The European Health Insurance Card (CESD) allows citizens of EU and EEA countries to receive medical care in other EU countries under the same conditions as residents. It is especially useful for tourists or people temporarily living abroad, as it covers emergency medical expenses such as doctor visits, hospitalization, or medication. However, this card does not replace full health insurance, and some services may require payment.
Learn more on the official Segurança Social website.
How to get the CESD?
To apply for the card, you must:
- Be a resident of Portugal
- Be registered in the national healthcare system
- Have a Número de Utente
The card is free of charge.
Online application:
- Register or log in to your account at Segurança Social Direta
- Go to: Doença > Obter Cartão Europeu de Seguro de Doença
- Submit your request
The card will be mailed to you within 1–2 weeks.
If the online application doesn’t work, you can request the card in person at a local Segurança Social office.
Validity
The card is valid for 3 years, and can be renewed after expiration.
Where is the CESD valid?
It is accepted in:
- All EU countries
- Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom
Important to know
CESD only covers urgent or emergency medical care. Coverage conditions may vary by country, so it’s recommended to check details before traveling and consider additional travel insurance. Still, this card is a very helpful tool when traveling in Europe.