For residents and travelers in Portugal planning international trips (particularly to destinations that may carry health risks), it is important to take preventative health measures before your departure. Certain countries may require specific vaccinations, medications, or health certificates to enter. To help with this, Portugal’s National Health Service (SNS) offers travel consultations for residents through specialized Traveler’s Health Units. These services are designed to promote informed and safe travel by providing up-to-date guidance, preventive vaccinations, and tailored advice based on your health profile and travel plans. One such unit is part of the Lisboa Ocidental Local Health Unit (ULSLO), with locations in Estoril and Oeiras, and plays a key role in safeguarding the health of both travelers and the communities they return to.
Non-residents or those who wish to get a travel health consultation through the private health insurance system in Portugal can use different services, which we will detail below.
For Residents Using Portugal’s National Health Service
The Traveler’s Health Unit is part of the Lisboa Ocidental Local Health Unit (ULSLO) and the National Health Service (SNS). It is located on Floor 0 of the Oeiras Health Center. The traveler’s consultation aims to promote behaviors that prevent the risk of acquiring disease and reduce the likelihood of travel accidents, namely through advice and vaccination. The aim is to safeguard individual health as well as that of the community to which the traveler returns. Please fill out this form well in advance of your trip (we advise to sign up as far in advance as possible (at least three months, if possible).
Oeiras, Lisbon
Address: Av. Salvador Allende, 2780-163, Oeiras
Phone Number: 351 21 440 0100
Opening Hours: Monday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, Tuesday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Wednesday – Friday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, Saturdays and Sundays, Closed
Make your consultation here
Estoril
Address: Estoril (Rua Egas Moniz, 9010, 2765-618 São João do Estoril)
Phone Number: 351 21 464 3725
Opening Hours: Monday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Tuesday, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Wednesday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Thursday – Friday, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Saturdays and Sundays, Closed
When scheduling a travel consultation at the ULS Lisboa Ocidental Traveler’s Health Unit, you’ll be asked to provide your personal and health details. This includes your Número de Utente (user number), full name, gender, date of birth, email, and phone number. You’ll also be asked whether you are pregnant, over the age of 5, and if you have any known allergies to medications or antibiotics. The form requires disclosure of any current or past serious health conditions, such as neurological, gastroenterological, rheumatological, oncological, immune-related problems, or recent organ transplants.
You must list any medications you are currently taking, especially if they affect the immune system (e.g., corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or biological agents). Details about your trip are also needed, including your destination countries, departure date, trip duration, reason for travel (e.g., tourism, work, volunteering), and whether you plan to engage in high-risk activities, such as scuba diving, high-altitude climbing, or contact with animals. It’s recommended to request your consultation at least two months in advance, as some vaccinations require time to take effect or follow a strict schedule.
For Tourists or Non-Residents
If you cannot or do not wish to go through the public health system, there is a nice alternative option known as “Traveler’s consultation” on Google Maps where you can read travelers’ reviews. Note that this is not covered by private health insurance. Through this service, you can make an appointment online and receive medical guidance through an online video consultation to protect your health on the road. With this private company, Codivi, you can often get a same-day appointment in flawless English where a doctor will explain all of the things that you need to make sure you take care off before going on a trip to a region of the world that may require vaccines such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Yellow Fever, Japanese Encephalitis, protection against malaria, etc. After your consultation, you will be given prescriptions that can be filled at local pharmacies to prepare for your trip.
For Residents Using the Private Health Insurance System (or Non-Residents or Tourists)
If you do have private health insurance (or want to have a consultation as an uninsured person), you can also book a travel consultation at Hospital da Luz or CUF Hospitals and Clinics.
Final Thoughts
Travel consultations are a crucial step for anyone planning to visit regions where specific health risks exist. In Portugal, the ULS Lisboa Ocidental Traveler’s Health Unit offers a structured and accessible way for residents to prepare for safe international travel. By collecting detailed health and trip-related information, the consultation helps ensure that travelers receive the necessary vaccines, medications, and guidance tailored to their personal needs and destinations. While the process may seem thorough, it ultimately supports public health and provides peace of mind for travelers and their communities alike. Planning ahead (ideally at least three months before departure) is key to making the most of this valuable service.
We encourage you to check the service provided by Codivi or the Hospital da Luz or CUF Hospital Systems.
