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PT BR-13 (PB4): how to access the National Health Service in Portugal?

For those with Brazilian nationality, the former PB4 certificate, now called PTBR-13, is a document that allows access to Portuguese public healthcare services under the same conditions as any national citizen.

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Índice

  1. What is PT BR-13 (formerly PB4) used for?
  2. How to obtain PTBR-13 (PB4)
  3. How to request PB4 online?

What is PT BR-13 (formerly PB4) used for?

Before traveling to another country, it’s important to take certain precautions to ensure everything goes smoothly. Whether for leisure or work, make sure you have:

  • A valid passport;

  • Health insurance;

  • Other documents required according to your destination.

PB4, now called PTBR-13, is a Certificate of Entitlement to Medical Assistance. Essentially, it is a health coverage agreement between Brazil and Cape Verde, Portugal, and Italy (known as IB2), which allows citizens from these countries to access healthcare under the same conditions as local citizens.

This means that a Brazilian citizen can access medical consultations and emergency care by paying only the user fees, rather than the full cost of services.

User fees correspond to partial payments for hospital or primary care consultations, diagnostic tests, and emergency services.

Portugal’s healthcare system provides universal coverage and is largely free, meaning everyone has access to healthcare services regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, social status, or financial situation.

How to obtain PTBR-13 (PB4)

As mentioned, if you are Brazilian, PB4 allows you to use the Portuguese public health system and pay the same fees as any Portuguese citizen.

To request the PB4 certificate, you must go to your State Health Office (Núcleo Estadual do Ministério da Saúde) in Brazil. You will need to complete a PB4 application form and bring the following documents: RG, CPF, passport, and proof of residence in Brazil. This document is valid for one year.

Required documents:

  • Brazilians traveling to Portugal: RG, CPF, valid passport, and proof of residence in Brazil.

  • Brazilians traveling to Cape Verde or Italy: RG, CPF, passport, proof of residence in Brazil, and proof of registration with the INSS (National Institute of Social Security).

Your spouse or children may apply on your behalf. If someone else applies for you, they must have a Power of Attorney in your name. Therefore, if you plan to stay in Portugal for more than one year, you may leave a Power of Attorney with someone in Brazil so they can renew the document for you.

If you only learn about PB4 after arriving in Portugal, go to a Brazilian Consulate in Portugal and request a Power of Attorney so that someone in Brazil can apply for it on your behalf.

PTBR-13 is free of charge and valid for one year, in accordance with your passport’s expiration date.

How to request PB4 online?

Previously, this request could only be made in person, but it can now also be done online through the gov.br website.

Anyone who contributes (or has contributed) to the INSS can request PTBR-13, including dependents under 21 years old and spouses.

To apply online, simply register on the website and always log in using the same account. After completing the form, you must upload your RG, CPF, valid passport, and proof of residence in Brazil.