American Unlocks Portuguese Healthcare With This TRICK

[@rosemarybaker8126]

The service is €10 NOT $10. Oops!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for the correction, Rosemary. We appreciated you opening up on the topic and giving this interview. - Josh & Kalie

[@serenity4558]

€10 is starting point. It really depends on the clinical situation of the person. Can be €10 or €15 or €20.... some situations are much more demanding than others.

[@NamasTeTe1]

@@serenity4558 Hi, do you work only in Portugal or also on n Spain? Do you have a website? We’re looking for a similar service for our move to Spain.

[@Dinom-tt5wz]

Still, compared to the $900 USD i paid PER MONTH in Los Angeles... I'm in!!!

[@hellophoenix]

@@serenity4558 Michael , I almost gave up hope in retiring in Portugal because of my chronic back pain , yes it’s mild but I still need the support system provided by family, friends and professionals.
I was worried I won’t be able to find that kind of help in Portugal until I saw you on Expat Portugal youtube show and later I checked your website.
You offer everything I need : home care , doctors visits and physical therapy at home .
The one that caught my attention is in the rare occasion I might get muscle spasms ( once a year ) and I become immobile for a couple of weeks , you have people to help me with grocery shopping and house cleaning .
I haven’t even heard of the term “ medical concierge “ before that interview
My plan is to retire in Portugal within a year and you’ll be the first people I’ll contact in Portugal .

[@terrisokolow7796]

Great interviews, Kalie! Health care, in any country, should be #1 for everyone!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you, Terri! 😁 - Josh & Kalie

[@RumblestripDotNet]

The next level, especially for those looking to retire in PT would be to talk to ex-pats who have longer term chronic issues and how they deal with it, and how the heath care system works for that. Examples would be people with autoimmune issues, cancer survivors, and the like.

[@sorayar5651]

Hi Rumblestrip, I completely agree with your statement. We have been trying to ask these questions but weren’t able to get the right answers yet.

[@serenity4558]

@@sorayar5651 we are happy to assist you, in case you need. ☺

[@Ferreira019760]

@@rayvogensen2983 if I may cut in, just to add what I feel is an important detail. As I see it the main reason for the family doctor was to have someone who would follow the patient consistently and keep record of the medical history. A few years ago, perhaps motivated by shortage of doctors, a national database was introduced and theoretically every appointment the patient has should be recorded, so no matter where you go within the country any doctor has access to it. One might think that seeing a random doctor could take longer due to not being familiar with the patient’s history, we need to take into account that family doctors usually have between 1000 to 2000 patients assigned to them which means it will be a lucky shot that the family doctor would know the patient’s history by heart. In most cases where that would happen it would probably be unfortunate as that means the patient stood out for some reason, potentially a complicated health problem that drew particular interest.
Most people will see a doctor in their area, but you can get close to the same experience as possible when traveling within national borders. It’s not perfect by any stretch of imagination but that’s roughly what is available. Also sometimes not having a family doctor can be a plus, as if you go to your local health center and your doctor doesn’t really care that much you are stuck and the admin staff will always prioritize your assigned doctor unless that doctor is unavailable. So there are positive and negative aspects to it, it really helps if you have a dedicated doctor and you have the misfortune of dealing with a chronic illness that is still being designated as a syndrome, meaning there is still not much known about it and you may face a barrage of questions every time you see a different doctor. People will be people, we are all flawed in some way and having an MD doesn’t make anyone different in that aspect. That being said, most doctors are decent and caring people who will go the extra mile for their patients, sometimes they are just so overworked that they may come across as a tad rough when it comes to bedside manners. Also a shout out to the amazing work the nurses do, they didn’t become heroes because of the pandemic, they’ve always been there for us in a time of need and across the globe we should remember them more often and show more appreciation. It doesn’t take much, sometimes just remembering that they are human beings too with all the potential problems that everyone of us can have. Sorry for the lengthy text, in my experience everything you said is correct, I just wanted to add this.
Stay safe everyone.

[@user-oo9rt3or2o]

These would be considered as preexisting (to your adherence to insurance plan) conditions and in most cases would be excluded from the coverage of your policy.
Please remember: a preexisting condition doesn’t mean you cannot have private insurance; it means that a specific condition would not be covered by the policy.
When asking for a proposal from an insurance company, make sure you have a professional (we would advise medical) consultation. Understanding the future implications of exclusions is of great importance!
Regardless of the insurer's approach to preexisting conditions, the public institutions will always treat all your needs.

[@alessandrosilva4441]

If you intend to be a "digital nomad", you will certainly use English almost all the time. However, if you intend to live in a certain country, it is very important to learn the local language. It's not just about cultural immersion, but it can be a matter of necessity. For example, resolving a health issue or even dealing with an emergency situation. It's not a sure thing to always find an English speaker when you need it.

