Porto’s breathtaking river views, historic streets, and world-famous wine make it an unforgettable destination. But if you fall ill while visiting, navigating the healthcare system can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re tired, sick, and far from home.
Whether it’s a mild cold, food poisoning from unfamiliar dishes, or something more serious, getting sick in Porto doesn’t have to ruin your trip. This guide will walk you through everything: how to find English-speaking doctors, what to do in an emergency, how to use pharmacies, what to expect from travel insurance, and how to stay healthy while exploring this charming Portuguese city.
Understanding Porto’s Healthcare System
Portugal has a high-quality, efficient healthcare system. In Porto, you’ll find plenty of clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals offering care to locals and travelers alike.
Public vs. Private Healthcare
- Public hospitals and clinics are affordable and offer good care, but they may come with long waits and limited English support. If you’re an EU or UK citizen with an EHIC or GHIC card, you can use these services at a reduced cost.
- Private clinics are often the better option for tourists. They’re quicker, offer more language support, and are easier to access without a Portuguese health card. You’ll usually pay upfront, but most travel insurance plans cover this.
Emergency Medical Help in Porto
If something serious happens — like an injury, allergic reaction, or extreme pain — it’s important to act quickly.
Emergency Numbers in Portugal
- 112 – For all emergencies (ambulance, police, fire). It works from any phone, with or without a local SIM card.
Where to Go
- Hospital Emergency Room (Urgência): Go here for life-threatening or urgent health issues.
- Private Clinics or GP Offices: Best for things like colds, stomach bugs, skin rashes, or minor infections. These are faster and more comfortable for tourists.
Pharmacies & Medication in Porto
Pharmacies in Portugal are called Farmácias and are easy to spot — just look for the glowing green cross. They’re everywhere, including in central Porto, and most are open Monday to Saturday, with emergency options at night.
What You Can Get at a Pharmacy
- Pain relief (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
- Cold and flu medications
- Stomach and digestion support
- Allergy medications
- First aid supplies
- Medication refills (with valid paperwork)
Pharmacists in Porto are knowledgeable, professional, and often speak some English — especially in central areas or near tourist spots.
Finding an After-Hours Pharmacy
You’ll always find one open — it just rotates:
- Ask your hotel or accommodation host
- Google “farmácia 24h Porto”
- Check signs posted outside pharmacies for a list of emergency locations
Using Travel Insurance in Porto
If you’ve got travel insurance, it can cover most of your medical expenses — including doctor visits, tests, and even medication.
What’s Usually Covered
- Private doctor appointments (in-person or online)
- Emergency room visits
- Prescription medication
- Lab tests or diagnostics
- Ambulance transport (if needed)
What You’ll Need for a Claim
- A medical report or doctor’s note
- All receipts (clinic visit, pharmacy, hospital, etc.)
- Your travel insurance policy details
- Proof of travel (boarding pass, hotel booking)
Tip: Take photos of all your documents and save them digitally. It’s always better to have backups.
Language Barriers
While Portuguese is the official language, English is widely spoken in Porto — especially in private clinics, pharmacies, and hotels. Still, it helps to know a few basic phrases if you’re visiting a public 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
- “Sou alérgico a…” – I’m allergic to…
- “Fala inglês?” – Do you speak English?
How to Avoid Getting Sick in Porto
No one wants to spend their trip in bed — here are some ways to stay healthy:
Common Illnesses in Porto
- Colds and flu — especially during shoulder seasons
- Stomach bugs — from unfamiliar food or undercooked seafood
- Heat exhaustion — during warmer months or long walks
- Sunburn — it sneaks up on you, even with the breeze
- Mosquito bites — especially if you’re near the Douro River at night
Wellness Tips for Travelers
- Stay hydrated — especially if you’re walking a lot or drinking wine
- Eat at reputable restaurants and avoid undercooked seafood
- Wash your hands frequently or carry sanitizer
- Rest if you’re feeling tired — it’s okay to skip a day of sightseeing
- Pack a mini travel health kit with essentials
For Pregnant Travelers or Those With Health Conditions
Porto is very traveler-friendly, but if you’re pregnant or managing a health condition, a little extra planning goes a long way.
What to Bring
- A full supply of your medications (in original packaging)
- A summary of your condition or care plan from your home doctor
- Copies of prescriptions (preferably in Portuguese or English)
- Your insurance documents and emergency contact details
Finding an English-Speaking Doctor in Porto
It’s easier than ever to get care that works for you — no waiting rooms, no translation apps, and no panic Googling.
With Air Doctor, you can:
- Instantly find verified, English-speaking doctors in Porto
- Choose between in-person and virtual visits
- Book by specialty, language, or gender
- Get insurance-friendly receipts
- Pay securely online
What To Do If You Need More Help
If you’ve lost your passport, can’t access medication, or need more serious assistance, contact your embassy or consulate. They can:
- Help replace lost prescriptions
- Recommend trusted clinics or hospitals
- Assist in contacting insurers or family
- Provide translation or legal help
Always save your embassy’s contact info before you travel — just in case.
Recap: What To Do If You Get Sick in Porto
- Call 112 for emergencies
- Visit a private clinic for quick, English-speaking help
- Use farmácias for over-the-counter medications
- Keep all receipts and reports for your travel insurance claim
- Learn a few phrases, or just book with Air Doctor to avoid language stress
- Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and rest when you need to
- Be extra prepared if you’re pregnant or have a condition
- Know how to reach your embassy 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 gyencologists, pediatricians, and ENT specialists
FAQs
Yes — absolutely. Tourists can easily see a doctor in Porto. Private clinics are the best option for visitors, and many of them welcome international patients and speak English. Just make sure you bring some form of ID (like your passport) and keep your receipts if you plan to claim the cost through travel insurance.
A private doctor visit in Porto usually costs between €40 and €90, depending on the clinic and type of care you need. Most places accept card payments, and you’ll get a receipt you can use for reimbursement if you have travel insurance.
Travelers in Porto most commonly deal with mild colds, seasonal flu, and stomach issues — often from changes in diet, water, or long travel days. Sunburn and mosquito bites are also common in warmer months. Luckily, these are usually easy to treat with rest, hydration, and a visit to the pharmacy or doctor if needed.
