The Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) has proposed regulating health cards to stop firms marketing simple discount cards as 'health plans' or insurance, sources report. The proposals would bar advertising that presents cards granting discounts for consultations, medicine delivery, ambulance transport or phone clinical advice as full insurance, aiming to reduce consumer confusion. Consumers who hold or are offered such cards — called health cards (cartões de saúde) — should review contract terms and any coverage limits. Those comparing private options should check whether a product is an insurance policy or a discount card.
Update: PS seeks ban on misleading health-card adverts
Correio da Manhã, Observador and Público report the PS wants a legal prohibition on advertising that presents discount “health cards” (cartões de saúde) as full “planos de saúde” or "seguros de saúde*. The outlets list the common services involved — consultations, medicine delivery, ambulance transport and phone clinical advice — as the kinds of offers PS says must not be marketed as equivalent to insurance.
Update: PS repeats call for legal ban on adverts
Correio da Manhã, Observador and Público reiterate the PS position: the party is seeking a legal prohibition on adverts that market discount cartões de saúde as planos de saúde or seguros de saúde, listing consultations, medicine delivery, ambulance transport and phone clinical advice as typical services that should not be presented as full insurance.
