Official portal
SNS
Serviço Nacional de Saúde · sns.gov.pt
The SNS is Portugal's public national health service. For most residents, everyday healthcare starts at a public health centre (centro de saúde), urgent advice goes through the SNS 24 line, and hospital care is arranged through the system. In an emergency, the number is 112.
What you can do there
- Information on the public health system, health centres and how care is organised.
- SNS 24 — the 24-hour health line on 808 24 24 24 for advice and triage before going to an emergency room.
- Your utente number (número de utente de saúde) — the identification you need to use the public system.
- Electronic prescriptions and appointments through the SNS services, once you are registered.
The portal is run by the Portuguese state and opens in a new tab. Portugal Decide is independent and has no access to your account or personal data there.
Questions people ask
How do I get a utente number?
You request it at a health centre, typically presenting identification, your NIF (tax number), your NISS (social security number) and proof of address in Portugal. Requirements can vary and rules change, so confirm the current list on the SNS or ePortugal websites before you go.
When should I call SNS 24 instead of going to an emergency room?
SNS 24 (808 24 24 24) is a 24-hour clinical advice and triage line. For non-life-threatening situations it helps you decide whether to wait, see your health centre or go to an emergency room. For a genuine emergency, call 112.
Does the SNS cover everything?
The SNS provides broad public coverage, but some services involve user fees (taxas moderadoras), and waiting times for some non-urgent care can be long. Many residents also take private health insurance or health plans for faster private access — these are different products, and a health plan is not insurance. Our health section compares both.
Can Portugal Decide register me or book appointments?
No. We cannot access your health data or act on your behalf in any public system. Everything that involves your personal record is done by you directly with the SNS, your health centre or the official portals.
Related official portals
- SNS — Serviço Nacional de Saúde ↗Official portal of the national health service.
- ePortugal / gov.pt ↗Administrative procedures, including health-related services.
Keep exploring
We describe these portals only to point you to official information. Procedures, fees and requirements change; always confirm the details on the portal itself or with a qualified professional before you act.