Private ambulance: cost and how it works in Portugal

What is a private ambulance?

A private ambulance provides non-emergency patient transport — scheduled journeys to appointments, exams, treatments, hospital discharges or trips to care homes and day centres. It does not replace 112, which should always be used in an emergency.

At Ambula, this service is designed for anyone who needs to travel comfortably and safely, with or without reduced mobility, anywhere in mainland Portugal.

What affects the price

The cost of a private ambulance isn't fixed: it depends on several factors. The main ones are:

• Distance between the pick-up point and the destination (and the region of the country).
• Type of transport — seated, in a wheelchair or on a stretcher.
• Clinical needs — for example, oxygen or specific assistance.
• One-way or return trip — waiting for the patient and bringing them back has a different cost.
• Time of day and how far in advance you book.

How to get an exact price

Because every journey is different, the quickest way to find out the cost is to request a quote with the specific details: origin, destination, date, time and the patient's condition. At Ambula you can do this online in under a minute or via the free line 800 319 001, and you'll receive an estimate for your situation.

Private ambulance or 112?

If there's a risk to life or a medical emergency, always call 112. A private ambulance is the right choice when the transport is scheduled and non-emergency — letting you choose the time, have the same trusted team and avoid the long waits associated with emergency transport.