Health

There are times when your health demands a break, even if only for a short time. The good news is that, in cases of illness, you can justify up to three days’ absence from work without a doctor’s certificate by using the Self-Declaration of Illness (ADD). Find out how it works, how to request it and what other useful features you can find on the SNS 24 Portal and the SNS 24 App. Self-declaration of illness: what it is Self-declaration of illness – also known as “sick leave” – is a simple and practical mechanism designed for short-term illnesses. Without the need to go to the doctor or health center, the employee can justify up to three consecutive days of sick leave by declaring it under oath. This system, valid for people over the age of 16, allows absences to be justified up to twice a year, giving a total of six sick days per calendar year (using two three-day sick days). It’s especially useful for dealing with mild colds, temporary illnesses or other situations that don’t require immediate medical attention. And even if you only need to miss one day, you can ask for a one-day sickness self-declaration. When should I request my self-declaration? You must request a self-declaration of illness within five days of the start of the absence. Please note: as mentioned, you can only use it twice a year, with a maximum of three consecutive days per request. How do I obtain a self-declared illness? There are three very simple ways to request a three-day leave, either online or by phone: Request a self-declaration of illness on the SNS 24 Portal Access the SNS 24 Portal Authenticate yourself with your Digital Mobile Key, Citizen Card or user number Click on “Self-declaration of illness” Indicate the date of onset of illness Confirm your details and submit your request. You will receive a code that you can share with your employer. Request a self-declaration of illness on the SNS 24 App Install the SNS 24 App on your cell phone Follow the same steps as on the portal to place your order. Request a self-declaration of illness on the SNS 24 App If you prefer to speak to someone, you can call 808 24 24 24 and request ADD with the help of an operator. How to validate the self-declaration of illness? You can easily consult and validate the self-declaration: On the SNS 24 Portal: access your personal area and consult your request history In the SNS 24 App: the code will be available in your account By SMS or email: use the confirmation message you received Through the SNS 24 Line: call 808 24 24 24. Give the validation code to the employer, who will be able to confirm its authenticity on the SNS 24 Portal. Other SNS 24 features Self-declaration of illness is just one of the many facilities offered by SNS 24. On the portal and in the app, you can: Scheduling health center or pediatric appointments Access the digital vaccination bulletin Consult analysis and exam results Renewing prescriptions. Other SNS 24 features Limitations: remember that ADD can only be used twice a year and is not paid for. After the three days, if you are still ill, you will need to obtain a medical certificate How to share the code: as soon as you issue the self-declaration, send the code you received to your employer. The employer can confirm authenticity on the SNS 24 Portal Use responsibly: ADD is a practical but limited resource. Reserve it for situations where you really need it. Your health first Do you need to get to an appointment or an exam and don’t have transportation? Don’t worry, you can count on Ambula ! We take care of transportation in complete safety and comfort. Partilhar:

A simple act, but one of gigantic importance that can literally save lives. Every day, in hospitals and health centers, people depend on this gesture to survive. But how does it work? Who can donate? What are the rights and duties of a donor? The importance of donating blood Human blood is irreplaceable and there is no technology or laboratory capable of replicating it. That’s why it depends entirely on the solidarity of those who decide to donate. It is used in transfusions, surgeries, cancer treatments, accidents and, believe me, blood reserves need to be constantly renewed. Did you know that a single donation can save up to three lives? Who can donate blood? To be a blood donor, you need to: Be between 18 and 65 years old. If you’re a regular donor, you can continue until you’re 60, or 65 in specific cases Be at least 50 kg Be healthy, without blood-borne diseases such as HIV or hepatitis Have healthy habits and avoid risky behavior. Who can’t donate blood in Portugal? There are situations that can prevent donation, either temporarily or permanently: Had a tattoo or piercing less than four months ago Has recently undergone surgery, including dental surgery (less than three months) You are pregnant or breastfeeding (less than 12 months) Received a blood transfusion after 1980 You have been diagnosed with chronic or infectious diseases (such as insulin-dependent diabetes or malaria) Had a new sexual partner in the last 6 months, without knowing their health history. Each case will be assessed during the clinical screening carried out before the donation. How to donate blood Before donating, the donor must: Identify yourself with a valid document Undergo a medical assessment, which includes measuring blood pressure, testing hemoglobin levels and filling out a health questionnaire Be well fed and rested. Blood donor rights Centro de Sangue e da Transplantação do PortoRua do Bolama, n.