Brazil’s Medical System Combines Public and Private Care
Brazilians are understandably proud of the health services their government provides. By any measure — health facilities, people covered and land mass — Brazil has the world’s largest publicly administered healthcare system. This system has greatly improved the country’s overall health since it was created in 1988. However, the public Brazilian healthcare system has its issues, including overcrowding and lengthy wait times. That’s why many people in Brazil, including most expats, get care from both private and government healthcare settings.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes and coverage options
- Work with an insurance expert at no additional cost
- Find the best plan for your needs and budget
Pros & Cons of Medical Care in Brazil
Brazil’s public healthcare system serves the entire country and covers everything from primary care to hospitalization to physical therapy. Yet public hospitals, clinics, and doctors can be overwhelmed by patient needs.
Pros of Brazil’s Healthcare System
- Healthcare is a constitutional right in Brazil.
- Services are available — at no cost — to everyone in the country.
- Investments in primary healthcare have lessened health inequities throughout the country.
- Brazil has a high vaccination rate and runs a large-scale program to administer Covid-19 vaccines across the country.
- The government plans to bring more providers to underserved areas.
Cons of Brazil’s Healthcare System
- Public healthcare facilities are often overcrowded.
- Public healthcare settings can lack up-to-date medical equipment.
- Patients regularly experience long wait times for care.
- Rural areas have less access to quality healthcare.
- Limited quantities of some medications has led to rationing.
- The quality of emergency care services can be inconsistent, particularly in smaller hospitals.
Does Brazil Have Universal Healthcare?
Yes, the Brazilian public healthcare system — known as the “United Health System” or SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde) — is available to all residents of Brazil. Taxes cover healthcare costs, and patients do not have to pay for any care they receive. Available care includes:
- Visits to specialists and general practitioners
- Maternity care
- Vaccinations
- Lab tests
- Mental health services
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Prescription drug coverage (for approved medications)
- Dental care
- Vision care
- Medical equipment
The Best Health Insurance in Brazil for US Citizens
Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan
- Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
- Define your deductible and prescription benefits
- For Foreigners in the US or US citizens abroad
The Best Health Insurance in Brazil for Non-US Expats
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- The flexibility to tailor a plan to suit your individual needs
- Access to Cigna Global’s trusted network of hospitals and doctors
- The convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
How to Access & Receive Healthcare in Brazil
Your National Migratory Registry Card and taxpayer number (“Cadastro de Pessoa Física,” or CPF) will let you sign up for a National Health Card (CNS). This card lets you visit public hospitals and care providers for free. You can register for it at a municipal health office, a hospital or a clinic, and your card will be issued the same day. Register online ahead of your visit to speed up the process.
How to Get Emergency Care
- If you need an ambulance, call 192.
- Expect overcrowding and stressed physicians at the emergency departments in public hospitals.
- Go to a private facility for emergency care to avoid crowds and lengthy wait times.
Language Barriers in Healthcare
- In major cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, English-speaking care providers are common.
- In more rural areas, doctors and others may only speak Portuguese.
- If your Portuguese isn’t great and you don’t have someone who can translate, ask your private insurance provider, your embassy or the staff at a local hotel if they can recommend English-speaking facilities. Many of the global health plans we offer include translation services.
Also Read: Health Insurance in Brazil for Foreigners
Costs in the Brazilian Healthcare System
It won’t cost you anything to use public Brazilian healthcare services as long as you have your identification and CNS card. And keep in mind that there are limits on what Brazil’s SUS covers. For example, if a medication isn’t on the approved list, you’ll be expected to pay for it yourself.
Private international medical insurance is designed to cover visits to private hospitals and clinics. Check with your insurer before visiting any private healthcare setting to see if the facility is part of your insurance network. Keep in mind that both in-network and out-of-network facilities may require you to pay for services upfront, then get reimbursed by your insurer.
Differences Between Public and Private Healthcare in Brazil
The public system has a large network of small hospitals that care for patients. This makes sense when you consider how big Brazil is. Having a nearby small hospital makes getting care easier for the average Brazilian.
Government-funded hospitals and clinics in Brazil almost always provide good medical care. But the quality does vary between regions. Patients can experience long wait times to use public healthcare, especially in rural areas with fewer nurses and doctors. Plus public facilities are often overcrowded.
Many people in Brazil have private health insurance that they use in addition to public care. With private insurance, you can skip the crowds and get care when you really need it.
Most major urban centers in Brazil have at least one private hospital; there are generally many more in popular tourist destinations. And having private coverage doesn’t mean you’ll only get private care. You can go to public hospitals whenever it’s more convenient to do so.
Healthcare for Expats in Brazil
Foreigners in Brazil can access both public and private healthcare. The public system has many benefits, including low costs. But don’t forget that there are reasons more than a quarter of the population has some type of private health insurance. Relying solely on public healthcare means putting up with treatment delays and risking medication shortages.
Are Foreigners Eligible for Brazilian Healthcare?
Any expat living in Brazil can use the public healthcare system. Plus, there’s no waiting period to join SUS, the public healthcare system. You can even register right at a doctor’s office or hospital, as long as you have your CPF taxpayer number and your National Migratory Registry Card.
Traveling to Brazil as a tourist? You’ll be pleased to know that even if you haven’t registered for SUS, you’ll always be treated should you experience a medical emergency. However, all short-term visitors should consider travel medical insurance so they can visit private facilities or be medically evacuated without worrying about overwhelming costs. It’s easy to twist an ankle dancing at a Brazilian festival or get too much sun at one of the country’s beautiful beaches. If you’re traveling off the beaten path, you might find yourself up close and personal with Brazil’s wildlife. Whatever is on your itinerary, it’s good to be prepared!
Also Read: Travel Insurance and Safety for Brazil
Expat Insurance for Brazil
Many expats choose to supplement SUS coverage with private international health insurance. That way, they can skip long waits in crowded rooms and visit private providers and hospitals without worrying about what the visit will cost. Want to learn more about your options? Health insurance in Brazil for foreigners will help you compare top plans and find the right coverage for your situation.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes and coverage options
- Work with an insurance expert at no additional cost
- Find the best plan for your needs and budget
Related Articles: