Outside its carnival atmosphere, tropical weather, and numerous things to do, the Brazilian healthcare system offers broad medical services for residents and visitors.
Stick around as we provide insights into Brazil’s healthcare setup, including the public healthcare system (Sistema Único de Saúde – SUS), private healthcare options, and the country’s healthcare ranking.
Brazilian Healthcare System
Medical infrastructure
Brazil offers reputable health care and medical services according to Latin American standards. Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein is one of South America’s top-rated and most hi-tech hospitals. Hospital Sirio Libanês is another highly rated hospital with an advanced medical infrastructure.
Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS)
The Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), known as the Unified Health System in English, is Brazil’s universal healthcare system, funded by taxes.
The system was established in the 1988 Constitution to provide comprehensive free healthcare to all residents, including foreigners. SUS is one of the world’s largest public health systems and is accessible to 75 percent of Brazil’s population.
Features
Free medical services: Doctor visits, surgeries, hospitalizations, vaccinations, medications, and specialized care like organ transplants are free through SUS.
Decentralized system: SUS government funding but is managed at the federal level by local authorities.
Preventive care: Disease prevention, such as vaccinations, is a widely adopted initiative within SUS.
Primary and specialized care: SUS offers routine check-ups to complex procedures like cancer treatment.
Private sector partnerships: While public hospitals and medical clinics form the core of SUS, private hospitals provide medical care when the system is overwhelmed.
Brazil Healthcare Expenditure
The Ministry of Health funds Brazil’s SUS through general taxation, social security contributions, and health-specific funds like the Fundo Nacional de Saúde (FNS).
The most recent figures from the World Bank demonstrate that healthcare expenditure accounted for 9.89 percent of Brazil’s GDP in 2021. The public healthcare expenditure per capita was estimated to be USD 1,258 in 2023.
Brazilian Health Policies
National Primary Health Care Policy (PNAB): The National Primary Health Care Policy (Política Nacional de Atenção Básica—PNAB) was introduced to strengthen basic healthcare services and extend access to rural areas.
National Immunization Program (PNI): The National Immunization Program (Programa Nacional de Imunizações—PNI) is Brazil’s primary disease prevention program issuing immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases.
National Policy on Pharmaceutical Assistance (PNAF): The National Policy on Pharmaceutical Assistance (Política Nacional de Assistência Farmacêutica—PNAF) ensures access to essential medication and pharmaceutical care.
National Policy on Worker’s Health (PNSTT): The National Policy on Worker’s Health (Política Nacional de Saúde do Trabalhador e da Trabalhadora—PNSTT) was introduced to promote safety in the workplace and address health risks associated with work environments.
National Policy on Indigenous Health (PNASPI): The National Policy on Indigenous Health (Política Nacional de Atenção à Saúde dos Povos Indígenas—PNASPI) is a special system introduced by the Special Secretariat for Indigenous Health (Secretaria Especial de Saúde Indíge—SESAI) to provide medical care in remote Indigenous communities.
Natural Disasters
Brazil is safe to visit as it is not as prone to natural disasters that many other countries experience, but the country still faces several risks. While the country is located outside active seismic zones, minor earthquakes have been recorded.
Floods and landslides are the most common and devastating disasters, as evidenced by the flooding of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, in April 2024.
Diseases
According to unaids.org, 930,000 adults and children were living with HIV/AIDS in 2023, 0.44 percent of the population. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in Brazil, with most deaths attributed to ischemic heart disease.
The Zika virus outbreak occurred between 2015 and 2016 in Brazil, mostly affecting regions in the northeast. The virus spread by Aedes mosquitoes, led to widespread health concerns due to it causing birth defects.
The Brazilian government launched vector control measures, which included spraying insecticides on mosquito breeding grounds. While the disease has largely been controlled, it is still a concern you should be aware of if you’re considering moving to Brazil.
Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, mainly in rural forested areas in Brazil’s Amazon region and other countries bordering the Amazon. The disease can cause fever, jaundice, and severe organ damage, and it can be fatal if not treated swifty.
Health and Mortality Rates in Brazil
Brazil citizens have an average life expectancy of 76.4 years. Key statistics for the country’s profile regarding health issues include mental health disorders, infectious diseases, and mortality rates based on data from the WHO, the World Bank, and UNICEF.
| Statistic | Rate |
|---|---|
| Life Expectancy (2023) | 76.4 years old |
| Infant Mortality Rate (2022) | 12.5 per 1,000 births |
| Mortality Rate from Communicable Diseases (2019) | 81.8 per 100,000 |
| Age-adjusted Mortality from External Causes (2019) | 70.8 per 100,000 |
| Cancer Mortality Rate (2022) | 76 per 100,000 |
| HIV infection incidence rate (2023) | 0.24 per 1,000 |
Brazilian Medical Facilities
Sao Paulo
Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein
- Specialties: Cardiovascular care, oncology, and high-complexity surgeries.
- Accreditation: One of the most advanced hospitals in Brazil with international recognition.