º 133, PortoOpening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. Blood donor rights On the other hand, the donor must: Provide true and complete information about your state of health Formalize consent in writing by filling in the form approved by the public body responsible Respect the intervals between donations (three months for men and four months for women) Comply with medical guidelines before and after donation. You can find all the rights and duties of a blood donor in the Blood Donor Statute, in the Diário da República. Where can I donate blood? You can donate blood at fixed collection centers or in mobile units that travel to various locations. You can find these locations, available from north to south of the country, at Dador.pt. How to request sick leave Sick leave is issued exclusively by authorized entities, such as: NHS health centers (generally by family doctors) Hospitals (except emergency services) Permanent Assistance Services (SAP) Drug addiction prevention and treatment services. What if you need transportation to go to a health unit to claim your sick leave? You can count on Ambula to take you there safely. Where to donate blood in Lisbon? Centro de Sangue e da Transplantação de LisboaAv. do Brasil, n.º 53, LisboaOpening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. Where to donate blood in Porto? Centro de Sangue e da Transplantação do PortoRua do Bolama, n.º 133, PortoHours: Monday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The National Sngue Donor Card This card records all your donations, registered in the database of the Portuguese Institute of Blood and Transplantation (IPST, IP) and facilitates access to the benefits provided. It can be consulted on the SNS 24 App, where you’ll find information such as your national donor number, blood group and the dates and locations of donations. The most common questions about donating blood Can people with tattoos donate blood? Yes, as long as at least four months have passed since the event. What can you eat before donating blood? Eat a light meal and avoid fatty foods. Can people who have had a blood transfusion donate blood? No, if the transfusion took place after 1980. What is the minimum weight to donate blood? You must weigh at least 50 kg. Which blood type can donate to all blood types? Type O negative. Also known as a universal donor. How often can I donate blood? Men: every three months. Women: every four months. Up to what age can I donate blood? Up to the age of 65, under specific conditions. What blood types are there? There are four main blood groups: A, B, AB and O. Each group can be Rh positive (+) or negative (-), making a total of eight different blood types (A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-, O+ and O-). Partilhar:

Suffering an accident at work is something nobody wants, but the truth is that it can happen at any time. Knowing how to act and what your rights are can make all the difference, whether you’re in an office, teleworking or even on the way to work. What is considered an accident at work? According to Law 98/2009 an accident at work is any event that occurs at the workplace and during working hours, causing bodily injury, functional disturbance or illness. These incidents can lead to a reduction in the worker’s working or earning capacity or, in more serious cases, result in death. The law also covers accidents that occur during work-related travel, such as the journey between home and the workplace. Occupational accident insurance exists to ensure that workers have access to the necessary medical care and that they receive adequate compensation in the event of temporary or permanent incapacity resulting from an accident at work or a condition associated with the exercise of their profession (occupational disease). And what is the “workplace”? Don’t be fooled if you think it’s just the office or the factory. The law includes all the places where workers must be in order to fulfill their contractual obligations, as long as they are under the employer’s control. And “working time” also covers more than you might think: it includes the moments of preparation before starting work, breaks such as lunchtime and the journey to and from work. Is occupational accident insurance compulsory? Yes, all companies are required by law to have occupational accident insurance for all employees. This insurance serves to ensure that the employee receives the necessary medical care and financial compensation in the event of temporary or permanent incapacity. If the company does not take out this insurance, it is committing a very serious offense. And, in the event of an accident, you will be responsible for covering all the costs with your own capital. How does occupational accident insurance work? Initial medical diagnosis: after the accident, the doctor assesses the worker’s condition and determines the need for time off work Communication to the insurer: the employer must communicate the accident and sick leave to the insurer Medical care: the worker will have the right to continuous medical care and necessary treatment until recovery Financial compensation: during sick leave, the work insurance ensures the payment of compensation, which varies according to the degree of incapacity (temporary, partial or absolute). And what does it cover? In practical terms, if you have an accident on site or during working hours, the insurance will cover you: Medical and hospital care: includes treatments, surgeries, consultations and examinations necessary for the worker’s recovery Medicines and pharmaceutical expenses: all costs related to the worker’s health resulting from the accident are borne by the insurer Transportation and accommodation expenses: if the worker needs to travel for treatment or stay outside their place of residence, these expenses are included Psychological support for the family: if necessary, psychotherapeutic support can be provided to the injured worker’s family. In addition to health care, the insurance also provides financial compensation that varies according to the degree of disability, which can be temporary or permanent, and includes daily indemnities or pensions for life. See below. How much do you get in employment insurance? The amount of compensation varies according to the type and degree of