How to Call SNS 24 in English — Portugal’s Health Line
Numbers checked against official sources: July 2026.
SNS 24 is the national health service phone line in Portugal — the first stop for medical advice, referrals, and many administrative tasks like renewing prescriptions. It is one of the few Portuguese services that officially handles calls in English.
Quick answer
SNS 24 — national health line, 24/7
English? SNS 24 provides service in English — after the Portuguese greeting, you can ask for English and be routed to an English-speaking nurse or agent.
Numbers to call
| What for | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Health advice, triage, referrals, admin (24/7) | 808 24 24 24 | Official national health line |
| Life-threatening emergency | 112 | Ambulance / emergency services |
| Online services | sns24.gov.pt | Prescriptions, declarations, appointments |
Before you call: have this ready
- Your número de utente (SNS user number) — on your SNS card or any SNS document; they will ask for it first
- Your NIF as a fallback identifier
- The symptoms or request stated simply — triage follows a script of questions
- Name and location of your local health centre (centro de saúde) if the call is administrative
What to expect on the call
- Triage calls follow a structured questionnaire and end with a recommendation: self-care, health centre, or emergency room — with a reference number.
- Waiting times vary a lot with demand (flu season, Monday mornings).
- For a real emergency do not call SNS 24 — call 112.
Frequently asked questions
Does SNS 24 speak English?
Yes. SNS 24 officially offers service in English. The greeting is in Portuguese — ask for English ("English, please") and you will be routed to an English-speaking agent or nurse.
What can I use SNS 24 for?
Medical advice and triage (it can refer you to a health centre or hospital), renewing regular prescriptions, sickness declarations, and general SNS administrative questions — 24 hours a day.
What is the número de utente and where do I find it?
It is your personal SNS user number, assigned when you register at a health centre. It is on your SNS registration document and most SNS paperwork; SNS 24 asks for it at the start of the call.
Can someone call SNS 24 or my health centre for me?
For SNS 24 itself, English service is available. For local health centres and clinics that only speak Portuguese, CallBehalf can phone them on your behalf — to book or move an appointment — and report back with a transcript. The first demo call is free.
Don't want to make this call yourself?
CallBehalf is an AI assistant that phones SNS 24 for you - in Portuguese. It navigates the menus, waits on hold, asks your question, and reports back with the outcome and a full transcript in your language.
Try it with a free callOne free demo call. No credit card required.
CallBehalf is not affiliated with SNS 24 (health line). Phone numbers and procedures change - when in doubt, double-check on the official site (sns24.gov.pt). Spotted something outdated? Tell us at [email protected].