- Services: Offers state-of-the-art facilities, international patient services, and comprehensive health check-ups.
Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP (HC-FMUSP)
- Specialties: A teaching hospital known for its expertise in neurology, oncology, and pediatrics.
- Accreditation: Affiliated with the University of São Paulo, making it one of the largest public hospitals in the country.
- Services: Provides complex medical procedures and is also a research hub.
Sírio-Libanês Hospital
- Specialties: Emergency care, cardiology, and transplant surgeries.
- Accreditation: Highly regarded for medical excellence and patient care.
- Services: Known for its high-quality private care and ability to cater to international patients.
Rio de Janeiro
Hospital de Câncer de Barretos (Rio de Janeiro branch)
- Specialties: Cancer treatment and oncology.
- Accreditation: One of the largest cancer treatment centers in Brazil, with advanced technologies for cancer care.
- Services: Offers comprehensive cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and palliative care.
Hospital das Clínicas da UFRJ (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro)
- Specialties: Neurology, oncology, pediatrics, and emergency care.
- Accreditation: A teaching hospital affiliated with UFRJ, known for medical research and specialized treatment.
- Services: Offers advanced diagnostic services and is a leading center for medical research and training.
Hospital Copa D’Or
- Specialties: Cardiology, orthopedics, obstetrics, and pediatrics.
- Accreditation: A highly regarded private hospital in Rio, known for quality healthcare and modern facilities.
- Services: Offers emergency services, surgical interventions, and high-tech diagnostics.
Florianopolis
Hospital Santa Catarina
- Specialties: Cardiology, orthopedics, and general medicine.
- Accreditation: A private hospital known for its advanced infrastructure and high-quality care.
- Services: Provides surgical services, medical imaging, and specialized consultations in various fields.
Hospital Universitário Professor Polydoro Ernani de São Thiago (HU)
- Specialties: General healthcare, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and emergency services.
- Accreditation: A teaching hospital affiliated with the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), focused on medical education and specialized care.
- Services: Provides emergency care, surgical procedures, and advanced diagnostic services. It is a hub for medical research.
Pharmacies
- Drogaria São Paulo
- Drogaria Pacheco
- Pague Menos
- Panvel
- Farmácia Nissei
Brazil Private Healthcare
Bradesco Saúde
Bradesco Seguros owns one of largest banks in Brazil and also Bradesco Saúde, one of Brazil’s largest health insurance companies. Individual policies range from BRL 450 to BRL 1500, and coverage options include dental care and access to private health facilities.
Amil
Amil is a prominent Brazilian private health insurance company. The company has a network of private hospitals and clinics across Brazil. Brazilian healthcare policies range from BRL 300 to BRL 1,300, depending on the level of coverage.
Unimed
Unimed offers the largest cooperative of doctors in Brazil. Services range from advanced dental care to telehealth services. Individual plans for retirees in Brazil cost between BRL 400 to BRL 1,200, and a family health insurance policy costs BRL 1,200 to BRL 3,000.
Brazil Health Advice for Travelers and Expats
Travelers exploring things to do in Brazil should read the latest information on government websites regarding health and safety in Brazil.
Those who require prescription medication should bring sufficient supplies in their original container with the date and a signed letter from their GP.
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for travel to Brazil:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Rabies
- Meningitis
- Rubella (MMR)
- Yellow Fever
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)
Your trust, our priority
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Frequently Asked Questions about Healthcare in Brazil
Is healthcare good in Brazil?
Brazil has a respected healthcare system that receives sustainable financing and provides comprehensive care and specialized treatment to all residents.
Does Brazil have free dental care?
Brazil’s Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde-SUS) provides free dental care. However, this is mostly for essential care. Private dental clinics offer services such as dental implants.
How to obtain prescription medications in Brazil?
Most common medications can be bought over the counter in Brazilian pharmacies. However, only licensed physicians prescribe medication in Brazi.
Is Brazil safe for pregnancy?
Though largely controlled, Brazil still presents a Zika virus risk, meaning pregnant women should avoid traveling to the country.
Is there an NHS in Brazil?
Brazil has a National Health Service (NHS) known as Sistema Único de Saúde-SUS.
How does health insurance work in Brazil for foreigners?
Brazil has no state-controlled health insurance system, as the country operates a universal healthcare system.
How much do Brazilians pay for healthcare?
Brazilians do not pay for healthcare as the country has a public healthcare system funded by taxes that provides free medical services.
Are mosquitoes bad in Brazil?
As a tropical country, mosquitoes and other insect bites are frequent in Brazil. Mosquito-related diseases such as Zika virus, chikungunya, dengue fever, and yellow fever are also risks.
Can you buy antibiotics over the counter in Brazil?
Antibiotics are a prescription-only medicine in Brazil.
What are the challenges of Brazil's healthcare system?
Despite universal coverage under the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), the Brazilian healthcare system faces changes due to significant inequality in access, with rural and low-income regions having fewer resources and longer wait times for care due to underfunding, limited infrastructure, and political inefficiencies.
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