disability resulting from the accident. Temporary partial incapacity: daily compensation of 70% of the loss of earning capacity Absolute temporary incapacity: 70% of salary in the first 12 months and 75% in the following period Partial permanent disability: annual pension equivalent to 70% of the reduction in earning capacity Absolute permanent disability: lifetime pension of 80% of the salary, plus 10% per dependant (up to the limit of the salary). If the accident results in death, pensions are payable to the spouse, children and other family members, with amounts varying according to the degree of kinship. What if I’m teleworking? Am I entitled to insurance? Yes, even teleworking is protected by occupational accident insurance. However, it is necessary that the accident: Occur at the place indicated as your workplace (usually your home) It takes place during working hours and within the scope of the duties performed. It is recommended that teleworking arrangements be formalized and communicated to the insurance company, with information such as the place of work, working hours and duties performed. Accident insurance for self-employed workers? According to Decree-Law no. 159/99, of May 11, self-employed people are also obliged to take out occupational accident insurance. Those who work on green receipts are also obliged to take out this insurance. If you don’t have compulsory insurance, you could face fines of between 50 and 500 euros. Industrial accident leave: what it is This is the period of time off work given to a worker who has suffered an accident at work and is temporarily unable to perform their duties. To formalize this leave, a document is issued certifying the worker’s illness or inability to carry out their professional activity. Is sick leave for accidents at work the same as NHS sick leave? No. Although both schemes offer support in the event of temporary incapacity for work, there are important differences: SNS sick leave (also known as Temporary Incapacity Certificate – CIT) is issued by authorized entities (health centers, hospitals or permanent care services) and is applicable to illnesses or accidents outside the work context, being paid by Social Security The sick leave for accidents at work applies exclusively to accidents at work and is issued by the treating doctor appointed by the insurance company responsible for monitoring the clinical case. The whole process is managed and guaranteed by the insurance company contracted by the employer. What to do in the event of an accident at work? Prioritize your health and safety. Call the emergency medical services or go to the nearest hospital for first aid Inform the employer. Report the accident verbally or in writing within 48

Hospital emergency services have been generating a lot of talk recently, mainly because of the long waiting times, which has worried a lot of people. The good news is that there are simple ways to find out which services are open and what the waiting times are. Want to know how? Read on. Are you familiar with the SNS interactive map? If there’s one thing that can make your life easier when you need to use a hospital emergency service, it’s the interactive map available on the National Health Service (SNS) portal. This tool lets you know, in real time, which emergency services are operating and their opening hours. How does it work? It’s very simple: the map is divided into regions and allows you to search by type of emergency (general, pediatric, obstetric, etc.). Active services appear in green, while closed services appear in red. The map is updated hourly and helps those who need urgent care and want to avoid unnecessary journeys. You can access the map directly on the SNS portal to check which unit is open nearest to you. Health centers open “after hours” Out-of-Hours Health Centers are units that offer care during extended hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays, for cases that don’t require a hospital emergency. On the portal of the Regional Health Administration of Lisbon and the Tagus Valley (ARSLVT), you can consult the full list of available units, the opening hours and the services provided at each Center. Emergency waiting times Apart from knowing if the emergency room is open, the big question is: how long will I have to wait? Also on the SNS portal, you can see the average waiting times for each hospital. The system is presented in colors, indicating priority and the estimated average time to be seen. The colors reflect the severity of the case, defined by triage, and have the following recommended waiting times: Red (emergency situation): immediate assistance (0 minutes) Orange (very urgent situation): care recommended within 10 minutes of triage Yellow (urgent situation): service recommended within 60 minutes of triage Green (less urgent situation): can wait for service within 120 minutes (two hours) Blue (non-urgent situation): you can wait up to 240 minutes (four hours). On this portal, you can see the waiting times for all areas of the selected hospital, such as general medicine, pediatrics, surgery, internal medicine, among others. The times shown are the average of the last two hours and the number of patients waiting is also updated in real time. Emergency rooms in private hospitals: can they be an alternative? If waiting times are too long or the nearest public emergency room is closed, private hospitals may be an option. Although they involve additional costs, they are a viable choice in scenarios where time is crucial. CUF emergency rooms: waiting times CUF offers a Permanent Care and Unscheduled Medical Care service, available from the north to the south of the country. Emergencies are separated into Adults and Pediatrics, guaranteeing specialized care for each age group. You can check the opening hours of each hospital or clinic on the official website. Waiting times at Lusíadas Hospital Lusíadas Hospital has an Urgent Care Unit for Adults, Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, with no appointment necessary, available 24 hours a day, every day. Hospital da Luz: waiting times Hospital da Luz’s Urgent Care service is intended for acute and sudden onset health situations that are not emergencies but require quick and effective medical assistance in a short period of time. What to do if in doubt? If you don’t know where to go or if the nearest emergency room is open, we recommend calling SNS 24 (808 24 24 24). This service not only carries out the initial triage, but also indicates the nearest unit with the shortest waiting time. If you need to go to any of these health facilities, you can count on Ambula for safe, comfortable and efficient transportation, always focused on your needs Partilhar:

