Increased difficulty getting medical appointments

Last activity 21 September 2023 by TGCampo

73 Views

2 replies

Post new topic

TGCampoSerial expat20 September 2023 16:53:18

207

Over the last couple of years I have noticed that it is getting more and more difficult to make appointments with especially medical specialists. In the pre-Covid days I never had to wait more than a couple of weeks at CUF or Hospital da Luz, but now it can take months to get an appointment? We do have private insurance, so that shouldn't be the issue. Have you notices this as well? Is it different elsewhere in Portugal or is the Conselho Lisboa special in this respect?

Carol2022New member20 September 2023 18:53:53

@TGCampo

Perhaps we are lucky but we are amazed at how quickly we get appointments in CUF Torres Vedras. I made one this morning....for tomorrow morning. Certainly a lot quicker than in Ireland where we also had private insurance. We love that you can make your own appointment directly with consultants without having to go first to GP for referral

TGCampoSerial expat21 September 2023 17:23:39

207

@Carol2022

Yes, that sometimes works for us as well, and previously one could even get a specialist. However, recently I am seeing long (several week) waiting times, even for repeat appointments. Maybe it is just some volatility in the system.

Articles to help you in your expat project in Portugal

The healthcare system in Portugal
When moving to a new country, healthcare might very well be one of the most important factors to consider. This ...
Healthcare for the elderly in Portugal
Portugal is a popular destination for retirement for Europeans, in general, but also retirees from other ...
Accidents and emergencies in Portugal
Portugal is a generally safe country to visit and settle in, showcasing low crime rates, a developed ...
Pregnancy in Portugal
If you plan to have a baby while in Portugal, you will probably be happy to learn that the country has quality ...
Dating in Portugal
If it's true that dating in general can be tricky and present its challenges, even more so when we talk about ...
Phones and Internet in Portugal
Whether or not you are a tech-savvy person, this is still quite an important part of everyday life – and it ...
The Portuguese lifestyle
Moving to a new country means you will be discovering a new culture and exploring different habits, as well as a ...
Work visas in Portugal
Portugal can be a great place to live in. This Southern European country is known for its great weather, ...