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Are you an expatriate who has questions about Brazil healthcare? What should you know about international healthcare and Brazil specifically before making the big move? Here is a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
Q: What is the Brazilian health system like?
A: Brazil offers a large government managed system (SUS) which serves much of the country’s population. This healthcare system was created in 1988 by the Brazilian Constitution that states that all citizens must have access to healthcare without discrimination. Nevertheless, you should know that this healthcare system is still somewhat underfunded and sometimes questionable in terms of quality. In addition to public healthcare, private healthcare is also available, either by individual purchase or as a work benefit.
Q: What type of health insurance do I need?
A: You could not take advantage of the country’s system of healthcare unless you were a permanent Brazilian citizen. (As opposed to a work visa or tourist visa) Still, because government hospitals are so crowded, many residents would rather seek out private healthcare. Expatriates also have a third option: expatriate health insurance, which is health care insurance provided outside of the country. Lastly, if you are employed with a corporation you could take advantage of group-sponsored health insurance plans.
Q: What is the major difference between expatriate insurance and local insurance?
A: Expatriate insurance goes above and beyond traditional insurance in that it allows worldwide medical protection (even if you choose to leave the country) and also includes evacuation coverage if you ever have to be flown outside of the country.
Q: How would an international company calculate the rates?
A: The policy will be based on the age of the insured, the area of coverage and the country of insurance. One specific example is that of America: most expatriate health insurance policies will cover healthcare in Brazil and other nearby countries but will not cover medical care in the U.S., which is the most expensive worldwide.
Q: What if I’m working in Brazil for a short period of time? Do I need expatriate or private insurance?
A: If you are not covered by a group insurance plan then you may wish to purchase travel insurance which is designed to cover short-term trips and any medical emergencies that might occur while overseas. These policies are traditionally less expensive than full coverage policies and can protect you in those gap periods.