Have you heard about benefits in kind? Individuals with certified occupational diseases by the Department of Protection against Occupational Risks (DPRP) can request reimbursement for expenses aimed at restoring their health and work capacity.
In a practical guide on the subject, Social Security clarifies that benefits in kind include the following:
- Medical and surgical assistance,
- Diagnostic tests and complementary elements,
- Treatments and home visits,
- Medications and pharmaceutical products,
- Nursing care,
- Hospitalization and thermal treatments,
- Prostheses and orthotics (including renewal and repair),
- Professional and social rehabilitation and reintegration, including workplace adaptation,
- Psychotherapeutic support, when necessary, for the family of the professional patient,
- Travel, food, and accommodation expenses for the diagnosis or treatment of occupational diseases (e.g., for medical consultations, treatments, or medical boards) or attendance at legal proceedings.
Under what circumstances are you entitled to expense reimbursement?
- For diagnosis and treatment of occupational diseases in official health services for the co-payment made by the beneficiary.
- If unable to use official services and with DPRP authorization to use private services.
- If needing to travel far from home (e.g., for treatment).
- If requiring health care not available in Portugal (subject to medical board opinion).
All information on this topic can be found here.
