Portugal: a hidden gem of European medical tourism?

Tram in Lisbon, Portugal, referencing medical tourism in Portugal

There are hundreds of private hospitals and clinics throughout the EU that to some extent welcome medical tourists, but Portugal rarely comes to mind. The country however, particularly the Algarve, is arguably the hidden gem of European medical tourism.

In recent years, especially in the Algarve, private hospitals have developed extensively. Most of these hospitals are modern, high tech and equipped with the very latest technology. Portuguese doctors and surgeons are highly trained and skilled.

In the Algarve there are three private hospital groups. The largest is the HPA (Algarve Private Hospitals) who have their largest and most modern hospital five minutes from Faro Airport. Hospital Particular in Gambelas offers a wide range of specialities from cancer treatment to heart surgery and orthopaedics.

HPA Alvor Hospital in Lisbon offers cosmetic surgery and now offers an adjacent hotel, the Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel for extended health and beauty treatments as well as on going accommodation during recovery.

For elective surgery, Portuguese private hospitals are highly competitive in comparison to Northern Europe.

Lisbon and Porto also have other private hospitals offering every type of surgery and treatment. In Lisbon and Porto the best-known group is CUF, who have 18 hospitals and clinics.