Have you heard of the multipurpose certificate, but still don’t know exactly what it is or what it’s for? Don’t worry, we’re here to clear up all your doubts, from the meaning of this document to the process for obtaining it. Shall we? Multipurpose certificate: what it is The Medical Certificate of Multipurpose Disability, commonly referred to as the “multipurpose certificate”, is an official document that proves that a person has a physical, mental or other disability, assigning it a percentage grade. This degree is defined on the basis of the National Table of Disabilities (TNI) and can be temporary or permanent. And what is it for? It’s simple: this certificate is the “key” that opens the door to various social, fiscal and economic benefits for those with a degree of disability of 60% or more. For those with a degree of less than 60%, the certificate remains relevant, although the benefits are more limited. But what does this mean? Here are the benefits for both cases. Degree of disability equal to or greater than 60%: benefits of the multipurpose certificate If you have this certificate and your disability is equal to or greater than 60%, based on TNI you are entitled to a series of benefits. Here are the main ones: Tax benefits IRS: special regime with exclusive deductions and tax reductions Automobile: exemption from ISV (Vehicle Excise Duty), VAT when buying your own car and IUC (Single Circulation Tax). Social benefits Social Inclusion Benefit (PSI) Family allowance bonus Special education allowance. Health Exemption from user charges in the National Health Service (SNS) Reimbursed medicines Support products, such as wheelchairs, glasses, walking sticks or articulated beds, 100% financed Non-emergency patient transportation. Housing and mobility Subsidized home loans (lower interest rate) Limiting rent increases IMI exemption Discounts on public transport Parking card for people with reduced mobility. Employment and education Employment quotas for people with disabilities Flexible working hours and other workplace adjustments Scholarships and special quota for access to higher education. Other rights Priority service in public services Discounts on telecommunications. Degree of incapacity of less than 60%: benefits of the multipurpose certificate Possibility of workplace adjustments such as flexible working hours or equipment adaptations Access to support programs and specific health services such as medical treatment or rehabilitation Possibility of exemption or reduction of user charges for consultations and exams in the National Health Service (SNS) Some medicines can be reimbursed, reducing the cost of health treatments Possibility of access to specialized transport for non-urgent treatment Parking card for people with reduced mobility. How can I start enjoying the benefits? Once you have obtained the certificate, hand in a copy to the tax office and social security office in your area of residence. Who can request the certificate? The Multipurpose Certificate is intended for people who have a physical or mental disability, or a serious medical condition that significantly affects their daily lives. To obtain the document, it is necessary to present medical reports or other tests that prove the situation. How do I request a multipurpose certificate? The process may seem a little bureaucratic, but don’t worry: we’ll explain everything step by step. Ask for a medical report: the first step is to ask your doctor for a detailed report describing your medical situation. It should include the date of diagnosis and the complementary exams Request for evaluation: with the report in hand, go to the health center in your area of residence and submit a request addressed to the chairman of the board of directors of the local health unit. Appointment with the medical board: once you have submitted your application, you will be called for an assessment by the medical board, which must take place within a maximum of 60 days. If you are unable to travel for serious reasons, you can ask for the assessment to be carried out at home. If you need transportation, you can count on Ambula! Result and issue: after the assessment, the degree of disability will be assigned and the certificate issued. In the case of cancer patients, the certificate is issued directly by a hospital doctor and assigns at least 60% incapacity for a period of five years. How long does it take to be issued? After making the request for an assessment, you will be notified within 60 days of the date and time of the medical board appointment, where the degree of disability will be assigned based on the pathologies presented. In some cases, the board may waive the need for a face-to-face assessment. After the consultation, the certificate is issued and given to the user. How much does it cost? First issue: 12.50 euros Appeal: 25 euros Revision or reassessment: 5 euros Permanent renewal: Free of charge. How valid is it? Permanent disability: valid for life Temporary incapacity: subject to reassessment within the indicated period. What if I don’t agree with the degree of disability? You have 30 days to lodge an appeal with the Directorate-General for Health, requesting a reassessment by a medical appeal board. If you need transport to get to the health center or to carry out the necessary tests, you can count on Ambula. We offer you a safe and comfortable service, so that you can take care of your health with the quality and peace of mind you deserve. Partilhar:

