Do I need to leave my hotel to speak to a doctor in Portugal?
For a non-emergency illness, often the first step can be a phone or video consultation from your hotel, holiday apartment or accommodation. Costa's English-speaking doctors can assess symptoms and advise what to do next. If a prescription is clinically appropriate, it can be sent electronically for use at a local pharmacy. The doctor may still recommend an in-person examination or tests.
Do not wait for telemedicine when you have severe breathing trouble, chest pain, collapse or other urgent symptoms: call 112. A video call cannot examine everything, take a blood sample or give emergency treatment.
Online doctor, pharmacy, hotel doctor or emergency department?
A hotel may suggest a local doctor or clinic, which can be appropriate for some problems. Compare the available service, price, language and insurance arrangements before choosing. Do not assume a hotel visit is always more expensive or less suitable; the choice depends on your symptoms and what care is available.
The value of a clear conversation in English
Tell the doctor exactly what worries you, when it started, what you have already tried, and whether you have medicine allergies or ongoing conditions. Ask them to repeat any instructions you do not understand. This is particularly useful when you are ill away from home and need to decide whether to self-care, visit a pharmacy or seek a physical examination.
What will it cost, and what about insurance?
Costa lists an online doctor consultation at €39 in Portugal. The medicine, if prescribed, is paid for separately at the pharmacy. An established medication refill may instead use the €25 repeat-prescription review. The insurer, not the clinic, decides whether a consultation or pharmacy cost is reimbursable. Keep the medical report or consultation summary, invoice, payment receipt, prescription and pharmacy receipt. Check your policy for excesses, exclusions and any requirement to contact the insurer first.
From hotel room to treatment plan
- Book the appropriate doctor consultation.
- Speak in English by phone or video and explain your symptoms.
- Follow the treatment plan; use the pharmacy if a prescription is issued.
- If asked to attend in person, do so; the online consultation is a starting point, not a barrier to further care.
Questions before booking
Can a tourist book an English-speaking doctor from a hotel?
Yes. Costa serves tourists and residents. The doctor determines whether the issue can safely be handled remotely.
Is a prescription included?
A prescription may be issued if appropriate following assessment. Medication is paid for at the pharmacy.
Is the consultation covered by travel insurance?
It may be, depending on your policy. Costa can supply a dated invoice/receipt and clinical documentation for your claim, but reimbursement is the insurer's decision.
What if I only forgot my usual medication?
Read the repeat-prescription guide for the separate €25 review.
Official sources, checked 8 November 2026
- INFARMED: medicines and pharmacy rules
- UK government: health in Portugal
- UK government: prescriptions in Portugal
- UK government: insurance documents and receipts
Written by the Costa Medical Services editorial team. This general information is not a diagnosis or individual prescription. Read the Spain version.