Four years ago, my husband, our dog, and I moved from Los Angeles to Lisbon. We love it here, but I always tell people considering moving abroad to think about a few things—like being far from family, adjusting to a new culture, and deciding if the move is temporary or permanent. If you plan to stay long-term, health care is an important factor to consider. And according to a new ranking from International Living, I picked the best place to move to.
Portugal Has the Best Health Care for Expats
Last December, International Living, a magazine for retirees living abroad, ranked the five best health care systems for expats in 2025. They looked at medical costs and how well both public and private health care systems work. Portugal came out on top as the best country for expats needing quality health care.
Terry Coles, a contributor to International Living, shared that one of Portugal’s biggest benefits is its affordable and high-quality health care. Expats can use both public and private health care, with most choosing private insurance to get faster service and English-speaking doctors.
How Much Does Health Care Cost in Portugal?
- A private doctor visit costs between $65 and $145 without insurance.
- With insurance, the cost drops to under $20.
- Private insurance costs about $140 per month, which is similar to U.S. coverage.
- Portugal’s public health care system (SNS) covers most essential medical services for free, with small fees for non-essential treatments.
In an emergency, an ambulance will take you to a public hospital. The care is good, but private hospitals offer shorter wait times and specialized treatment. That’s why many expats prefer private insurance.
Other Countries with Great Health Care
Portugal isn’t the only country with excellent health care for expats. The ranking also included:
2️⃣ Costa Rica
3️⃣ France
4️⃣ Spain
5️⃣ Italy
There’s a lot to consider before moving abroad, but knowing you’ll have access to good medical care makes a big difference.
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