Portuguese Parliament approves healthcare payment rules for non-resident foreigners

The Portuguese Parliament has approved, in general terms, legislative proposals from the PSD, CDS-PP, and Chega regarding access to the National Health Service (SNS) for non-resident foreigners and those in irregular residency situations.

The joint PSD/CDS-PP project aims to condition access to medical care on the effective payment of services or the presentation of health insurance. While the proposals seek to establish mechanisms for identifying responsible parties and ensuring payment, they include an exception for emergency medical situations, provided that documentation is presented subsequently.

Chega’s proposals specifically target non-EU citizens who are not residents, stateless persons, international protection applicants with pending requests, and undocumented migrants. These groups would be required to pay for services rendered, except in medical emergencies.

Left-wing parties, including the PS, BE, and PCP, opposed the measures, arguing that the right-wing initiatives use foreigners as a “scapegoat” for the health sector's existing problems. Supporters of the measures, such as Alberto Machado (PSD) and Marta Silva (Chega), argued that unpaid costs currently fall upon Portuguese taxpayers, with Chega estimating a potential annual financial impact of 15 million euros from unpaid services to non-residents.