Did you know that it is possible to access healthcare without paying user charges? For many, this benefit makes a significant difference to managing health expenses and is available to specific groups. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about who is entitled to exemption from user charges and how to apply for it. What are user charges Moderating fees represent a contribution to the use of health services in the SNS, applicable in situations such as consultations, exams and hospital emergencies. However, these fees have been reduced in recent years and are currently only charged in specific cases. When do user charges apply? Since June 1, 2022, this amount has no longer been charged for consultations and exams, including follow-up consultations and prescribed exams. However, they are still applied in cases of hospital emergencies without prior referral by the SNS. In a nutshell: Hospital emergency without referral (not referred by the health center or SNS 24 line) is subject to a fee Hospital emergency with referral (referral by the health center or SNS 24 line) is exempt from the fee Emergency admissions are exempt from the fee. How much does a consultation at the Health Center cost? Consultations at the Health Center, as well as tests and examinations requested by the SNS, are completely free of charge when carried out within the Public Health System itself. See how to make an appointment on the SNS 24 Portal. Who is exempt from user charges in 2024? There are several groups of users who, due to their health, economic or social situation, are exempt from paying user charges. In 2024, they will be exempt: Pregnant and parturient women (including voluntary termination of pregnancy in legally permitted cases) Under 18s People with a degree of disability equal to or greater than 60% Users with economic insufficiency (average monthly household income equal to or less than 1.5 times the IAS) Donors of blood, cells, tissues and organs Fire Brigade Transplant patients Military and ex-military of the Forces Armed forces permanently disabled due to military service Unemployed people registered with the employment center (and their dependents), whose benefit is equal to or less than 1.5 times the IAS Young people in a situation of protection, accompanied by the Commission for the Protection of Children and Young People (CPCJ) or the court Asylum seekers and refugees and their spouses and descendants. How to request exemption from user charges To access the fee exemption, you need to prove that you fall into one of the eligible situations. Below, we detail how to apply for this exemption in different cases: Pregnant and parturient women Pregnant women and women giving birth are automatically exempt from user charges for all health care related to pregnancy and the postpartum period. The exemption applies on presentation of the user card and documentation proving the pregnancy. Minors Children under 18 are exempt from user charges in all NHS services. The presentation of a citizen’s or user’s card is sufficient to guarantee exemption. Disability of more than 60% For people with a degree of disability equal to or greater than 60%, exemption is granted on presentation of an up-to-date medical certificate of multipurpose disability from the health center or hospital unit. Situation of economic insufficiency The exemption for economic insufficiency applies to users from low-income households. To prove this situation, you need to present documents proving your income at the health center, and an assessment of the economic criteria is made to confirm eligibility. Blood and cell donors Blood and cell donors are also entitled to exemption from user charges. To benefit from this exemption, donors must request a voucher from the collection center and present it at the health center or hospital. Volunteer firefighters They can apply for exemption by presenting a declaration issued by their respective corporation, which must be renewed annually and handed in at the health unit. Transplant patients People who have had organ or tissue transplants are exempt from user charges for monitoring and treatment related to the transplant. The exemption can be requested at the health center, upon proof of the clinical situation. Military or ex-military of the Armed Forces Military personnel or ex-military personnel who are disabled as a result of their service are entitled to exemption. The exemption can be requested by presenting documentation issued by the branch of the Armed Forces to which they belong or belonged. Unemployed Unemployed people who are registered with the employment center and have no income above the minimum wage can apply for exemption. To do so, they must present an up-to-date unemployment declaration and, where applicable, proof of income. Young people in the process of protection, internment or foster care Young people who are in protection, internment or foster care are automatically exempt from user charges. The entity responsible for protection or foster care must provide the necessary documentation to formalize the exemption with the SNS. Asylum seekers or refugees Asylum seekers and refugees in Portugal are entitled to exemption from user charges. To do so, they must present a document proving their legal status issued by the competent authorities and show it at the health center or hospital. Where can I apply for exemption? On the SNS 24 User Portal, when accessing the personal area Contact SNS 24: +351 808 24 24 24 In person, at your Health Center. How do I know if I’m exempt from user charges? After submitting the exemption request, you can check the status of the process in the personal area of the SNS 24 Portal or at your Health Center. If you have an appointment, treatment or any other need for non-urgent medical transportation, you can count on Ambula ! We guarantee a safe, comfortable and punctual service, adapted to your travel needs. Partilhar:

