As Portugal is in the EU you should get the same type of cover you get now while in Spain and the same as you would if you lived in the UK.

As I understand it EU members get the same cover that the locals get. In France, I believe, that is not very good. Whereas in Spain it is good. What I would like to know is what is it like in the Algarve in particular.

portugal has the worst health record in the whole of the EU overall the hospitals and health centres are poor. On the other hand they have the longest life expectancy in europe lowest cancer/serious illness rate in europe and the cleanest air all in all they dont really need them!!!! if health issues are a concern there is a private hospital in Lagos which is excellent and all english speaking staff at very reasonable rates.

What do we need to do if resident in spain to get health cover - have heard lots of conflicting advice. I f anyone knows would love to hear as moving out in a few months and would love to get everything sorted as soon as possible. Do we need to be resident or is just having our NIE enough. Thanks

meg2 You might like to look at the following links on the subject.

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=62052&highlight=health+care+spain

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=16177&highlight=health+care+spain

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=23174&highlight=health+care+spain

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=64824&highlight=health+care+spain

I didnt have a problem a few years ago when bitten and got blood poisening. Phoned ambulance 05.30 taken to health centre in Loule and treated with appropiate drugs, not charged one penny, although saying this the health centre was a bit antequaited, but treatment was ok. In recent years we have tended to use private doctors as the queues at faro & albufeira hospital for accident & emergency are long a bit like the UK hospitals. Cheers jayjan