Medical costs in Portugal are projected to rise by 6.2% in 2026, leading companies to adjust their employee health insurance policies. According to the Medical Trend Report by the MDS Group, this trend is exacerbated by the ongoing strain on the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS), which currently faces significant waiting lists for consultations and surgeries.
Rising medical costs drive changes to private health insurance
Wednesday, 29 July 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
If you need emergency care and a local ED is understaffed, call 112 for life‑threatening situations or contact the national health triage line (SNS 24) for urgent guidance; the operator can direct you to the nearest hospital with capacity or arrange an ambulance. As an expat, also consider local private hospitals or clinics if available and keep your health insurance details and ID ready to speed up admission.