[@hellophoenix]

I totally agree with you and I started learning Portuguese the minute I started thinking about retiring in Portugal

[@SilVia-hs2kb]

@@hellophoenix Make sure it's European Portuguese. Most online language services are in South American Portuguese. Although its the same language there's huge differences in grammar, accent and loads of expressions and words.

[@helenaborgespereira8272]

traduzir em português

[@MrMiguelForster]

There are 100s of countries where Id agree, but portugal is truly very proficient in english on average. Its almost impossible to find someone who doesnt speak it under the age of 50

[@Doey46]

Great interview with my sister. Glad you are friends...👍❤✌️

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you! She's a great friend to us. - Josh & Kalie

[@tamirose787]

Thank you for a real life experience of the health care system in Portugal. It was so nice to hear that the doctors take time with you and that there are services available to assist you with the process. Thank you for this content. Very helpful.

[@jeffreybarnes3604]

Thanks yet again -- you guys keep solving my problems! :)

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

You're welcome. Thanks for the message. It's great to hear that our videos are doing that for you. - Josh & Kalie

[@Stopit77]

Great info, thanks so much!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

You are so welcome, Cindy! Thanks for watching. - Josh & Kalie

[@ronshea6970]

Obrigado for another helpful video to take the mystery out of being an expat in Portugal!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

You're welcome, Ron. It's what we're trying to do and we're blessed to be doing it full-time right now. - Josh & Kalie

[@trave7644]

Thanks Kalie. This is helpful.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

You're welcome. We're glad it's been helpful. Thanks for the support. It's people like you that make what we do possible. - Josh & Kalie

[@trave7644]

@@ExpatsEverywhere 👍 Hope your trip is going well.

[@hatersgonnahate4343]

I used this company through the link attached, and it went flawlessly. Highly recommend this service. Thank you Kalie for all your help ❤️

[@nataliegray2130]

This was really helpful and I have an appointment with them tomorrow to find out more. Great job Kalie!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Fantastic to hear, Natalie! We're looking forward to hearing how it goes. Thank you. - Josh & Kalie

[@dianeosoba8981]

Very helpful information! Thank you!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Great to hear it, Diane. - Josh & Kalie

[@Lion-fj3wp]

I just love your sit-down interviews. Thanks so much for the information 👋🌍

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

🙌 Thanks for the love. We're really happy to hear that feedback. - Josh & Kalie

[@wg933]

As always, you guys are hitting the right topics! Very informative & very much appreciated. Thanks

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Awesome to know. Thank you, WG. We appreciate it. - Josh & Kalie

[@ladyloquitavida148]

EXCELLENT video Kalie!! The information provided was extremely helpful and I plan to check Serenity out once we arrive in Porto. Thank you for taking on this very important topic, especially for those of us over 60!
Hope to see you and Josh in February! 👍👍🇵🇹

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you! We appreciate the message. We're glad to produce stuff like this for our viewers. 😊 We hope to see you too. Keep us posted on your arrival. - Josh & Kalie

[@serenity4558]

Hi Lady Loquita, we will be happy to assist upon your arrival however many of our clients had doubts and questions long before arrival do PT and we were able to ease some of their concerns. Feel free to contact us at your convenience. ☺

[@ladyloquitavida148]

@@serenity4558 Thank you very much! I will contact you directly! 👍
We will be visiting February 4th through the 18th, and our final move date will be towards the middle of May. My husband and I are looking forward to chatting with you and your organization! ❣

[@serenity4558]

@@ladyloquitavida148 Looking forward to talk to you❤

[@frankmealha8918]

Thanks for the content, very informative

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

You're welcome. Our pleasure! - Josh & Kalie

[@JuanMoreno-wo5yb]

“Now let’s get moving”. I wish I was already there though!

[@rebeccagutierrez1960]

Great interview, Kalie. And I must say I just love the top you have on.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Oh, thank you! For both things. 😊 - Kalie

[@sorayar5651]

Thanks Kalie. This video was outstanding! Amazing content on a very important subject such as health care. Since we are planning to retire in PT, we would be also very interested in learning about long term care. I heard that they don’t have nursing homes. It is very hard to find this type on information from the US. I guess you could add this subject to your list of future videos. A very important topic for retirees. What would be our options at a later stage of life? Thanks again. You and Josh are great!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

You're welcome, Soraya. We're glad to do it. We're trying to get better with every passing video. We learn new stuff and try to implement it when possible. 😊 Regarding the long term care, it's another tricky one for us to do on our own so we'll keep our eye out for interviewees (like Rosemary) that can help us with firsthand accounts. - Josh & Kalie

[@antoniodasilva1230]

Nursing homes are called senior citizen homes

[@sorayar5651]

