Statistics from various sources indicate that between 2 and 3 million Brazilians reside abroad. And more are joining them every year! More than 60% of Brazilian youth say they would love the opportunity to live abroad. Moving to a new country requires extensive planning and preparation, particularly when it comes to securing health coverage.
Brazil’s universal healthcare system, the SUS, is the world’s largest public health insurance program. No other system covers such a large territory or so many people. There’s nothing quite like it in the world, as Brazilian citizens living abroad soon realize.
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Differences in Style
For instance, flexibility and a relaxed attitude are two characteristics that Brazilians are known and admired for. However, in many other countries, they’re not held in such high regard.
Punctuality and reliability are highly prized in many countries. This is especially true for their medical systems.
In certain countries, such as Germany and Canada, being late by as little as 15 minutes may cancel your appointment. It could be weeks until you can get another time slot. And you have to pay a “no-show” fee before you’re rescheduled.
On the plus side, there is one area in which Brazilians will find other countries more relaxed. In Brazil, presenting identification cards is a big part of everyday transactions, especially in healthcare.
In many other countries, this is much more relaxed. Yes, you will have to present identification at hospitals and pharmacies.
But for other purchases and follow-up health-related care (like physiotherapy or massage therapy), this often isn’t the case.
Applying for a new health insurance card in your new country will likely be less bureaucratic than it is in Brazil.
Connecting with Specialists
Overall, family physicians and general practitioners aren’t as common in Brazil as they are in other countries. Brazilians are fortunate to be able to make appointments directly with the specialists they wish to see.
However, in many developed countries, consulting your family doctor is the first step before seeing a specialist. In many cases, it’s impossible to even make an appointment with a specialist without your family doctor’s involvement!
Sometimes, it’s even mandatory to formally register with a family doctor before you can participate in the healthcare system.
Will the Brazilian Home Healthcare System Cover You Abroad?
Unfortunately, it does not. The SUS is designed to provide health coverage for Brazilian citizens and residents.
Once you are working and living overseas, you are no longer a resident. There are no reimbursements for overseas healthcare costs.
What Brazilian Expats Should Consider When Buying Health Insurance
A strength of the SUS health insurance program in Brazil is its comprehensive nature. The costs of hospital visits, clinic appointments, and prescription drugs are covered.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the case in most other countries. Even in many countries with universal healthcare, some form of payment is required from the patient.
For instance, foreigners in France know that patients pay a nominal fee at each medical visit. In the majority of developed countries, pharmaceutical care is typically separate from health insurance.
Brazilian expats will need to ensure that their new international health insurance covers all the services they previously had at home.
In Brazil, the majority of hospitals throughout the country are small, with an average of less than 50 beds.
This makes sense to cover the country’s vast geographic territory. However, other countries take a different approach to addressing rural and urban challenges.
Many countries have limited services in rural regions, requiring patients to travel to larger centers. In some countries, rural medical clinics may not have a full-time doctor on staff.
They rely on nurse practitioners or a part-time doctor who splits their responsibilities among many regions.
Buying Private Global Insurance While Living Abroad
When you first move abroad, it can take some time to get settled, receive all your paperwork, and sometimes even to find a job. Signing up for global coverage, which protects you at home, in your new country, and anywhere you might go, is a smart idea. You’ll have comprehensive coverage while you set up your new life, and you have a support staff to help you every step of the way.
Recommended Health Plans for Brazilian Expats
If you get sick or injured, you want a choice in your care. One of the most frustrating things about being ill is feeling like you’ve lost control.
Suddenly, your well-being, your energy, and your appetite are beyond your control. Discussing your hospital and specialist choices with your insurance representative can be helpful.
Access to a wide range of hospitals allows you to feel more comfortable in your care. If you prefer a male or a female specialist, you should be able to choose.
Would you be more comfortable in a hospital across town, where you will be close to friends and colleagues? These are the kinds of freedom the right insurance package can provide. Making these decisions will help you feel like you’ve regained some autonomy.
Best International Health Insurance for Brazilian Expats
Cigna Global offers a great option for Brazilians living anywhere in the world. The plan provides coverage both worldwide and at home in Brazil.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
For Brazilians living in the USA, BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier offers an excellent range of doctors and hospitals within the highly regarded Blue Cross and Blue Shield network in the USA.
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
For an affordable and flexible global medical plan, IMG Global Medical is a good option, offering worldwide coverage in almost every country.
IMG Global Medical Plan
- Affordable global coverage with flexible options
- Coverage area options based on where you live or work
- Visit any doctor or hospital worldwide
Brazilian Government Recommendations for Expats
The Government of Brazil recommends that citizens who are planning to move abroad make note of the following:
- Information about any required documentation to enter another country should be checked with the embassy of that country in Brazil. Those intending to reside abroad must visit the Embassy or Consulate of the country where they wish to live while still in Brazil. The Consulate will inform you about visa requirements and the procedures for obtaining the proper visa, depending on the reason for your trip.
- In general, a visit for work purposes will likely require a visa. Proof of vaccination may also be required.
- Travelers should note, before leaving Brazil, contact information including phone numbers (including the emergency consular number), email, and the address of the Brazilian Consulate or Embassy of the country they are traveling to.
- It is also important to make copies of important documents (such as passports and ID cards), in case replacement is necessary.
- It is recommended that you provide a family member or friend with the itinerary, hotel information, and contact numbers.
Caring for Your Mental Health
Brazilians are famous for being friendly, warm, and affectionate. However, in many other countries, the culture tends to be more reserved and introverted.
These cultural differences are part of what makes the expat life so appealing. But it’s not always easy. A more reserved culture can feel standoffish and even unfriendly.
Feelings of isolation and loneliness are common. Connecting with social groups for international citizens, both online and in person, can help you find a supportive tribe.
Volunteering in your new community is a great way to break the ice by working on a cause that both you and your new community care about.
Reaching out to your insurance company for support is also essential. The staff can connect you to a counselor or psychologist if you feel you’d benefit from professional support.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Elizabeth Baugh is a versatile freelance writer specializing in education, travel, health, and wellness. She has international experience living in multiple countries, is fluent in Spanish, and holds a license as a TEFL teacher, sharing insights on travel and relocation.
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