Obtain a National Health Service (SNS) user number
A National Health Service (SNS) national user number is allocated to anyone who needs healthcare at SNS public facilities.
Portuguese citizens get a national user number automatically when they apply for a Citizen Card (the number is printed on the back of the card).
Non-nationals are allocated a number the first time they go to a public health facility such as a health centre or a hospital.
Being allocated a health user number is not a guarantee that your healthcare costs will be covered by the SNS.
Service channels
Learn where you can carry out the service and what are the advantages of each channel
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Request on the location
Portuguese citizens obtain the user number when they request a Citizen Card
Free of charge
If you are a foreigner, you will be given a health user number when you go to a health center or hospital
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Who can obtain a National Health Service (SNS) user number?
What are the documents and requirements to obtain a National Health Service (SNS) user number?
When you go to a public health facility, you will need to provide the following information:
- name
- sex
- date of birth
- country of nationality
- country of birth
You may also be asked to provide some other information, such as your address, mobile phone number, email address, etc.
Cover of healthcare costs by the SNS
Simply having a healthcare user number is not a guarantee that your healthcare costs will be covered by the SNS. For the SNS to cover your healthcare costs, the following information must also be associated with the registration of your healthcare user number:
- an identification document;
- a Portuguese tax identification number (TIN);
- your full address in Portugal;
- a valid residence permit.
In certain cases provided for under the law, your healthcare costs may be covered without you having to provide this information.
What is the price to obtain a National Health Service (SNS) user number?
It is free of charge.
How obtain a National Health Service (SNS) user number?
The number is automatically allocated to you when you contact a public health facility such as a health centre or hospital, when you need care.
You can also apply for a healthcare user number at any public health facility, even when you do not need care.