@@antoniodasilva1230 Hi Antonio, thank you for your feedback. I am assuming that you are Portuguese. Can you elaborate a little more? If a retired person needs to go into a facility because he or she is no longer able to take care of themselves, which will be the options in Portugal? I wasn’t able to find much information online and this is an important subject for my husband and I to consider when moving to PT as retirees. I am trying to compare costs and determine availability of this option. We wish to retire in PT but we are not sure yet if we will need to go back to the US later in life…

[@sorayar5651]

@@ExpatsEverywhere Thanks a lot Kalie. We are looking forward to hear from you guys on this subject 😀

[@antoniodasilva1230]

In Portugal nursing homes are called lar para idosos might cost under one thousand our two thousand per month its way cheaper than in the USA definitely cheaper i know because my father was in one and my sister is the head RN at the Westhamton senior home on Long Island N.Y

[@mayaraguitar3472]

That's exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for the quality content, guys. 🥰

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

🙌 Fantastic! You're welcome. We're glad you like it. - Josh & Kalie

[@christinabayma119]

That was very helpful. I’d love to hear more about dentistry and optometry.

[@victorpimenta41]

Not what I was looking for but still so very helpful Ty

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

We're glad it was helpful. What were you looking for? - Josh & Kalie

[@paulorocha4194]

Unless a foreigner won't be allowed to apply for the SNS (our National Health System) nobody needs a private insurance health plan. You can pay for one just to have a quicker doctor appointment on some specialties. For the rest, stay in the public system. It's not perfect but it works.

[@kaybee390]

Really great information here! Thanks for sharing!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Glad it was helpful, Kelly. Thanks for watching. - Josh & Kalie

[@zuchs1969]

This is a great service!! Its very daunting trying to navigate the medical system when Portuguese is not your first language. Thank you for all the your hard work you are both doing ❤

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

We're glad you think so, Caroline. Thank you very much for your kind message. We appreciate it! - Josh & Kalie

[@luisrivas1097]

Awesome video Kalie. Thank you so very much for the information. I was wondering once you find a doctor and all the other services needed in Portugal, do you need to continue with Serenity.

[@rosemarybaker8126]

You can quit Serenity at any time. There are no contracts.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hi Luis, thanks! Rosemary beat us to the answer. 😁 You can quit at any time. - Josh & Kalie

[@luisrivas1097]

@@rosemarybaker8126 Obrigado Rosemary. Great information. =)

[@jessicamagenheimer4095]

Apologies if I missed it - is there a website for Serenity? Thank you for this super helpful video Rosemary and Kalie!

[@lucchese20]

Hi Jessica-The website for Serenity is in the video description. Cheers. 👍🏻

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

It's okay, Jessica. Like Maurice said, it's in the video descriptions just under where we typed what the video is about. - Josh & Kalie

[@kategreen9647]

@@ExpatsEverywhere I actually do not see it in the short blurb about the video:(

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@@kategreen9647 Here it is..Serenity Portugal (Her Healthcare Solution) serenity-portugal.com/pulso-en
If you do decided to us them, use code "expats2022".

[@Ms13indra]

Thanks a lot for this video Kalie. Again… 😉👏🏼🙋🏻‍♀️

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

You are so welcome! 🙌 We're happy to do it. - Josh & Kalie

[@nanaofaiden9743]

Thank you! Amazing info! ❤

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

You are so welcome! We're glad you enjoyed it! - Josh & Kalie

[@JenShea]

Great interview Kalie!!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks, Jen. 😁 - Josh & Kalie

[@utopiaboardsandwheels9755]

This is a piece of advertising. First: don't be racist. You're an emigrant. Not an "expat". Second: you can have your eyes checked and have your perscription for free in Portugal. Just have to stop using these "services" and use the healthcare system.

[@opphisse]

Hi Kalie, thanks for this helpful video. I plan to move to Portugal and will buy private health insurance. However, I would also want to take advantage of the public health system (SNS). Do you know if US citizens who get legal residency status in Portugal qualify for the SNS? Some websites say yes, while others say you can only participate if your employed and have taxes withheld, or opt in and pay a monthly fee. Thanks to you and Josh for the great videos.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hi, you're welcome. Thanks for watching. After we did our SEF residency confirmation appointment, we signed up for SNS. That's been our experience. We got our "Utente" numbers and that allows us to register for things like the vaccine or Valencia's regular vaccines for kids.
Thanks for the support. - Josh & Kalie

[@opphisse]

@@ExpatsEverywhere Great! Thanks again.

[@jorgemateus7016]

@@ExpatsEverywhere Utente.

