Who to call
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Immediate danger | Call 112 (24/7) |
| Health advice, not an emergency | SNS 24: 808 24 24 24 |
| Medicine at night | Ask for the farmácia de serviço (duty pharmacy) |
| Hospital emergency | São João Hospital or Santo António Hospital (public emergency departments), or Hospital CUF Porto (private, 24-hour adult walk-in care) |
What is the emergency number in Porto? 112, as everywhere in the European Union.
The hospitals
Two large public hospitals have emergency departments open 24 hours a day: São João Hospital and Santo António Hospital (Largo Prof. Abel Salazar). Hospital CUF Porto, a private hospital, runs a permanent walk-in service for adults. Public emergency departments can be slow at some hours: a common fact, not a rule.
Pharmacies
Portuguese pharmacies post the day's duty pharmacy on the door. A third-party guide names a few open 24 hours (Farmácia Boavista, Farmácia Moderna, Farmácia da Prelada); such lists age quickly, so confirm before you travel. A pharmacy near São João Hospital is described as open around the clock.
European card and insurance
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): gives access to care during a temporary stay, but the Portuguese government states it is only accepted in public hospitals and health centres, and that it does not replace travel insurance.
- Without the card: you can go to any health centre or hospital; ask your health fund for a provisional certificate.
- Outside the European Union: the card does not cover you; travel insurance with health and repatriation cover is essential. See travel insurance for Portugal.
Before you leave
Bring your prescriptions with the generic name of the drug (the active substance), and save the numbers above in your phone. For everyday safety, see scams and safety in Porto.
The Porto Authority editorial team, 30/10/2026.
