Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Brazil
- Brazil does not require health insurance for visas, but private coverage is essential—SUS wait times can exceed months for specialists.
- SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde) is free for everyone including foreigners, but quality varies dramatically by region and hospital.
- Private Brazilian plans (planos de saúde) cost R$300-800/month ($60-160) and offer faster care at private hospitals.
- International insurance costs $150-350/month but provides access to top hospitals like Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein and Sírio-Libanês in São Paulo.
- The Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV) requires proof of $1,500/month income but no mandatory insurance—though you should get it.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Brazil?
Brazil does not require health insurance for any visa type, including the Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV), retirement visa (VITEM V), or investor visa. However, private coverage is strongly recommended. While SUS technically covers everyone including foreigners, the reality is overcrowded public hospitals, long wait times (sometimes months for specialist appointments), and inconsistent quality outside major cities. Most expats either get a local plano de saúde or international insurance.
You likely need private insurance if:
- Anyone wanting care at top private hospitals (Einstein, Sírio-Libanês, Copa Star)
- Expats outside São Paulo or Rio where public healthcare quality drops significantly
- Digital nomads who travel frequently and need multi-country coverage
- Those with pre-existing conditions who cannot wait months for SUS specialist appointments
- US/Canadian citizens—home coverage does not work in Brazil
Public vs Private Healthcare in Brazil
Public Healthcare
SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde)
- Access: Everyone—Brazilian citizens, residents, and foreigners can use SUS for free
- Cost: Free (funded by taxes)
SUS is a universal right in Brazil, but reality differs from policy. Major city hospitals are overcrowded. Wait times for specialists can be 3-6 months. Emergency care is available but often in chaotic conditions. Quality is significantly better in São Paulo and southern states than in northern regions. UPAs (emergency clinics) can handle minor issues quickly.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: Local planos: R$300-800/month ($60-160). International: $150-350/month.
Local plans (Bradesco Saúde, SulAmérica, Amil, Unimed) provide access to Brazil's excellent private hospital network. International plans add worldwide coverage, medical evacuation, and typically better English support. São Paulo has world-class facilities; smaller cities may require travel for complex care.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Brazil. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Direct billing at Einstein, Sírio-Libanês, and top São Paulo hospitals
Not ideal for: Budget expats—local planos de saúde cost 1/3 the price for Brazil-only coverage
Allianz Care
Best for: Frequent travelers needing Latin America plus Europe/US coverage
Not ideal for: Those staying exclusively in Brazil—local planos offer better value
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and comprehensive mental health coverage
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious expats who can wait out local carência periods
IMG Global
Best for: Digital nomads wanting affordable international coverage with medical evacuation
Not ideal for: Long-term residents—a local Bradesco or SulAmérica plan offers more value
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Brazil
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Direct billing at Einstein, | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | Frequent travelers needing Latin | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and comprehensive | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Digital nomads wanting affordable | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Brazil
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- SUS wait times can be extreme—one expat reported waiting 8 months for a dermatologist appointment in Rio.
- Local planos de saúde have carência (waiting periods): 24 hours for emergencies, 180 days for most procedures, 300 days for childbirth.
- Private hospitals in Brazil can be expensive without insurance—Hospital Einstein charges $500+ for a basic consultation.
- Medical evacuation coverage matters—if you are in the Amazon region or smaller cities, complex care requires transport to São Paulo.
- US Medicare does NOT cover healthcare in Brazil. Neither does most US private insurance.
- Portuguese is essential for navigating SUS. Even private hospitals outside major tourist areas may have limited English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need health insurance for a Brazil visa?
No. Brazil does not require health insurance for any visa type, including the Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV), retirement visa, or investor visa. However, private coverage is strongly recommended given SUS limitations.
Can foreigners use SUS for free?
Yes. SUS is a constitutional right for everyone in Brazil, including tourists and undocumented immigrants. You can walk into any UPA (emergency clinic) or public hospital and receive care. The challenge is quality and wait times, not access.
How much does private health insurance cost in Brazil?
Local planos de saúde (Bradesco, SulAmérica, Amil, Unimed) cost R$300-800/month ($60-160) depending on age, coverage area, and hospital network. International plans cost $150-350/month but include worldwide coverage and medical evacuation.
What are the best hospitals in Brazil for expats?
São Paulo: Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (ranked best in Latin America), Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Hospital das Clínicas. Rio: Copa Star, Hospital Samaritano. These facilities rival top US hospitals and have English-speaking staff in international patient departments.
Should I get a local plano or international insurance?
If staying only in Brazil long-term: a local plano offers great value and access to top private hospitals. If you travel frequently, want US coverage when visiting home, or need medical evacuation options: international insurance is worth the premium.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.