[@arturjcrebelo3275]

By law any legal resident person have the right to free health care, you have a process to register in the public healthcare. Need small paper work, first need to prove that you live in that "place". Need to go to your city hall with your rental contract a utility bill (like electric or water bill) if you buy a house you need to take with you your house registration in your name, they give you a paper that state that you live in that City/town, and go to your local health center (I know a Japonese women that live in Estefânia (Lisbon) and she want to make her registration in Sete Rios Health center), when her local health center was in the same street where she live. And in your right local health center with that paper (from the City hall) they going to give a A4 paper that state some information about you and more important a SNS number we in Portuguese call "Numero de Utente".
You need to know this number every time you need to go to any Hospital, health center or even a private hospital because this number give to doctors all information about you, they have a database your chronic diseases, your medication, your vacine status, the last time they prescribe antibiotics or drug to pain even your allergies and even some blood test, CT scan and RX). Because i had a kidney stone last month they want a kidney ultrasound i make that exam in a private clinic (but i pay only 2€) they send to my family doctor the file directly to put in my database).
Before you have your citizen card (our citizen card have our ID number, our NIF number our SNS number) you need to know this number put in a memo in your phone or memorize him.

[@opphisse]

@@arturjcrebelo3275 Thanks very much.

[@tippywyatt]

Great info! Learned a lot!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Glad it was helpful! We just got off the phone with Serenity and they're wanting to help us host some live event in Porto where we talk about Portuguese food, wine, beer, and culture. Are you in? 😁 - Josh & Kalie

[@mongofan1]

Thank you! Alex

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

You're welcome, Alex. Thanks for the comment. - Josh & Kalie

[@ninahuffman8100]

Thank you so much for the info!!! Is there any way to contact to Rosemary ? Email ? Have questions regarding their move to Portugal. Thanks in advance!!!

[@dianebassett1930]

In the USA (as of 2013) we have electronic medical records (aka “EMR” or “EHR”) that are accessible from one medical organization to another. This provides important patient safety benefits as well as efficiencies. Can you find out what the situation is there in Portugal? Do they have a EHR of some sort? Is it a national software system? Do they have access to EHRs in the US for their American patients? (I know this sounds like privacy violation but there are ways this is set up to protect privacy and patient consent).

[@serenity4558]

Hi Diane, unfortunately in Portugal there isn't EMR (yet). Patients have to always ask for their medical records (each and every time they visit a doctor or perform an exam) and show it in the next visit to a doctor. :(

[@Pluminha]

@Serenity, the Portuguese way is so much better!!! I've had medical diagnoses creep into my chart that I have never actually had, because medical records are trying to be one size fits all. If I take an anti-anxiety pill one night before surgery, and I report that on the day of my surgery, suddenly it shows up in my medical record that I'm taking that particular medication on an ongoing basis and that I have anxiety. This is just one example! I always have to go back and clean up my chart either with the medical record officer at the hospital or with the physician on my next visit. I have so many diagnoses now that are incorrect, it's absolutely absurd. It's a theoretically good system that has gone haywire. If people don't go back and check their electronic medical record, they don't know that these new and incorrect diagnoses have creeped in to their record. And I agree with you, being fluent in Portuguese does not mean that your services are not valuable to a newcomer. I was merely responding to the person who responded to me, telling me to learn Portuguese.

[@serenity4558]

@@Pluminha thanks for sharing! Well, "old fashion way" has good side as well. Good to read :)

[@fatarita]

However, as a Portuguese, I was forced to have to go to private consultations and to go to private hospitals because at the moment I can't have an appointment with my doctor. Although their are inexpensive for expats with medical ensurance, for me (as a public teacher working since 2002 but earning still 1200 euros) it’s more expensive ). I was also being followed in a state hospital for a chronic condition and since 2020 I have not been any consultation because there are not enough doctors. My next consultation at a private hospital could only be scheduled in 4 months. A lot of doctors and nurses don't seem to be very satisfied with their conditions while working either. Yes it is possible that the situation is much better compared to other countries but it is definitely not the best.

[@SilVia-hs2kb]

As long as people see Portugal as a cheap country to retire in you will continue to have issues .Unfortunately the Portuguese will suffer because people coming to live there have higher disposable incomes and will have priority to services, because money talks. I personality think the Portuguese government makes it too easy for foreigners to go and retire there. Maybe being friendly and welcoming to foreigners is back firing on the native population. Your government is selling you to the highest foreign bidder.

[@seds94]

@@SilVia-hs2kb 100% spot on. It has its pros and cons

[@amc6508]

@@SilVia-hs2kb there is growing resentment against these practices. As a native, and while I sympathize, it is shameful what is going on. People that never contributed during their lives, are expecting to just move here and use an already flooded public health care system. Its disgusting.

