Proposed Changes to Portugal's Health Law: Restricting Access for Non-Resident Foreigners

Proposed Changes to Health Law

The PSD and CDS parties have introduced a joint bill aimed at modifying the Law of Bases of Health to limit access to the National Health Service (SNS) for non-resident foreign citizens. Under the new proposal, these individuals will only be able to use the SNS if they provide a "proof of health care coverage" as well as any documentation deemed necessary by the SNS for proper identification and contact.

It is important to note that the prior presentation of these documents will not be required in cases deemed "urgent and vital". However, these documents must be presented afterwards. This change has sparked discussions about the potential impacts on the humanitarian values associated with the SNS, with the parties assuring that "no one will die" due to lack of documentation.