Information about Healthcare

Public Health Services

General

In Brasil, as is mandated in the constitution, healthcare is free and available to ALL PEOPLE PRESENT IN THE COUNTY, via the public system, SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde, or the Unified Health System).

Aditionally there are many private plans available, oftentimes offered through employers. These plans vary in quality and cost, but sometimes can offer smoother and more expeditious experience. As an example, our founder once needed to rely on SUS when he came down with strep throat, which took 2-3 hours to get registered (as it was the first time using the system) and then seen and treated, whereas other experiences in the private system might have taken 30 minutes to 1 hour for the same. Another benefit of using the private healthcare system is that doing so can reduce the burden on SUS, freeing up more resources for some of those who must use the public system, those most vulnerable members of Brasilian society such as the unhoused or impoverished. 

That being said, SUS is a marvel of the modern world - it is the largest government-run healthcare service in the world, serving more than 220 million users. While quality of service naturally will vary from clinic to clinic, every person in the country can be assured they will be treated for whatever cause.

Make no mistake, this publicly-funded service is FREE at the point of use.

Emergency Services

In case of emergency, the public hospital system is often initial point of reference – both due to ease of access because many private hospitals are known to reference public hospital for emergency situations. Particularly in cases like venemous animal bites or other trauma wounds, private hospital doctors will consult with counterparts at public hospitals since they are usually the most equipped with resources like antivenoms and general emergency care experience, since they routinely handle emergency cases of varying complexity. 

Examples of this include public hospitals listed in the links below – as regarded and listed by news organizations – as at the forefront in emergency care.

Non-Emergency Services

Most neighborhoods or cities have at least one local clinic that is the initial point of care. 

These clinics, in addition to providing (free) non-emergency care, are where most all (free) vaccinations can be received. 

Additionally, other services like gyms and dental care can be found depending on the size and availability in a given city or metropolitan area. 

Non-emergency services such as clinics can be found using the Meu SUS digital portal.

Private Health Services

General

Private clinics and hospitals also exist and are widely used in Brasil, by those who elect to afford them. 

Hospitals and Clinics (Emergency/Non-Emergency)

While ambulances are free in Brasil for emergency transport for care, there are some cases in which a private ambulance trip might cost you. However, these cases are more akin to medical taxis that are scheduled, and even considering the added cost, the R$2000 or so that some might cost is a far cry from what one might experience in some other countries.

Health Plans

Much like in various other countries around the world, in Brasil private health plans are often used, and are sometimes offered by different employers. These plans are fully elective though, as they cover only healthcare provided in private instituions, since in public institutions healthcare is free at the point of access. 

Different plans from different companies offer different benefits, naturally, and people shop for plans that suit their needs and wants, or conversely simply are provided them through their employers. Depending on what medical need a person has, it may make sense to use these plans at a private institution, or conversely the free public system may be a better option. Every person knows that they have the ability to rely on the public system, however, if needed.