UK tourists in Portugal have been issued updated guidance over travelling to the European Union with a health condition. The Portuguese Healthline has introduced new accessibility options for individuals with hearing loss.
Those who are hard of hearing can now contact the service via video call or webchat. For English speakers in mainland Portugal, they can access the Healthline by calling the phone number (+351) 808 24 24 24 and then pressing 9 for English service.
The Foreign Office explains: “Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.- Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. If you’re feeling unwell, but it’s not an emergency, call:
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“Mainland Portugal: (+351) 808 24 24 24, press 9 for English. If you have hearing loss and cannot hear on the phone, you can make contact by videocall or webchat (Portuguese language website). Madeira and Porto Santo: (+351) 800 24 24 20. Azores: (+351) 808 24 60 24.”
It added: “UK prescriptions are not recognised in Portugal. Carry enough medication for your visit. If you need a repeat prescription, go to the nearest health centre or hospital A&E. You may have to pay for your medication. You will need to go to a pharmacy to get most medicines, though some non-prescription medication is sold at health stores in supermarkets and shopping centres.
“To get medically necessary state healthcare in Portugal, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).” UK nationals usually access the Portuguese healthcare system in one of these ways:
- registering to use the Portuguese national health service as a resident
- using a UK-issued GHIC or EHIC for temporary stays when studying, or as a ‘posted’ (detached) worker
- registering a UK-issued S1 form (see ‘UK-funded healthcare: getting and using an S1 form in Portugal’ below)
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