This Country Has Some of the Best and Most Affordable Health Care in the World, Making It Perfect for Retirees (2024)

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Portugal may be known for its gorgeous beaches, year-round sunny weather, fascinating history, and delicious cuisine, but the Iberian Peninsula country has also become a popular choice for expat retirees seeking an affordable place to live out their golden years. One factor that has made it one of the best places to retire in Europe — and the world — is the quality (and cost) of its health care. According to International Living's latest 2024 Annual Global Retirement Index, Portugal ranked first in the health care category and second overall after the winner, Costa Rica.

"In Portugal, the cost of health insurance is much lower than in the U.S., though the care is equivalent or better, by all accounts," Jennifer Stevens, International Living's executive editor, told Travel + Leisure. She explained that it typically costs about $55 to see a family practitioner and $100 to see a specialist.

"What's more, many physicians in Portugal speak excellent English," Stevens added.

The country has some of the top medical schools in Europe, like the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Coimbra and the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the New University of Lisbon. And nine of its hospitals have the gold stamp of approval from the Joint Commission International, a U.S.-based non-profit organization that accredits tens of thousands of medical programs and facilities around the world.

Founded in 1979, Portugal's National Health Service is tax-funded and only available to Portuguese citizens and permanent residents living on mainland Portugal (the islands of Madeira and Azores are not covered). The costs associated with it are minimal, usually less than $11 per visit.

Most expats opt for private insurance, though. International Living points out that plans start at $50, and increase with age, pre-existing conditions, and the level of coverage. But getting an appointment with a physician or a specialist, especially one who speaks English, is much easier and quicker, according to International Citizens Insurance [ICI], an organization that provides information on national insurance plans. The only downside is that patients must pay for medical services upfront and apply for reimbursem*nt from their insurance company. However, the cost is much more affordable than in the United States — a dental cleaning starts from $33 and a visit with a general practitioner will cost you less than $65, ICI states.

Life expectancy in Portugal is 81 years, a year above the EU average. That number has increased faster than in any other EU country in the past two decades, according to data from the European Commission. In 2021, the country spent one-third below the EU average in health care costs per capita.

Costa Rica and Spain came second and third, respectively, for health care quality and cost in International Living's survey. You can read the entire report on InternationalLiving.com.