Brazil Healthcare Guide
Everything you need to know about healthcare as an expat in Brazil.
Healthcare System Overview
Brazil operates a dual healthcare system: SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde), the world's largest government-run universal healthcare system serving ~75% of the population, and a robust private sector with 6,000+ hospitals (60% private) including 25+ JCI-accredited facilities. Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein ranks among the top 30 hospitals worldwide. Expats with legal residency can access SUS for free while supplementing with affordable private insurance ($55-200/month) for faster, more comfortable care.
Public Healthcare
**SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde)** Established in 1988 as a constitutional right, SUS is the largest government-run healthcare system in the world. It provides comprehensive free services including: - Primary care and GP consultations - Hospitalization and surgery - Specialist consultations - Mental health services - Dental care - Vaccinations - Prenatal and maternity care - Emergency services (192 for SAMU ambulance) - Diagnostic tests (MRI, blood work, X-rays) - Essential prescription medications - Organ transplants **Quality Assessment:** Chronic underfunding creates variable quality across regions. Wait times can extend weeks to 2 years for non-urgent procedures. Emergency care is generally excellent. Equipment and specialists concentrated in urban areas. Southern and Southeastern states typically have better-resourced facilities.
Private Healthcare
**Private Healthcare Excellence** Brazil's private sector offers world-class care at fraction of US costs: - 6,000+ hospitals (60% private) - 25+ JCI-accredited hospitals - Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (São Paulo) - top 30 worldwide - Hospital SÃrio-Libanês, Hospital Oswaldo Cruz - excellent facilities - Many doctors trained in US/Europe with English capability in major cities **Private Insurance Providers:** - **Unimed** - Medical cooperative with 9,500+ doctors, 400+ facilities. $55-150/month - **Bradesco Saúde** - Extensive hospital network. $40-200/month - **SulAmérica** - 30,000+ brokers, telemedicine included. $55-150/month - **Amil** - Comprehensive including some international coverage. $60-200/month - **Porto Seguro** - SUS integration, digital claims. $55-150/month All plans regulated by ANS (National Supplementary Health Agency). Pre-existing conditions subject to 24-month waiting period by law.
Healthcare for Expats
Access & Eligibility
**Expat Access to Healthcare** **SUS Eligibility:** All legal residents (any visa type) can register for free SUS access. Tourists and even undocumented individuals can receive emergency care. **How to Register (Cartão SUS):** 1. Obtain CPF (taxpayer ID) 2. Visit local Basic Health Unit (UBS) 3. Present: passport, CRNM (residence card), CPF, proof of residence 4. Receive National Health Card same day **What's Covered Free:** - GP and specialist consultations - Hospitalization and surgery - Mental health and dental - Vaccinations - Prenatal/maternity - Emergency care - Diagnostic tests - Essential medicines through Farmácia Popular (up to 90% discount on 112 medications)
Recommended Approach
**Recommended Strategy for Expats:** 1. **Register for SUS** - Free backup and access to medication programs 2. **Obtain Private Insurance** - $100-300/month for day-to-day care and faster access 3. **Use SUS for:** Routine medications, vaccinations, non-urgent care 4. **Use Private for:** Specialists, diagnostics, emergencies, hospital stays 5. **Maintain Emergency Fund** - $2,000-5,000 for unexpected medical needs **International Insurance Consideration:** For frequent travelers or those wanting US treatment access: - Cigna Global, Allianz Worldwide, GeoBlue (BCBS Global), William Russell - Monthly cost: $150-500+ - Better for medical evacuation coverage and treatment in US **Practical Tips:** - Emergency: 192 (SAMU - free 24/7 ambulance) - Bring medications from US in original packaging with doctor's letter - Get yellow fever vaccination 10 days before travel (recommended for most regions) - Ensure Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, and routine vaccines current
Typical Costs
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Health Insurance
Requirements
No specific health insurance required for most visa types, but **strongly recommended**. Digital nomad and some temporary visas require proof of health insurance as part of application. Private insurance provides faster access and English-speaking staff in major cities.
Recommended Insurance Providers
- Unimed - largest medical cooperative
- Bradesco Saúde - extensive network
- SulAmérica - telemedicine included
- Amil - comprehensive coverage
- Porto Seguro - digital-first
- Cigna Global - international coverage
- Allianz Worldwide - expat specialist
Medical Tourism
Brazil is a growing medical tourism destination, particularly for: - Plastic surgery (São Paulo is a global hub) - Dental work (60-80% savings vs US) - Fertility treatments - Cardiac procedures Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein offers international patient services with English-speaking staff. Costs typically 40-70% less than equivalent US procedures with comparable quality.
Popular Procedures
Recommended PartnerDon't skip health insurance
Cost estimates are great for budgeting, but real coverage protects you when something goes wrong.
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Compare Healthcare Systems
See how Brazil's healthcare compares to other countries.