Portugal SNS fertility waitlists
Estimated waiting times and licensed techniques at each Portuguese public hospital.
SNS eligibility calculator
Check in 30 seconds whether you meet the criteria for SNS-funded IVF/ICSI.
Open calculator →- Hospital de Santa Maria — CHULNLisbon · LisboaWaitlist: 12–24 months
- Maternidade Dr. Alfredo da Costa — CHULCLisbon · LisboaWaitlist: 10–22 months
- Hospital de São João — CHUSJPorto · PortoWaitlist: 12–20 months
- Hospital de Santo António — CHUdSAPorto · PortoWaitlist: 12–22 months
- Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de CoimbraCoimbra · CoimbraWaitlist: 10–18 months
- Hospital de BragaBraga · BragaWaitlist: 10–18 months
- Hospital Garcia de OrtaAlmada · SetúbalWaitlist: 12–22 months
- Hospital de Faro — CHUAFaro · FaroWaitlist: 14–24 months
- Hospital Dr. Nélio MendonçaFunchal · MadeiraWaitlist: 14–24 months
- Hospital do Divino Espírito SantoPonta Delgada · AçoresWaitlist: 14–24 months
- Hospital de São Teotónio — CHTVViseu · ViseuWaitlist: 12–20 months
- Hospital do Espírito Santo de ÉvoraÉvora · ÉvoraWaitlist: 14–24 months
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Who runs ClinicaDeFertilidade.PT?
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We are a Portugal-based independent editorial team led by health journalists, with reproductive-medicine specialists on our advisory board. The full team is on /editorial-team.
How is the site funded?
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We earn referral fees from clinics that match qualified leads from our 'Get 3 proposals' form. Editorial ranking is independent of who pays.
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No. Inclusion in the directory is free. Clinics can sponsor their profile, in which case the badge 'Sponsored' is shown clearly.
How do I report an error?
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Use the form on /corrections. We respond within 5 working days and publish a public log of corrections.
Are reviews verified?
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We aggregate Google reviews and add editorial notes after speaking with former patients. We never publish anonymous unverified comments.
Where can I find your editorial standards?
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On /editorial-policy. It covers sourcing, conflicts of interest, anonymous sources and the use of AI tools.
Fertility treatment on the Portuguese NHS: eligibility, waits, rights
The Portuguese NHS (SNS) fully covers fertility treatment for eligible couples. Cumulative 2024 criteria: female partner ≤40 at start of treatment, habitual residence in Portugal ≥12 months, no common children of the couple, documented clinical indication. Referral is via the GP to the regional ART service. Up to 3 IVF/ICSI cycles per couple.
Public centres with a CNPMA-recognised ART unit: CHU São João (Porto), CHU Coimbra (Maternidade Bissaya Barreto), CHU Lisboa Norte (Maternidade Alfredo da Costa), CHU Lisboa Central, Hospital Garcia de Orta (Almada), CH Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho and CHU Algarve (Faro). Each has its own waiting list and capacity.
Waits typically range **12–24 months**, reaching 30 in some centres. The Healthcare Access Law sets maximum guaranteed response times (TMRG) — patients can demand compliance. Alternatively, go private and return to NHS later if still eligible.
Use the NHS eligibility calculator to verify criteria in 30 seconds. If eligible, book an appointment at the health centre and request referral. Standard paperwork: ID, proof of address, civil-union certificate if applicable, prior fertility workup.
If your clinical situation is urgent (age approaching the cap, critically low ovarian reserve), discuss priority with your GP — justified cases can be expedited. All information in this hub is editorially independent and cross-checked against official sources — CNPMA, Portuguese DGS, SNS, ERS and Law 32/2006. Best-practice recommendations follow European ESHRE and UK NICE NG156 guidance.
Hub FAQs
- How many NHS cycles?
- Up to 3 IVF/ICSI per couple. IUI attempts are counted separately.
- What about age >40?
- Above 40 the NHS does not start new treatments. Go private and use tax deduction.
- Can I be treated outside my region?
- Yes, with justified referral. The waiting list is that of the chosen centre.
- Are NHS medications free?
- Yes within NHS treatment. Private treatment uses prescription co-payment.
- Can I drop out and re-enter the queue?
- Yes, but lose your original position. Justified medical cases may regain priority.