. BUT ask the list of the laboratories and clinics. You pay a small fee within the SNS. For the fysiotherapy for 15 times I paid EUR 105. We were free to chose one.

Ask what your possibilities are and tell your SNS-doctor you don't have a private insurance!

I know someone from an International Bone Replacement forum who had her knee replaced in October at Gambalas/Faro Hospital (private) courtesy of the SNS due to long waiting lists and she is satisfied.

I guess it depends on your locale but I certainly have no qualms with the SNS.