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Preparing for a visit to Brazil as an expatriate or a tourist doesn't (just) mean looking forward to sandy beaches and carnival parties! Because Brazil is a country with many challenges (administrative, environmental, medical, and more), it's important to understand the local system and, in your case, to have the right international health insurance. Whether you're on a WHP vacation or long-term assignment, reliable medical coverage can make all the difference in case of illness or accident. Read this guide to find out everything you need to know about the eligibility requirements and what you need to think about when going to Brazil!


  Table of contents

How does the Brazilian healthcare system work?

How do I get medical coverage as an expatriate in Brazil?

Caisse des Français de l'Etranger in Brazil

Corporate health insurance in Brazil

Health insurance for students in Brazil

How do I get medical treatment in Brazil?

Going on a WHP in Brazil

How does the Brazilian healthcare system work?



Brazilian health insurance is divided into two parts: the public system (SUS) and the private system:

  • The public system covers various risks such as illness, maternity, old age, occupational accidents, and unemployment.
  • Private insurance is regulated by the Agencia Nacional de Saude Suplementar and provides better quality of care, but at a higher cost.


The Brazilian healthcare system, known as the “Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS)”, is a public healthcare system offering free, universal access to healthcare for all, Brazilians and foreigners alike. The SUS, which was set up in the 1980s, is decentralized and organized at state and municipal level. The Brazilian healthcare system is also funded by employer contributions.

However, in spite of this universal and free access, which is enshrined in the Brazilian Constitution, health insurance in Brazil suffers from chronic underfunding, impacting on the quality of healthcare services. For example, the healthcare system's budget is not always sufficient to cover rising expenditure, which can affect the quality of care.

As a result, many people, including expatriates, opt for private health insurance to supplement their SUS coverage.  

 

How is healthcare funded in Brazil?

 

In Brazil, healthcare is funded primarily from two sources:
  • The SUS is funded by the State through taxes. This free service is provided to the entire population, whether citizens or residents.
  • There is also a system of income-based contributions that helps fund the health sector. Contributions for the self-employed are set at 20% of their income and for employees at between 8% and 11%.

How do I get medical coverage as an expatriate in Brazil?


 

There are many options for expatriate health insurance in Brazil. Local private health insurance can be a good option, especially if you prefer to be treated in the private sector. You may also want to consider taking out international health insurance which offers broader coverage.

Some insurance companies offer a free review of your current medical coverage and the different insurance options available, based on your budget and your needs. Be sure to compare the various plans to find the one best suited to your specific requirements.


Some of the different criteria you should consider are:
  • The cost of the insurance
  • The level of coverage
  • The benefits and services included (consultations with a general practitioner, prescription drugs, hospitalization, maternity, emergency transportation, vaccines such as yellow fever, laboratory tests, etc.).
  • Multilingual medical assistance services
  • Medical coverage for the whole family

The Caisse des Français à l'étranger (CFE) also offers French expatriates in Brazil comprehensive health insurance that covers up to 100% of actual costs.
 

Note : Medical expenses in Brazil can be high, especially for hospitalization. It’s therefore essential to have an insurance plan that will reimburse you based on what you actually pay

Caisse des Français de l'Etranger in Brazil

 

The Caisse des Français de l'Etranger (CFE) is an attractive option for French nationals living in Brazil. This fund lets you keep your French Social Security benefits during your time abroad. The CFE reimburses your medical expenses and those of your dependents based on the country where you’ll be receiving your medical care, either as a flat-rate amount or a percentage of the actual bill.

Because medical expenses in Brazil are higher than in France, we recommend taking out additional insurance to cover the types of treatment that aren’t covered by the CFE.

Corporate health insurance in Brazil


 

In Brazil, companies can take out group healthcare plans for their employees offering more comprehensive coverage than the SUS public healthcare system. These plans are generally managed by private operators and can include coverage for preventive care, medical consultations and specialized treatments, as well as hospitalization services in appropriate medical facilities.

However, the cost of these healthcare plans can vary depending on the size of the company, the number of employees to be covered, and the level of coverage required. It’s therefore essential for companies to carefully assess their needs and compare the different plans available on the market.

For international companies operating in Brazil, it may be worthwhile taking out international health insurance for their expatriate personnel. These plans offer worldwide coverage and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of employees living and working abroad.
 

Please note: Companies are also required by law to make Social Security contributions for their employees in Brazil, which may include insurance covering occupational accidents and healthcare.

Health insurance for students in Brazil


 

In Brazil, international students must have health insurance in order to obtain their student visa. Although the SUS is universal and free of charge, it may not be sufficient given the high cost of medical care. There are a number of student health insurance plans available at varying rates.

How do I get medical treatment in Brazil?


 

In Brazil, medical care can be provided in health centers, hospitals or even directly at home. Services are delivered by healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses.

With international health insurance, you'll enjoy greater flexibility in your choice of healthcare providers and you'll be covered for treatment outside Brazil through their medical network. With your insurance certificate, you’ll also be able to seek treatment in private hospitals.

