Health insurance in Brazil · English support
Health insurance in Brazil for foreigners
We help expats, digital nomads and international families in Brazil compare private health plans, in English, and stay with you after you sign.
Free advice. Licensed brokerage in São Paulo since 2016.
Short answer
Foreigners living in Brazil can buy private health insurance. What operators usually ask for is a CPF (taxpayer number) and proof of address in Brazil. You can choose a Brazilian plan regulated by ANS (local network, strong coverage rules) or an international plan (coverage abroad). The digital nomad visa requires health insurance valid in Brazil.
What you need
- CPF — from Receita Federal (in Brazil) or a Brazilian consulate (abroad).
- Proof of address in Brazil.
- Your ID — passport and, if you have it, your RNM.
Brazilian (ANS) plan or international plan?
| Brazilian plan (ANS) | International plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it covers | Brazil | Brazil and abroad |
| Rules | Regulated by ANS: minimum coverage, waiting periods, price increases | Policy terms of each insurer |
| Price | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| Best for | Living in Brazil long term | Frequent travel, coverage at home country |
Prices in São Paulo (reference)
In October 2026, company plans started at R$ 192.90 per person per month (Porto Seguro, Hospital São Camilo, ages 0–18, with co-payment) and R$ 197.81 (SulAmérica, Rede D'Or São Luiz). Prices rise with age. If you have a Brazilian company (CNPJ), the company route usually offers more options.
Waiting periods
Emergencies are covered after at most 24 hours. Other procedures can have waiting periods of up to 180 days, and childbirth up to 300 days. If you already have a Brazilian plan for 2+ years, you may switch without new waiting periods (portability).
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners get private health insurance in Brazil?
Yes. Brazilian health plans are sold to foreigners living in Brazil. In general, operators ask for a CPF (Brazilian taxpayer number) and proof of address in Brazil; some also ask for your foreigner ID (RNM).
How do I get a CPF as a foreigner?
The CPF is issued by Receita Federal, Brazil's tax authority. In Brazil you can request it through Receita Federal service points; abroad, at a Brazilian consulate.
Do I need health insurance for Brazil's digital nomad visa?
Yes. Brazil's digital nomad visa requires health insurance valid in Brazil for the length of your stay. We can help you choose a plan that meets this requirement.
Can I use SUS, the public health system?
Yes. SUS is free and universal, including for foreigners in Brazil. Private plans add faster access and private hospitals such as Albert Einstein and Sírio-Libanês.
How much does health insurance cost in São Paulo?
It depends on age and network. As a reference, in October 2026 company plans (via a Brazilian company registration) started at R$ 192.90 per person per month for ages 0–18. We send exact prices for your ages.
Sources
Waiting periods: Law 9,656/1998, art. 12. Portability: ANS Normative Resolution 438/2018. Digital nomad visa: CNIg Resolution 45/2021. Prices: operator tables, October 2026, subject to change.