[@WeaveTheStory]

Great firsthand interview and insight on health system in PT. Hope you're recovering well Kalie!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you, Sophian. Thanks for watching too. - Josh & Kalie

[@jimmiewhite]

Serenity provides a great service.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for sharing, Jim. - Josh & Kalie

[@sherillfranke1846]

Excellent video content! Thanks Kalie. We are definitely looking into this service. Does it work all over Portugal or just in Porto where you live? Was the $10 per month for both her and her husband? You guys are great! 💪

[@rosemarybaker8126]

The €10 per month is per person. So, €20 to cover both.

[@jetfowl]

Does the 10 euro cost of the service include the cost of the doctor's visit, blood tests, medications, etc?
Or does the 10 euros just cover their aid in connecting you with an English speaking doctor?

[@Pluminha]

I'm just hearing about it but......it seems they help you *navigate* the healthcare system. They are *not* an insurer nor are they providers. Think of them as tour guides, concierges, hand holders.

[@Mr.S65]

@@Pluminha I’d suggest to learn Portuguese to navigate everything in Portugal. It’ll make your life easier

[@Pluminha]

@@Mr.S65 maybe post this to the group in general, not as a reply to me specifically? I'm fluent in Portuguese.

[@serenity4558]

The price does not include doctor's visit, blood tests, medication etc. However we can provide some of those services ourselves (priced accordingly), home care based treatments, follow up, online consultations, prescription of exams, etc. \
If a client needs a specific speciality and or a doctor, then we will provide this assistance as many others. Even if you are portuguese and speaking fluent portuguese, does not mean you wouldn't need our services. Sometimes you have an insurance but you simply don't know where to go, who is the best doctor, or the fastest to provide results, or you need just a second opinion...

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

It covers their services to answer medical questions as well as connecting you with a network of doctors. If you have medications from abroad that you're not sure are available in Portugal and at what cost, they can help with that too. - Josh & Kalie

[@norm4332]

Need some Tax advice for Portugal US Expat retirees. Apparently starting 2022 Social Security and Pensions will be taxed at 10%.
My question is would this be a tax credit on the US tax obligation ? All I can seem to find is information concerning income tax credit
for monies made while working in Portugal.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for the comment, Norm. I believe that we've received an email from you. - Josh & Kalie

[@vodcome]

Hey Norm.....I am literally 13 days in on Portugal. If your income is from retirement in the US, You will not be taxed twice on that income. The best advice is to consult with the expat tax preparers to see which country would benifit your tax filing. My personal situation is that I only recieve SSI, so I'll file in the US, and owe nothing here, as I wont work here.

[@sinem90473]

I got a travel health insurance, but I never used it before,I want to learn what I need to say when I go to hospital

[@Mr.S65]

I was surprised to hear that the US ranks so low in health care having so many people from other counties coming to receive medical service here.

[@rosemarybaker8126]

It surprised us too.

[@Pluminha]

It depends on what parameters are being used when ranking. The U.S. is in the top tier with innovation. For a price, you can access care without a long waiting list. I'm not defending U S. healthcare per se, just saying that you have to actually read the study and see what parameters were involved. The happiest countries in the world aren't that happy (speaking first hand). What they are is unencumbered by healthcare costs, parental leave, birth and death benefits, schooling. So the parameter is "unburdened" and then they are pronounced "happiest". If the U.S. could combine universal access, government funding, with cutting edge innovation, it could rank top tier again. I see no hope of that happening. The word socialism is a dirty word in American politics. I'm looking forward to Portugal.

[@jetfowl]

People come to the US for extremely specialized care (such as for 'cutting edge' treatment), not general care. In fact, medical tourism by Americans to other countries is quite common, in which Americans will fly to places like Panama, Costa Rica, etc. and purchase dental or medical care out-of-pocket... and even with the cost of the hotel and plane, it's still 1/10th the cost of the same procedure in the US.

[@Mr.S65]

@@jetfowl it’s expensive indeed but that doesn’t mean isn’t good. These are two different issues.

[@Mr.S65]

@@Pluminha Agreed. A change is needed and we have a retrograde mentality concerning the collective wellbeing of everyone. Some people don’t get that they, themselves would benefit from universal health care and oppose it vehemently (let alone the other things you mention) . However, with a D7 it is required to buy private health care insurance and a good plan is very costly as well. Until a person doesn’t qualify to become a permanent resident or citizen of Portugal, the burden is huge for 5 years. It’s a common thing for older Americans to return to the US to receive health care services as they become elegible to receive Madicare at age 65. They can’t handle the cost of private health insurance abroad.

[@brianwhite1189]

I appreciate the information and I will be contacting Serenity with regards to being 66 years old and having several pre-existing conditions, will private health insurance even be unavailable to me or will I qualify for a policy, but have a prohibitively high annual premium? I've been following Josh and Kalie's wonderful DIY D7 Visa Course, I have my NIF and Millennium bank account, and my Millennium bank client rep sent me information assuring me that a Medis policy accepts pre-existing conditions, but I really need to know for certain. Medicare in the US, with an Advantage plan is very affordable, and I need assurance that I will not be relocating to Portugal only to find I either can't get private health insurance or that it's a lot more expensive than what I'm paying now. Thanks, guys.