In an emergency, call 192 for assistance. For less urgent health problems, we advise making an appointment.

 

How do I obtain an international health insurance certificate?



To obtain this certificate, you need to take out international health insurance. At MSH, your certificate is available as soon as you’re enrolled in the plan, directly in your Members’ Area!

 

Healthcare for women in Brazil

 

Women's health is a priority in Brazil. However, access to specific types of care such as gynecology and obstetrics can vary from region to region. In large cities, there are specialized private clinics that offer a wide range of services, from screening to maternity care. In rural areas, however, access to these services may be limited.

When it comes to covering maternity costs, having reliable health insurance is essential to ensure your pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible.


The SUS provides maternity care. However, But given the challenges of overcrowded public hospitals, many women turn to the private sector for these services. Some insurance plans offer specific coverage and benefits for prenatal care, childbirth, and postnatal care, so be sure to check these points if they apply to you. Medical tourism is also becoming increasingly popular for certain specialized services (fertility treatments, beauty treatments, etc.). See the paragraph below for more information on medical tourism!

 

Medical tourism in Brazil

 

Brazil is a top destination for medical tourism. This sector is booming, thanks in particular to the quality of care on offer (especially in private hospitals that have state-of-the-art medical equipment and highly qualified staff).

However, you should make sure you have the right health insurance plan to cover the often high costs of these treatments. Some insurance providers offer specific plans for medical tourism, including the reimbursement of medical expenses, medical repatriation if necessary, and sometimes even travel expenses for a family member.

Brazil is also known for its simplified medical tourist visa process, making it easier for medical tourists to enter the country.

 

Doctors’ visits in Brazil

 

Brazilian GPs or family doctors provide routine medical care (cold, flu, etc.). Doctors in large cities such as São Paulo often speak several languages (English, French and/or Spanish).

The private sector is strongly developing and services are of very high quality; however, medical care can be very expensive. Rates vary from one city to another. For example, in Brasilia, consultation costs R$120 (USD 51) on average and can go up to R$500 (USD 214).  In São Paulo, consultation costs R$300 on average (USD 128) and between R$200 and R$250 in Rio de Janeiro (USD 85 and USD 107).

As there are not enough doctors, it can be difficult to get an appointment quickly.

Specialist doctors in Brazil: Consultations with a specialist cost an average of €185. It is not necessary to see a GP beforehand, you can directly ask for an appointment with the specialist. As there are only a few specialist doctors, it can take time to get an appointment.

 

Buying medication in Brazil



Medication included on the national list of essential medicines is covered by the SUS. For medicines not covered by the SUS, "farmacias populares" charge affordable prices.

 

Hospitalization in Brazil

 
  • Emergencies: Emergency services are open 24 hours a day in most hospitals but waiting times for public hospitals are very long, especially in the big cities.
  • Brazilian hospitals: Public hospital care is free. However, Brazil's public hospitals are overcrowded, with busy waiting rooms. Some Brazilian hospitals have their own ambulance service.

An increasing number of Brazilians prefer to turn to private hospitals which use advanced technology and provide high-quality medical equipment. Medical staff are also very efficient.

Going on a WHP in Brazil


 

Eligibility requirements



French, New Zealand and German nationals can apply for a WHP in Brazil. To apply for a visa for Brazil, you must:
  • Be between 18 and 30 years old inclusive
  • Hold a valid passport
  • Be able to prove you have sufficient resources (at least €2,500)
  • Never have been granted a working holiday visa in Brazil (first application)
  • Have international health insurance for the duration of your stay
  • Apply for a WHP at any time throughout the year as long as the quotas have not been reached
  • Not have the Brazilian nationality


 

Health insurance for WHPs in Brazil

 

The right health insurance is essential when planning a WHP (Working Holiday Program) in Brazil. It needs to cover the risks of illness, hospitalization and repatriation for the duration of your stay. You need to take out the insurance before you leave and it must be valid from the first to the last day of the WHP.
 
  • To choose the right insurance, you need to look at a number of criteria: the amount of coverage, the terms of reimbursement, the amount of the premium, and the services provided (24-hour assistance, for example).
  • Other insurers (such as MSH through its neoWHV plan) offer more comprehensive packages, covering not only medical expenses but also other eventualities such as the loss, theft or destruction of luggage, or coverage for a variety of sports activities (surfing, skiing, etc.).

In short, preparing for your WHP trip to Brazil should include taking out health insurance that’s tailored to your own needs and the requirements of the program.

Obtenha o seu seguro de saúde para o Brasil

MSH can help you design the best international health insurance plan to suit your needs.

Going for less than a year and over 36 years old?  
Discover our health insurance plan to cover you up to 12 months, for any reason.

Going for less than a year and under 36 years old?  
Discover our health insurance plan to cover you up to 12 months, whether it's for internships, working holiday visas, or just tourism.

Going for a year or more?
Explore our comprehensive and highly flexible health insurance solutions to protect you and your family while you're abroad.

For more information

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