Information about the Portuguese Health system and insurance system.

The healthcare system in Portugal is a combination of public and private healthcare to ensure universal health coverage. Financing of health services is provided by public and private health insurance, social security premiums and patients' own contributions. Healthcare in Portugal consists of primary and secondary healthcare centres, managed and coordinated by the Ministry of Health. It includes basic health services provided by primary health centers, family physicians and family health units. Secondary health centers consist of specialist physicians, hospitals and other health institutions. In Portugal, citizens' access to health services is conditional on being registered in the social security system and paying their health insurance premiums regularly. Health insurance premiums are deducted from salaries by employees and contributed by employers. The amount of premiums varies depending on the person's income and the institution where he or she is registered in the social security system. Health insurance in Portugal enables citizens to benefit from public healthcare services. Since long waiting times may occur in areas where public health services are concentrated, some citizens may also prefer private health insurance. The healthcare system in Portugal also provides services for emergencies and situations requiring urgent treatment. In emergencies, free healthcare is provided to people who do not have any health insurance or resources. The quality of healthcare in Portugal is generally high and health indicators are evaluated in line with European standards. However, there may be some difficulties in the equal distribution and accessibility of health services in some regions. As a result, the healthcare system in Portugal has universal coverage and citizens must register with the social security system and pay health insurance premiums regularly to access healthcare. This system, provided by the combination of public and private health services, provides free health care for emergencies and situations requiring urgent treatment.