In the event of an illness, accident or other medical condition that prevents you from working, you may need to justify your absence from work. Many people confuse these two documents, without realizing that each one has its own specific characteristics and consequences. If you’ve ever wondered which one to use in different situations, or if you want to be aware of your rights in relation to sickness benefit, you’re in the right place to clear up your doubts What sick leave is and how it works Sick leave is a support measure that allows workers to be absent from work for health reasons without losing all their income. To do this, you need to obtain a Temporary Incapacity Certificate (CIT), issued by a health professional from the National Health Service (SNS), which serves as proof of temporary incapacity for work. This document must be given to the employer and is transmitted electronically to Social Security, which is responsible for processing the sickness benefit. Is sick leave the same as a medical certificate? No. Both are commonly confused, but have different purposes. While a doctor’s certificate is used to justify occasional absences of up to three days, without entitling you to an allowance, sick leave applies when the incapacity for work exceeds this period, ensuring partial remuneration for absences from the fourth day onwards. You can also choose to make an appointment by telephone. To do this, contact the Health Center where you are registered and indicate your User Number. If you don’t know which center you are registered with, call the SNS 24 line: 808 24 24 24. This is useful for those who don’t have digital access or prefer to make an appointment in the traditional way. Temporary Incapacity Certificate (CIT): what it is The CIT is the official document that confirms the need for sick leave. It is issued by SNS doctors and is only valid with the professional’s signature and the institution’s authentication. This certificate can be issued at Health Centers, Hospitals and Permanent Attendance Services (SAP). Types of sick leave There are different types of sick leave, depending on the worker’s specific situation: Ordinary sick leave: applied when the worker is unable to work due to a temporary illness Long-term sick leave: valid for long-term or chronic illnesses Psychiatric leave: issued for mental health conditions that prevent the performance of duties. Who is entitled to sick leave? Employees with social security contributions, including domestic service Self-employed workers who issue green receipts or are sole proprietors Voluntary Social Security beneficiaries on foreign ships or research fellows Beneficiaries of pensions for accidents at work or occupational diseases who work and pay contributions Home workers Recipients of compensation pensions who work and pay contributions Pre-retirement beneficiaries who continue to work and pay contributions Invalidity or old-age pensioners in public service, not receiving a pension Beneficiaries with compensation for accidents at work or occupational diseases who work and pay contributions, with compensation lower than the sickness benefit. How much does a consultation at the Health Center cost? How to request sick leave Sick leave is issued exclusively by authorized entities, such as: NHS health centers (generally by family doctors) Hospitals (except emergency services) Permanent Assistance Services (SAP) Drug addiction prevention and treatment services. What if you need transportation to go to a health unit to claim your sick leave? You can count on Ambula to take you there safely. Where can I check my sick leave? On the SNS 24 Portal, in the “Personal Area” you can consult various details of sick leave, such as: Start and end date Record typeDisease classification Health unit of record. Sickness benefit: how much and how is it paid? The amount of sick pay is calculated on the basis of the worker’s reference pay and the length of sick leave. The percentage to be received varies according to the length of the sick leave: Up to 30 days: 55% of reference pay From 31 to 90 days: 60% From 91 to 365 days: 70% More than 365 days: 75%. This allowance is intended for workers who have paid their Social Security contributions for six months and does not cover the first three days of sick leave for dependent workers, or the first ten days in the case of self-employed workers. There are exceptions where payment is immediate, such as in cases of hospitalization or tuberculosis. You can consult Social Security’s Practical Guide to Sickness Benefit. Ambula: support during recovery Do you need safe and comfortable transportation during your recovery? Ambula offers non-emergency patient transportation services and guarantees all the comfort and safety you need for your appointments and treatments. Secure your transportation with us and focus on what matters most: your recovery. The most frequently asked questions about sick leave When is sick leave paid at 100%? In the case of serious illnesses such as cancer or tuberculosis, there may be a 100% payment, depending on the Social Security assessment. How many days can I be on sick leave? The sick leave can last up to 1,095 days for dependent workers and 365 for self-employed workers, with an unlimited duration for cases of tuberculosis. How much do I get for psychiatric leave? Psychiatric leave is treated like ordinary sick leave, with percentages between 55% and 75%, depending on the duration. Can private hospitals grant sick leave? As a rule, the family doctor is the one who issues the document. As of March 1, 2024, sick leave can be obtained from public, private and social sector entities. Does time off work count towards unemployment benefit? No, sick time does not count towards unemployment benefit. Can Social Security request a disability check? Yes, Social Security can ask the worker to undergo medical examinations to prove the need for sick leave. I’m on sick leave, can I go out at the weekend? Not recommended. During sick leave, you may only leave the house to receive treatment or within specific hours, from 11 a.m. to 3