[@paulabuls5802]

Hey Brian, keep us posted. We’re about seven months out from our arrival in Porto. I’m interested in some of the same questions. I’m about to turn 63 (on Tuesday).

[@brianwhite1189]

@@paulabuls5802 Hi Paula, Will do. If I don't get a definitive answer, I may just travel to Lisbon in a few months in order to decide if it's still where I want to be, secure a long-term apartment lease and gather more healthcare cost information. There's always the Public Healthcare option, but I haven't come across an expat channel where they're only using the public system and not using private healthcare insurance.

[@jetfowl]

I've recently moved to Braga from the US... and have a Medis policy from Millennium. From what I can gather, private insurance here in Portugal is more like a supplement to the public option.
In that you will have a family doctor (a primary care physician) assigned to you from the public health service. And they look over your medical records and do whatever they can to keep you healthy. Where the private insurance comes in is if the family doctor says you need some sort of test (bloodwork, biopsy, etc) or some sort of procedure/operation.
That private insurance allows you to schedule whatever tests/procedures you need through the private network, with almost no waiting and with nicer facilities.
---
Please understand, though... I'm still trying to figure it out. But that's the explanation I received from the doctor I went to (in order to refill some prescriptions I have). I'd gone to a private doctor via Medis during the window between my arrival and the time had my SEF appointment to obtain my residency card. During that time, you can't enroll onto the public health care option, as that's reserved for citizens and residents only.
Also, I paid out-of-pocket for the prescriptions, as the Medis policies don't cover medications (I think that's covered by the public health system). But the prescriptions were 1/20th the cost of what it would be in the US. Just as an example, the two cholesterol/triglyceride-reducing medications that I take cost (in the US, out-of-pocket, 1-month supply) roughly $500. The same prescriptions, here in Portugal and out-of-pocket... $30 euros.

[@brianwhite1189]

@@jetfowl Thank you for such valuable information. Much appreciated!

[@serenity4558]

@@jetfowl in theory you are totally correct. Reality is a bit different... about 1 million portuguese lack a GP/Family doctor. The national health system is overwhelmed and lack physicians to cover everyone. Emergency rooms are at full capacity with non urgent cases just because people can't get to a doctor for simple acts, like medical prescriptions, routine exams, revise of medication, etc. Having an appropriate health insurance can really save you in case of need. Although the system is free and for everyone, became difficult to access in the most appropriate way.

[@rafae5902]

It would be useful if you put in the video title that this is an AD for Serenity!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

It’s not an ad for Serenity. We had been wanting to do a piece on healthcare in Portugal and how someone prepared for their move. Rosemary had an experience with Serenity that was helpful and she wanted to give a testimonial and we had Michael come on and explain their services. If you didn’t glean anything from Rosemary’s story, we’re sorry. If you don’t want to use Serenity or like their services, that’s okay too. - Josh

[@themaestroslady1812]

I've heard you don't qualify for the public healthcare service if you're over 55. What happens then? Especially if you have pre-existing conditions?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

We've not heard that, Kim. Our best advice would be to contact Serenity or a company like them and ask them. For €10, it seems like you can ask them whatever you would like. - Josh & Kalie

[@themaestroslady1812]

@@ExpatsEverywhere Thank you, that's a relief to hear. I will contact Serenity.

[@prettycool4775]

Thank you for the video! I'm just a little confused: even if you do get a private health insurance for your family, it still makes sense to apply to these guys, does it? They will help you to navigate through the medical system of Pt at least when you just moved? Just want to be sure I got everything right))

[@rosemarybaker8126]

It made sense for us not knowing Portuguese (yet) and not being familiar with Portuguese culture and practices when it comes to healthcare. We likely could have just used our private insurance to help navigate but Serenity made it super easy. It gave us a lot of peace of mind. Not everyone will need, or even want, these services. This was just our experience. Hope that helps.

[@serenity4558]

@@rosemarybaker8126 thank you ❤

[@prettycool4775]

Thank you! You made it more clear to me. We are going to consider getting it))

[@gennadykravenkov1505]

@@rosemarybaker8126 Who is your health care insurer at this moment? Do Serenity provide any kind of advises what company/plan to use for health insurance?

[@rosemarybaker8126]

@@gennadykravenkov1505 we didn’t ask them about insurance because we already had health insurance with Medis which we got when we opened our bank account before we moved.

