In February we reported that expats in some countries might not in future be able to access local health care.
This appears to apply to expats under the state retirement age, and not in employment.
We have now received a helpful message from the British Embassy in Lisbon, reassuring expats in Portugal that the proposed change are not likely to alter existing access.
Here is their reply:
“Although all the information you have provided is correct and useful, as far as we are aware, these changes do not apply to Portugal. We understand from Department of Work and Pensions (UK) sources that access to the Portuguese National Health Service is still residence-based, which means that entitlement to healthcare is based on residence in Portugal and not contributions.”
See also : http://www.algarvedailynews.com/news/1371-british-expats-see-free-health-care-curtailed
