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Lisbon is a city that fills your senses — colorful tiles, ocean breezes, the taste of pastel de nata fresh out the oven. But even in this beautiful setting, travel can take its toll. Maybe it’s a stomach bug from last night’s seafood, heat exhaustion from climbing too many hills, or jet lag that turns into something worse.
Getting sick in Lisbon isn’t how you planned to spend your trip. But don’t worry — Lisbon has great medical services, and it’s easy to find care when you know where to look. This guide will walk you through everything: how to get help fast, where to find an English-speaking doctor, what pharmacies can do, and how to handle insurance — all in friendly, easy-to-understand language.
Understanding Lisbon’s Healthcare System
Portugal has a solid healthcare system — accessible and high-quality. And in Lisbon, there are plenty of clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies available to both locals and travelers.
Public vs. Private Healthcare
- Public hospitals and clinics offer excellent care but can be slow and aren’t always tourist-friendly. Unless you have an EHIC/GHIC card from the EU or UK, you’ll need to pay.
- Private clinics are usually the best bet for travelers. They’re faster, more comfortable, and more likely to have English-speaking staff. Most accept international patients, and you’ll get receipts for insurance claims.
Emergency Medical Help in Lisbon
For anything serious — like chest pain, fainting, a high fever, or an accident — don’t hesitate.
Emergency Numbers
- 112 – Portugal’s universal emergency number (ambulance, fire, police)
- It works from any phone, with or without a local SIM.
Where to Go
- Hospital Emergency (Urgência): For life-threatening or serious conditions — major injuries, severe allergic reactions, breathing difficulties.
- Private Clinics: Great for less severe symptoms — like sore throats, UTIs, fever, flu, or food poisoning. They’re quicker, quieter, and easier for tourists to navigate.
Pharmacies & Medication in Lisbon
Pharmacies (Farmácias) are everywhere in Lisbon. Look for the green cross — they’re well-stocked, efficient, and often have staff who speak English.
What You Can Get at a Pharmacy
- Pain relief (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
- Cold and flu medications
- Anti-nausea or anti-diarrhea treatments
- Allergy meds
- Creams for rashes, bites, or sunburn
- Electrolytes and hydration salts
- Some antibiotics (with a doctor’s note)
Pharmacists in Lisbon are helpful and can often recommend over-the-counter remedies or tell you if you need to see a doctor.
What About Night or Weekend Pharmacies?
There’s always a farmácia de serviço (on-duty pharmacy) open 24/7. To find one:
- Ask at your hotel or Airbnb
- Google “farmácia 24h Lisboa”
- Check pharmacy doors for rotating emergency locations
Using Travel Insurance in Lisbon
If you’re covered, good news: most medical visits, medications, and even hospital stays are eligible for reimbursement. Just make sure you collect the right documents.
What’s Usually Covered
- Appointments with a doctor or specialist
- Medication
- Emergency or urgent care
- Ambulance services
- Lab tests, bloodwork, or scans
What You’ll Need to Make a Claim
- A written medical report or diagnosis
- Receipts for everything (doctor visits, meds, transport)
- Your travel insurance provider details and policy number
- Proof of travel (flight ticket, hotel confirmation)
Tip: Photograph everything and save it in your cloud or email for safekeeping.
Language Barriers in Lisbon
English is widely spoken in Lisbon — especially in private clinics, hotels, and pharmacies near tourist areas. But don’t count on it in every hospital or rural pharmacy.
Helpful Portuguese Phrases
- “Estou doente.” – I’m sick
- “Preciso de um médico.” – I need a doctor
- “Tenho febre.” – I have a fever
- “Tenho uma alergia a…” – I’m allergic to…
- “Fala inglês?” – Do you speak English?
How to Avoid Getting Sick in Lisbon
A little preparation can go a long way toward keeping your holiday happy and healthy.
Common Illnesses in Lisbon
- Food-related stomach issues – from seafood or unfiltered tap water
- Sunburn and dehydration – it gets hot, especially in the summer
- Colds and flu – especially during seasonal shifts
- Jet lag fatigue – Lisbon is best explored when well-rested
- Mosquito bites – especially near the water in warmer months
Tips to Stay Healthy
- Drink bottled or filtered water if you have a sensitive stomach
- Eat at reputable, well-reviewed places
- Wear sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy
- Carry hand sanitizer
- Listen to your body and rest when you need to
Traveling While Pregnant or Managing a Health Condition
Lisbon is a calm, modern city with reliable health services. But if you’re pregnant or traveling with a chronic condition, a little extra prep helps.
What to Bring
- A full supply of your medications
- A note from your doctor about your condition and treatment
- Insurance documents and emergency contact details
- Translated versions of your prescriptions, if possible
Finding an English-Speaking Doctor in Lisbon
Don’t waste time searching or struggling to communicate when you’re not feeling your best. Air Doctor makes it easy to:
- Find verified, English-speaking doctors in Lisbon
- Choose video or in-person visits
- Get claim-ready receipts
- Book online with instant confirmation
- Filter by specialty, language, or gender
What To Do If You Need More Support
Sometimes you’ll need more than just a prescription. If your illness affects your travel plans or you lose medication or documents, your embassy or consulate can help.
They can:
- Recommend clinics and hospitals
- Help replace lost prescriptions
- Assist in emergencies or contact your family
- Translate or issue important documents
Recap: What To Do If You Get Sick in Lisbon
- Call 112 for emergencies
- Use private clinics for fast, English-speaking help
- Visit a farmácia for meds and advice
- Save receipts and reports for your travel insurance
- Book with Air Doctor to skip the confusion
- Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and rest if you feel off
- Be prepared if you’re pregnant or managing a condition
- Contact your embassy for extra help if needed
About the Air Doctor App
With the Air Doctor app in your pocket, you can access medical care and receive expert medical guidance anywhere you travel.
Air Doctor offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- A global network of over 20,000 multi-lingual doctors and specialists
- Choice of clinic, at-home (hotel), and video consultations
- Healthcare access in 90 countries
- 24/7 multi-lingual support
- Transparent pricing and reviews
- Most common medical specialties, including cardiologists, gynecologists, and pediatricians
FAQs
Yes, definitely. Tourists can easily access medical care in Lisbon. You can visit a private clinic without any local health insurance, and many clinics are used to helping international travelers. Just be sure to bring your passport and travel insurance details, and keep your receipts if you want to claim the cost later.
A private doctor’s visit in Lisbon typically costs between €40 and €100, depending on the clinic and the type of appointment. It’s usually paid upfront, but if you have travel insurance, you can often get reimbursed — especially if you have a proper receipt and medical report.
Most travelers don’t face anything serious, but stomach bugs, heat-related issues like dehydration, and seasonal colds or flu are the most common. Mosquito bites can also be annoying in summer. The good news? Most of these are easy to treat with rest, hydration, and — when needed — a quick visit to a local doctor or pharmacy.
