Reforming the NHS: between equity and the need for choice
António Strecht argues that NHS reform should focus on sustained evolution and the adaptation of founding principles rather than a complete systemic rupture.

Latest news and stories about health insurance in daily life in Portugal for expats and residents.
António Strecht argues that NHS reform should focus on sustained evolution and the adaptation of founding principles rather than a complete systemic rupture.

Difficulties accessing the National Health Service (SNS) are driving patients away from exclusive reliance on public care and toward private healthcare. More than half of people report self-medicating and the majority do not inform their doctor, while those who can afford private care rarely revert to the SNS once they switch. The trend suggests growing segmentation in access and a potential long-term shift of wealthier patients out of the public system.

Multicare, the health insurance arm of the Fidelidade Group, has announced the launch of the Chronic Disease Management Program, an initiative that combines telemedicine with home medical assistance to monitor patients with heart failure, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In an initial phase, the program is available only to adult clients.

An analysis, prepared by researchers Carolina Santos and Pedro Pita Barros, points to the fact that the majority of users who turn to the private sector also have a family doctor in the NHS.

Based on a study carried out by DecoProteste, insurer Generali Tranquilidade has won the title of Best Insurer in Portugal for the second year running. This distinction is awarded to the company that best combines policy quality, competitive pricing and customer satisfaction. In this year’s edition, the focus turned to the insurance sector ...

More than half of people resort to self-medication and most do not tell their doctor

Although a roughly 10% rise in health insurance premiums is forecast for 2026, according to Aon's “2026 Global Medical Trend Rates Report”, the reality is that Portugal's health insurance market continues to grow. According to the latest data from the Insurance Observatory of ...