[@dugfriendly]

Serenity sounds similar to 2nd.MD that is part of the health insurance package I get thru my employer in the US

[@vthetravellingwriter]

What price range were the private health insurance that serenity were able to find for her?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

We have no idea. Sorry. - Josh & Kalie

[@paigeturner8784]

Where is this lovely park where you are doing the interview?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

😊 This is a rather small area near Trindade along Rua do Bonjardim. - Josh & Kalie

[@paigeturner8784]

@@ExpatsEverywhere Thanks. We are looking at areas around Cedofeita and Guimares stations so this is helpful to see what little corners of an otherwise busy neighborhood looks like.

[@paulorocha4194]

Largo Dr. Tito Fontes, in Porto.

[@Dinom-tt5wz]

Really nice interview with great questions and pacing... is Kalie the next KATIE?? Couric??

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

HAHA, that's hilarious, Dean. Thanks for the message. - Josh & Kalie

[@user-tm2ne5jy9i]

Portuguese health services outside of the large cities like Lisbon and Porto are at times 3rd world with ERs not working and hospitals littered with patients in corridors for days on end. If you are an expat be prepared to pay for private healthcare and be aware that the latter offer no more than the superficial convenient care clinics in the states, if one’s health situation requires more expertise they will simply direct you to public hospital.

[@Aotruba]

Thank you for the tips and informative links. For real estate questions, who would you recommend?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

You're very welcome. Email Kalie at [e-mail] so she can pass you that info. - Josh & Kalie

[@blaxbently]

Anyone found a service like serenity for Spain?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

We'll look into it. - Josh & Kalie

[@theadventurekidz-scienceho843]

Anyone live there and see multiple doctors? Immunologist, Rhematologist and Neurologist?

[@twosaintsful]

Does Serenity only for PT residents? What if you are in PT short-term?

[@michelehernandez5992]

Do either of you have specific medical issues? Sorry I know this might be personal but being elder with health issues I wonder if medical coverage is harder to get if you have underlying medical issues. Beside the fee for the service what is the cost to actually see the medical personal (doctors per say)

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

We don't have any chronic medical issues, no. The Serenity service fee is different that what you'd pay to see a doctor or get meds. That will be taken into consideration in conjunction with either SNS or your private health insurance provider. - Josh & Kalie

[@austintao6194]

Good info. Was Serenity a sponsor of this presentation?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks. Yes, it's pretty crazy how it all came together. Serenity contacted us about their services and doing a content piece on them and we said that we didn't know enough about them and we'd have to speak to people that have actually used them. Literally, that day, we got into a conversation with Stu and Rosemary (they're friends of ours) and Rosemary was telling us how she found her doctor. She said she found them through Serenity and we were like, "wait....what?" After hearing her story, we asked if she wouldn't mind telling it for a video. She said yes and then we said yes to Serenity for the sponsorship. Since then we've we have spoken to and know others that have used their service. - Josh & Kalie

[@austintao6194]

@@ExpatsEverywhere
That’s great that happened. I am just suggesting that if you are not being paid by Serenity then you should mention that so the viewers don’t think it’s an informercial of Serenity. It’s always good to be transparent and be upfront about it. Thx.

[@Kovi73]

€16 fee also if you don't see a doctor. You already pay for waiting in the waiting room in passing, and you can spend up to 10 hours in the waiting room while it's your turn. I mention the urgency. It is a shame

[@wendiezzes2281]

does your discount code work in 2024?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Serenity has changed their pricing a bit so probably not. Reach out directly to them and ask if an ExpatsEverywhere code still works and they might hook you up. :-) - Josh & Kalie

[@roybjork1034]

health care is not something you think of as Scandinavian! everything is there, just get in touch when you need it. the cost is about $ 20 at a time. the children have free medical care dental care. maximum rate is $ 120 per year for healthcare

[@victorjoaquim2813]

In Portugal you don't need private health care

[@carendancer8265]

Please address the "vaccine" issue and whether you feel you have a choice in Portugal.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

What vaccine issue exactly? Things are changing so rapidly, we're not sure a video on the topic would hold much validity. - Josh & Kalie

[@antoniodasilva1230]

Well people that pay for in taxes are why we have a good health service you jump in whithout doing anything but using our system need to just be thankfull 💩 in the Hamtons in Southampton i was slapped with a stupid bill for thousands and had nothing done

[@0xbsnmor268]

Although I appreciate the clear statement that the video ‘included paid promotion’, I find a bit sad to focus the whole video around Serenity without any other view/tips. I understand the youtube game and do not mind the strong ad push, but I’d strongly recommend adding real content on top next time! And no, interviewing the Serenity’s CEO doesn’t qualify as insight 😂!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

This was real content. It was Rosemary's real story with Serenity. We just happened to get paid from them to tell her story. 100% genuine. Rosemary gives "advice" throughout, for example, try to get medical records before you leave the US so that you can hand those off to the medical professionals in Portugal that you're going to work with. - Josh & Kalie

[@0xbsnmor268]

@@ExpatsEverywhere i appreciate the reply. I do feel that your heart and intentions were in the right place; however it still came across as full moneytisation of your audience and although it migh be necessary, it is never a good feeling to be ‘used’ in such way. Anyway, happy with a give-n-take approach, so I’ll still stick with you as long as there is a good balance of what I get (genuine view of the word) and what I give (time to announcer).

