Recently there has been an email message circulating on the Internet that refers to improper collection of advance payments or deposits by the Hospital da Luz from customers who are admitted to this health unit. The Hospital da Luz would like to clarify any doubts regarding this information and declare that it is untrue that Portugal has any legislation on the subject. The legislation to which the misleading message referred to was (Law No. 3359 of 07.01.2002 published in the Official Listing of the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro from January 9, 2002). The law is only applicable in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). The Hospital da Luz, just like any other private healthcare unit in Portugal, may request an advance payment or deposit, as it considers appropriate. At the Hospital da Luz, the amount of the advance depends on the estimated value for the episode in question. This estimate is calculated from the average cost values incurred for provision of similar medical care, and according to agreements made between the Hospital da Luz and insurers or health systems customers.
