ADSE has introduced a €180 annual limit on reimbursements for spectacles from January and will adjust price lists for radiology, gastroenterology and surgeries in February; the changes are estimated to cost ADSE €15.4 million annually. The updates will affect beneficiaries of the civil‑service health scheme ADSE and may increase out‑of‑pocket costs for some exams and eyewear. Public servants and other ADSE users should review benefits and pre‑authorisation rules with providers before scheduling tests or purchases.
ADSE caps glasses reimbursements at €180 yearly
Wednesday, 21 January 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
ADSE is the public health subsystem that provides supplementary healthcare cover for many Portuguese civil servants and some retirees (originally Sistema de Assistência dos Servidores Civis do Estado). It reimburses part of medical expenses and is separate from the national health service, so changes like the January cap on glasses reimbursements affect beneficiaries directly.
ADSE reimbursements are cash repayments made to eligible beneficiaries for part of their healthcare costs, including consultations, tests and a portion of optical or dental expenses. Since January the annual reimbursement for buying glasses has been capped at €180, and ADSE said fee schedules for radiology, gastroenterology and surgery will be adjusted in February, so beneficiaries should check the updated rules.