[@mongofan1]

Thank you, Kalie and Michael. I'm exploring PT as a retirement home and have two young adult children who I hope can join me. Both have Type 1 Diabetes and so need an affordable AND absolutely dependable supply of insulin, pump or injections, and, hopefully, continuous glucose monitoring system of one form or another. With T1, there is no room for delays in obtaining insulin and the tools necessary for proper use of insulin and carb intake. I see that someone from Serenity is responding to questions, here. Can I contact someone by email with just a short list of questions about basic access to insulin and CGM in PT?
Thanks!
Alex

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Alex, you could sign up for Serenity for €10/month and get your questions answered by them. You can cancel at any time. Does that help? - Josh & Kalie

[@antoniocarvalho6160]

MEDICINE STUDENTS MUST HAVE GREAT GRADES, VERY CLOSE TO 20 WITH 15 ONLY ENTER FOR SMALL COURSES!

[@Kovi73]

The waiting time for treatment is the worst in Portugal. This doesn't even exist in less developed countries! In no other country in Europe. Health care works better in many Asian and African countries as well

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hey Adam & Nisha, are you talking about urgent/emergency treatment or non-urgent/non-essential treatments? You've made a bold statement considering where Portugal ranks globally when it comes to health care. We're buy no means trying to sell Portugal to anyone but would love to hear more about where your statements are coming from. - Josh & Kalie

[@amc6508]

You have no idea what your talking about! If your condition in not life threatening, you will wait of course!

[@user-oo9rt3or2o]

They will not pay for pre existing conditions . What a scam . I just read the all insurance cover it’s not what you are saying . Shame on you . Are you getting paid for the comercial. I’ll in Lisbon in 3 weeks and I would love to meet with you and really understand what is it that I’m missing.

[@anadossantos1429]

👌

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

😊 Thanks for watching, Ana. - Josh & Kalie

[@edgaralgarve]

Just be a little less picky about "a little accent" or "good english" when you made no effort to learn the language. Respeitinho é bonito.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

It's a simple question Edgar and one that many people around the world would ask. She claimed that the little accent wasn't a problem. Rosemary and Stu are actively learning Portuguese. - Josh & Kalie

[@SilVia-hs2kb]

Most people coming from the USA and England will put very little effort into learning Portuguese. They see their money being spent there as saving and adding to the economy instead of what's really happening ,they are crippling the natives from home ownership. Tourism doesn't create great jobs. Who's getting rich in Portugal from housekeeping in a hotel or waiter in a restaurant? Unfortunately the Portuguese Government is too incompetent to aid and create a harbor for national entrepreneurship ,instead they are selling out the country to the highest foreign bidders. These people retiring in Portugal need YOU more than you need them. They are going there because it's cheaper than where they live and financially advantageous to them. However , in the end they are not your real enemy. Your government is.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@@SilVia-hs2kb Hi. Thank you for your message. We do have a few counterpoints though. 1 is that a really high percentage of our American audience that we interact with is extremely interested in learning Portuguese and know it's important for them as they move here. As far as Brits go, we have little comment because not many of our audience members that we interact with British, however, Talk the Streets, Liz is a British UA-cam (EU) PT Teacher and we're betting she attracts that British audience so she might know better. 2, James from Moviinn in Lisbon, Portugal, has some great insight on to what the government and private money has/have done for the entrepreneurial space both domestically and internationally. It seems like there is a conscious effort to create well paid jobs through tech, blue tech, and small business entrepreneurship among other things. 3, Portugal has middle of the road property ownership level in Europe at around 73%, however, some of countries that are higher are considered frontier countries so digest that how you will. One point of frustration that we're bet you can be on board with is the 28% tax for home owners that rent their properties out on the long term market (income) compared to the much lower AL tax. Anyway, foreigners aren't your enemies for sure although some of them aren't nice (but you'll get that anywhere). We hope you have a good day. - Josh & Kalie

[@abiliofreire8559]

I like This capitalist exploring services in Portugal. Pls americans do not use our free health care here because i pay for that even if its free, socialist country. Vote for berny sanders and go back!

[@amc6508]

This is disgraceful! Thousands of portuguese contribute their whole life to the national health care system and you people come here without ever contributing and use it! Shameful! You should all contribute before using the public health care system.

[@luisc240]

Hospitals in portugal are horrible