The ease of making appointments with the National Health System (SNS) has increased thanks to the various digital options available. Today, through the SNS 24 Portal, scheduling a medical appointment is more accessible and allows you to avoid unnecessary travel and long waiting times. In this article, we explain how you can book an appointment and what other features of the SNS 24 Portal you can explore. How to make an appointment on the SNS 24 Portal: step by step Log in to the Staff Area on the SNS Portal 24 Log in with one of the available authentication methods (Digital Mobile Key, Citizen Card or Health User Number) In the menu, select “I need” and then choose “Appointments for me” and “Booking appointments” Select the type of consultation you want (from the various options available) Set your own hours or choose the next free time slot. If you want to make an appointment for someone else Access the Staff Area on the SNS 24 Portal Log in with the same authentication methods mentioned above In the menu, choose the option “I need consultations for others” Fill in the person’s details (User Number, full name and date of birth) Choose “First available time” or “Choose appointment period”. How to make an appointment at the Health Center Those who prefer can go in person to the Health Center where they are registered and make an appointment. They will need to show their SNS User Number (their own or that of the person they are making the appointment for). You can also choose to make an appointment by telephone. To do this, contact the Health Center where you are registered and indicate your User Number. If you don’t know which center you are registered with, call the SNS 24 line: 808 24 24 24. This is useful for those who don’t have digital access or prefer to make an appointment in the traditional way. What appointments can I make at the Health Center? The SNS allows users to schedule various types of appointments, either through the portal, in person or by phone call. General and family medicine consultation: for routine consultations or regular monitoring Nursing appointments: for treatments, such as administering vaccines or medication Family planning, maternal health, child health and adult health: important areas for those who need specialized support Teleconsultation: in some cases, it is possible to have a consultation remotely, depending on the doctor’s prior assessment. Please note: emergency appointments cannot be booked online. For these, you must go to the hospital or call the SNS 24 line (808 24 24 24) for advice on the nearest health unit. A household is considered to be in a situation of economic insufficiency if the average monthly income, divided by the number of members responsible for supporting the household, does not exceed 763.89 euros. This figure, which can vary annually, corresponds to 1.5 times the value of the Social Support Index (IAS), which in 2024 is 509.26 euros. In addition, unemployed people registered with the Employment Centre, as well as their spouse and dependents, are also recognized as being in a situation of economic insufficiency. Other features available on the SNS 24 Portal and App In addition to making appointments, the SNS 24 portal and app offer a number of useful features: Renewal of chronic medication Access to the vaccination bulletin Health history and exams Consulting prescriptions Access to self-declaration of illness Request for exemption from user charges. How much does a consultation at the Health Center cost? Consultations with the SNS are often free or subject to reduced fees. Always check whether the exemption from user charges applies to your situation. If you are not registered at a Health Center To book appointments with the National Health System (SNS), it is essential that the user is registered with a Health Center. If you’re not already registered, you can do so easily by following these steps: Go to the Health Center in your area of residence and present your Citizen Card; Taxpayer Number and proof of health benefits (if applicable). If you are temporarily living in a different municipality, you can request a temporary registration. This registration suspends the original one and will automatically resume after 12 months. For more information, contact the Health Center where you wish to register. If you don’t know which Health Center is in your area, call the SNS 24 Contact Center 808 24 24 24. Remember: without registration, you won’t be able to make routine appointments, except in urgent cases. Do you need transportation to your appointment? If you need transportation to your appointments, exams or treatments, Ambula is ready to help! Explore our platform and ensure safe and comfortable transportation to your next appointment. Partilhar:

