Information guide for international students, not individual legal, tax or medical advice. Check amounts, forms and deadlines on official sources before acting.
Operational framework
In Portugal, citizenship, course form, duration, address and work determine different procedures. For an Italian the path starts from the Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União (CRUE); for a non-EU citizen from residence visa and residence permit for study at AIMA. The following guides separate the two cases and indicate where the rule varies.
TEAM
Rule:The temporary EU student uses TEAM for necessary care in the public under the same local conditions.
What to do:Does not cover repatriation or private.
Operational verification:Before closing the «TEAM» step, connect the current source, the document presented and the receipt; Note the next deadline and who can fix a mistake.
SNS number
Rule:The user number identifies in the SNS but does not in itself create free rights.
What to do:Register data and status at the health center.
Operational verification:The “SNS number” file contains the complete version, date and issuing authority. If you register your data and status at the health center. this is not possible, ask in writing which alternative test is accepted.
Saúde centre
Rule:Ask for registration and family doctor, knowing that assignment can take time.
What to do:Maintain local contact.
Operational verification:Check «Centro de saúde» before paying or signing: identity of the other party, competent territory, amount, deadline and consequence of non-compliance must be from a verifiable source.
SNS 24
Rule:The 808 24 24 24 line addresses non-emerging problems; 112 remains an emergency.
What to do:Use appropriate triage.
Operational verification:For «SNS 24» a verbal confirmation is not enough. Save the institution’s response, case number and proof of delivery; reevaluate the transition when you change address, course or job.
Extra-EU
Rule:AIMA requires insurance or admitted SNS proof.
What to do:Confirm coverage, limits and start.
Operational verification:Before closing the «Extra-EU» step, connect the current source, the document presented and the receipt; Note the next deadline and who can fix a mistake.
Public/private
Rule:Private providers and doctors without an agreement produce different costs.
What to do:Ask for a quote and insurer approval.
Operational verification:The complete version, date and issuing authority are kept in the «Public/Private» file. If you ask for a quote and insurer approval. this is not possible, ask in writing which alternative test is accepted.
Medicines
Rule:Electronic prescriptions and sharing depend on drug/status.
What to do:Bring active ingredient and documentation.
Operational verification:Check «Drugs» before paying or signing: identity of the other party, competent territory, amount, deadline and consequence of non-compliance must be from a verifiable source.
Dentist
Rule:Many treatments are not fully covered.
What to do:Ask for written guidance.
Operational verification:For «Dentist» a verbal confirmation is not enough. Save the institution’s response, case number and proof of delivery; reevaluate the transition when you change address, course or job.
Mental health
Rule:SNS, universities and local services have different access and times.
What to do:Seek support soon.
Operational verification:Before closing the «Mental health» step, connect the current source, the presented document and the receipt; Note the next deadline and who can fix a mistake.
Vaccines
Rule:Healthcare placements may require specific tests.
What to do:Translate log first.
Operational verification:The complete version, date and issuing authority are kept in the «Vaccines» file. If you translate, register first. this is not possible, ask in writing which alternative test is accepted.
Work accidents
Rule:The employer must have labor insurance.
What to do:Report immediately.
Operational verification:Check «Work Accidents» before paying or signing: identity of the other party, competent territory, amount, deadline and consequence of non-compliance must be from a verifiable source.
Heat/fires
Rule:Heat waves and smoke require prevention and warnings.
What to do:Follow SNS/IPMA/Proteção Civil.
Operational verification:For «Heat/fires» a verbal confirmation is not enough. Save the institution’s response, case number and proof of delivery; reevaluate the transition when you change address, course or job.
Health record for the transfer
Prepare a summary in English with diagnoses, interventions, allergies, vaccines, medications by active ingredient/dose and doctor’s contact details. Bring prescriptions and allowable quantities in original packaging. Keep an encrypted copy and an essential version accessible in an emergency. For ongoing therapies, identify a GP and book before stocks run out.
Contact insurer in advance for pre-existing conditions, waiting periods and pre-authorisation. Ask for written responses with policy clause and claim number. A business letter from the provider does not replace wording. If a treatment is important, check the doctor, facility, medication, diagnostics and follow-up separately.
Ask for a healthcare quote
Describe the service and codes, ask for provider fees, insurer benefits, excess and annual maximum. “Covered” can mean partial refund. For scheduled procedures obtain informed financial consent. Check if referrals expire and if each specialist bills separately. Store invoices, receipts, referrals and reports.
Don’t put off an emergency because of the cost. Use the national number when it exists for non-urgent triage; in danger call emergency. After stabilization contact insurance. If an invoice is unmanageable, ask for itemisation, correction, payment plan and patient advocate instead of ignoring it.
Continuity and privacy
Choose a stable GP when possible and authorize record transfer. Please communicate if you prefer an interpreter; Don’t use a roommate for intimate information when a professional service is available. Ask how data is shared with the university, insurer or family. The educational provider must know only what is needed for accommodations or emergencies.
Personal emergency plan
Save emergency number, nurse line, insurer, campus security and trusted person. Record address and coordinates. Keep essential medications, allergy list and power bank. For mental health agree signals, contacts and safe place. Review the plan after moving house, phone or policy.
Official sources
Verified: 2026-08-14.