Surgery in Portugal
Safe, affordable and exceptional care...
I started this post on Tuesday morning. My casted wrist was propped on the desk next to my laptop. (I am told to try to keep the injured part above my heart to reduce swelling.) I thought it might help those who are considering a move to Portugal to follow my surgical journey, so…
How We Got Here
Last week, I shared my experience at Art Expo Algarve and how I broke my wrist. That occurred on Friday, 14 November. As I needed to arrange surgery at the Hospital Particular — Gambelas, I walked to the local clinic on Monday morning. The attendant said she would send an email. Hmmm…
As I walked home, I called my insurance agent, Ana. Ana has been a Godsend. She helped escalate the insurance authorization for my elbow surgery and is always available to answer my questions.1 We first discussed an email I had received from MGEN. She explained that they wanted a Declaration from Art Expo confirming that they were not liable. I contacted Shelley Foley, who had put on the show, and despite exhaustion, she immediately responded. I forwarded it to Ana, who sent it to the insurer for me.
Next, we discussed what I should do next. “I think your quickest route would be to drive to the Gambelas ER. You are going to have to have pre-op testing, and I think they can get it scheduled and do the testing at the same time.”
While I hate the idea of using expensive ER services like this … I did.2 I sheepishly explained to the ER admission clerk why I was there. She said it was fine. We waited about 15 minutes.3 The triage nurse called me to her office. She wasn’t convinced I should be there, but consulted with a coworker who said she should proceed. I received a lovely paper bracelet with P3 written on it. I feared it meant “priority 3” and we would be there all day.
It took about 45 minutes to be called again. I followed the physician to his office/exam room. “Your surgery will be tomorrow (Tuesday). I have spoken to Dr Maria, and she said you should plan to spend the night. We want to make sure you are comfortable. The OR will call you later today to confirm the time. We need some blood work, an EKG, and a chest X-ray. We will do that now, and you will be on your way.” He confirmed my phone number, and a nurse came in to draw blood and perform the EKG.4 I was then asked to wait in the hall to be escorted to X-ray. This was the longest wait … but around 14:00, we were back in the car driving home. The cost for that visit was 50€.
Be at the Hospital at 15:00 on Tuesday
Monday night, I received a call from the hospital telling me to arrive at 15:00 the next day. Upon arrival, I chose Cirurgia on the ticket machine in the hospital lobby and took a seat. When my number was called, I learned the insurance company was still processing my authorization.5 I would need to pay the full cost, 5100€.6 I had been through this before with my elbow and know that once the insurance pays, I will immediately receive a refund. After a few standard forms, I waited for an aide to walk me to my room.
Yes, you walk. Yes, go to the room you are admitted to. You change into a beautiful paper gown and wait for the nurse. Upon her arrival, more forms, medical questions to be answered, and the start of an IV. She was a new nurse and frankly needs to practice her IV skills. After 2 tries (including the intern vein), she called another nurse who got it on the first try. I waited for about 3 hours … I knew I was a late addition. But I had one hand, a cellphone, and free hospital wifi.
At around 18:30, they wheeled my bed to the OR. A few more questions from the anesthesiologist and off to la-la-land. Within the hour, I was waking up in post op in the bed I had arrived in. I was taken back to my room and told they would give me tea and cookies at 07:00 and disconnect the IV so I could get up. And that is exactly what happened.
Wednesday Morning
Dr Maria appeared at 9:00 to check on me. She explained that her associate, who had assisted with the surgery, would see me the next day at the VRSA clinic. She had completed her discharge papers, and as soon as the nurse removed the IV from my arm, I was free to go. She also provided me with the photo above. I called Denise, and within 2 hours, I was home again.
On Thursday at noon, a nurse removed the dressing, Dr. Cruz took a look, and we discussed the plan. Keep the area clean, continue to wear the wrist immobiliser, move your fingers as much as possible, don’t lift anything with that hand, return next week for a dressing change, and again on 4 December for an X-ray and to have the stitches removed. I had a prescription for Paracetamol (European Tylenol) and an anti-inflammatory. Not a narcotic! There is very little pain, and we don’t have to alter our trip to Puglia.
Magnifico, buon viaggio, alla prossima! (Italian, not Portuguese)
Nanc
EDITOR’S NOTE: We just received our MGEN insurance bill for 2026. Our premium (we will each turn 72 soon) increased to 671€ per month. This covers both of us…this is nearly a 12% increase compared to last year.
EDITOR’S NOTE #2: It took some time to receive my refund from Gambelas. After 2 weeks, I attempted to call the hospital billing department, but my transferred calls were routinely dropped. I then emailed the surgeon’s office. His assistant responded promptly that the billing department needed additional paperwork. After 10 days, I followed up again, and the surgeon’s assistant admitted that she had just sent the required information. 1 week later, I happened to be at the hospital, having transported a friend for treatment. I went to the reception, they made a phone call, and assured me that I would have my refund within 48 hours. I did!
Also, Ana represents MGEN insurance, which does not have an age limit for those seeking health insurance. If you need her contact info, please contact me via email.
The first doctor said I should have it done as soon as possible … and we have a trip to Italy planned for next week!
Denise was along as I am unable to drive.
She and I had an interesting conversation about Trump’s influence on Chega. Like me, many of her friendships have been strained by politics.
Isn’t it wonderful that private insurance companies have adopted America’s best practices?
That’s the total bill: 1 night in hospital, orthopedist, anesthesiologist, etc. What would that cost in the US? My Google search suggests it would be about four times as much.
Thank you for sharing the details and your experience...it is so important for all of us estrangeiros here to understand the steps, processes, when to worry and when to wait. Glad it has gone so well, thus far, and wishing you the very, most pleasant possible, recovery. We can't imagine not having Expat in Portugal updates!
Nancy, leave it to you to turn a painful mishap into an educational experience. Please be careful though, because this was not an easy learning experience.