Non-emergency patient transportation is a vital part of access to healthcare, ensuring that all users receive the care they need, even if they can’t travel themselves. But how does this service actually work? Who is entitled to it and what options are available? REQUEST TRANSPORTATION What is non-emergency patient transportation? It is a service that ensures the safe movement of patients in specialized vehicles such as ambulances and Dedicated Patient Transport Vehicles (DPTVs), to specific healthcare-related destinations. It is aimed at users who need support to travel to and from healthcare facilities – such as hospitals, health centers and clinics – whether for appointments, regular treatments (such as hemodialysis or physiotherapy) or to return home after a hospital stay. Unlike emergency transport, which is activated by 112 and requires an immediate response and specialized medical care, non-emergency transport focuses on the comfort and safety of the user, guaranteeing an adequate and peaceful journey, regardless of whether the need is one-off or ongoing. Types of non-emergency patient transport This type of transportation can take place in ambulances or dedicated patient transport vehicles (VDTD) and can occur in two main ways: Individual transportation: Carried out exclusively for a single patient and intended for cases where it is clinically indicated that the person does not share the vehicle with others Multiple transportation: when the health conditions of several users allow, transportation can be shared with other patients who need similar care. Thus, on some routes, it is possible to make stops to pick up other patients, as long as the total journey does not exceed the distance and time limits stipulated by the SNS. In these situations, small deviations from the initial route are allowed, with a limit of up to 10 km or 30 minutes. Transport timetables are ideally organized to take several users who have appointments or treatments scheduled for the same period. With Ambula, you have access to different types of transportation, including ambulances for non-emergency individual transportation and vehicles adapted for different mobility needs. REQUEST TRANSPORTATION Who is entitled to transportation for non-urgent patients? In order to benefit from free or reduced-cost transportation, certain specific requirements defined by the SNS must be met. The conditions for exemption from payment are: Economically handicapped: patients who can prove that they are economically handicapped may have access to free transportation, provided that they meet one of the following additional conditions: Disability of 60% or more Need for transportation due to an incapacitating medical condition such as motor sequelae of vascular diseases, heart or respiratory failure, oncological or neuromuscular diseases, high-risk pregnancy, among others. Long-term illness: patients with conditions that require continuous and prolonged treatment, such as chronic renal failure (requiring dialysis), long-term motor rehabilitation or palliative care. Special situations: people recognized as victims of natural disasters (such as the fires of 2017 and 2018) are also entitled to free transport for treatment. Note that in order to take advantage of this benefit, the attending doctor, preferably from the SNS, must issue a prescription attesting to the patient’s health condition and the need for transportation. How is the situation of economic insufficiency determined? A household is considered to be in a situation of economic insufficiency if the average monthly income, divided by the number of members responsible for supporting the household, does not exceed 763.89 euros. This figure, which can vary annually, corresponds to 1.5 times the value of the Social Support Index (IAS), which in 2024 is 509.26 euros. In addition, unemployed people registered with the Employment Centre, as well as their spouse and dependents, are also recognized as being in a situation of economic insufficiency. How do I request transportation for non-emergency patients? To request this type of transportation, the patient must obtain a medical prescription confirming the need for the service. This prescription can be issued by an NHS doctor and must include a detailed clinical justification. With the prescription in hand, the user can request the transport from the health services or directly contact entities authorized to provide this service, such as the fire department, the Red Cross, associations or specialized companies, such as Ambula . REQUEST TRANSPORTATION Can I have a companion during transportation? Yes, as long as the doctor justifies the need, such as in cases of younger age or profound disability. What if I’m not entitled to free transportation? If you are not entitled to free transportation, you can rely on Ambula an intuitive and easy-to-use digital platform for scheduling transportation for non-urgent patients. With the Ambula app, you can quickly schedule the necessary transportation, which can be adjusted to the user’s specific needs, always with a focus on safety, comfort and cost transparency. Ambula offers several advantages for users: Intuitive platform: makes it easy to schedule transportation, simplifying the process for those who need to travel frequently Real-time monitoring: allows you to follow the route via geolocation, which gives caregivers and family members peace of mind Total transparency: offers clear information on prices and timetables, with no surprises Electronic payments: the payment and invoicing process is simple and fast and allows secure electronic transactions Guaranteed quality: Ambula works with companies that follow strict quality and ethical standards, ensuring reliable and excellent services. With these features, Ambula contributes to a safe, modern and humanized transport experience. How much does it cost to transport non-emergency patients? For those who are not entitled to free transportation, the cost of the service varies depending on the route, duration and type of transportation required. This may include departure taxes (a flat rate for shorter journeys, which already includes the patient’s round trip), price per kilometer, waiting time and, in some cases, additional costs, such as the use of oxygen or the presence of a companion. With the Ambula app, we guarantee total transparency: clear information on prices and timetables, with no surprises. REQUEST TRANSPORTATION Partilhar: