Brazil Healthcare coverage for visa purpose.

For my VITEM XI visa, I purchased 1 year of coverage from Aetna International. Specifically their Aetna Pioneer 1750 plan.  I was applying for the visa from the US. That was in late 2021.

For my VITEM XI visa, I purchased 1 year of coverage from Aetna International. Specifically their Aetna Pioneer 1750 plan. I was applying for the visa from the US. That was in late 2021.
-@BRBC

A VITEM XI Visa does not require health insurance coverage that I have ever heard of. IF you have a link to that information, I would truly like to see it.

It was a new requirement the consulate in Houston TX had imposed.  My brother in law ran into the same requirement in the Boston MA consulate at the end of 2022. 

I still don't see it listed:

https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/consulado-houston/servicos-consulares/vistos-visa/types-of-visa/vitem-xi-family-reunification

Maybe they were just requiring that during COVID.  Not certain.  Either way I got that policy and it satisfied their requirement.

@rraypo Interesting.  I read on this site somewhere that it was required also.  But the Chicago Consulate never requested it, and neither did Immigration or the Federal Police after I arrived in Brazil last June, 2022.  I had bought a 6 month Traveler's Insurance Policy in case I needed it.  I never needed it to satisfy any Retirement Visa Vitem XIV Requirements.  Now that I am living here, I bought a local Policy, which is MUCH less expensive than anything in the US, including that Traveler's Heath Care policy.

@rraypo Interesting. I read on this site somewhere that it was required also. But the Chicago Consulate never requested it, and neither did Immigration or the Federal Police after I arrived in Brazil last June, 2022. I had bought a 6 month Traveler's Insurance Policy in case I needed it. I never needed it to satisfy any Retirement Visa Vitem XIV Requirements. Now that I am living here, I bought a local Policy, which is MUCH less expensive than anything in the US, including that Traveler's Heath Care policy.
-@MA22

I follow a number of the Consulates and their requirements, I have never seen this one, but things seem to change quite fast.

-@BRBCS

Thank you. Sometimes it's like things change depending on the individual person you are working with, like a lot of other things in Brazil.

05/16/23 What local Brazil health insurance company can I get a policy to coverage me for my retitement visa requirement?
-@nicholsharvey

You're probably not getting very specific responses because private health insurance is very regionalized in Brazil: few companies offer nationwide service, the ones that do may have good reputations in one state and not in another, and one of the best regarded nationwide companies went belly-up in the middle of the pandemic. Knowing what state you're in may draw some specific suggestions. And it's always a good idea to ask local people which companies they recommend.

There's also a question of whether Brazilian private insurance will enroll someone who isn't a resident yet, but you'll know that soon enough once you can contact some companies.

Like BRBC, I got a plan from an international company for myself and my husband when I first arrived, with Cigna in my case. Customer service was fine, although the insurance was expensive, and it was an indemnity plan, so we had to pay everything upfront and then submit the receipts. Reimbursement was quick and efficient, but it was still reimbursement. We switched to a local plan after a year.

Something from Aetna or Cigna would certainly meet the requirement for you, though, and you could change later.

Having health insurance is required to get a retirement visa:

https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/consulado- … retirement

And understand that getting Brazilian private insurance that works would be difficult, so I am getting travel insurance that covers all of brazil.

Hello.

I also just purchased insurance from Cigna ( Brazil only ) needed for my retirement visa.

Check the link on the top of the page, it was very helpful with deciding coverage and fees.

My Cigna is for 12 months but allows you to opt out on any month with 15 day written notice. Once you are able to purchase insurance in Brazil you are not locked in.

Here's what you need to know, beyond brand names...

1.American Insurers.  Most of them will not be processed in Brazil. Even if an American Insurer is controlling a Brazilian Carrier. If the names don't match, no admissions, or processing.

2, Universal Health. A.K.A. SUS.  That is your Medicare and Medicaid rolled into one party. It is also the default treatment for the destitute or poor.  It is a last resort alternative. And you need legal residence. Foreigner or Brazilian, you need legal residence.  Granted you don't mind to be herded cattle in the pen. And the endless rubber stamping. And complete indifference by health care workers, as if they were doing you a favor.

It needs to be reminded that , some of the most reputable Hospitals or private praticcioners will refuse to work SUS patients.

3.Brazilian Carriers.  Domestic insurers in Brazil have varying degrees of quality. It is part luck of the draw, and part having the right people behind you to book you that emergency admission tomorrow.   What you already experienced in America, with shortchanged coverage ( we don't cover this test, that procedure, bla,bla,bla ), you stand a chance to have it here.  Again, luck of the draw.

4.Brazilian Carriers, Part Deux.... Some, if not most , of all Private Hospitals in Brazil, will list which Carriers they will work with.  You need to pick the best, and see if they will take your overpaid  ( for Brazilian Standards, there is ) insurance membership card.

5.Pay out of your pocket.  Once you tell them you are paying from your pocket, for most part, that's when the Red Carpet rolls in . Don't be surprised if they are to recommend unecessary procedures and tests.

6.Hospitals International Certifications. Doctor's Resumes.  All you need to know if they have a CRM Id , and then another ID for their specialty ( which requires added residence internship to meet the specialization mandate ).  All those lofty International Certifications and Added Resume Bullets, well, you can tell them to shove it.  Good doctors ( and nurses ) have empathy, sound listening skills., and work with patients. And while at it, Brazilians love padded resumes, Lord knows what for.

7.Those lofty reviews on Google ... Ignore them altogether . Look for the dirt, instead. And watch closely for the language skills by the complaining party. Brazilians live to gripe, but you want to screen for elaborate complaints.  The Pulitzer Prize in gripping types. With gory and detailed narratives. 

8.Medical Malpractice.  There is little to none. Most attorneys out here are not that competent to work on contigency, and they look for lower hanging fruits. Good Ambulance Chasers are hard to find.

And unlike Jimmy Sokolove, who advertised in every local news or billboard in America, Brazilian Lawyers are forbidden to advertised publicly.

I am thinking about going to Law School here, and specialize in Medical Malpractice.  I would make a killing out here. 

@MA22

What's the local policy you bought- I am looking for one here in Rio.

Thanks

Ron

Glad I have TRICARE,  pays in Brasil.

What local Brazil health insurance company can I get a policy to coverage me for my retitement visa requirement?
-@nicholsharvey

Depends entirely on the region you will live. 

Without making any endorsement , and i am no insurance broker, using the State of Sao Paulo as template....

Senior Citizens.   

Prevent Senior as it good and affordable as I've been told by a few. They actually maintain their own clinics and a hospital chain ( Sancta Maggiore ), yet, there are cases where they will cover out of the network treatment, if they can't meet. Every branch of them act also as a outpatient health clinic. 

Sul America has been launded to me, for speedy hospital admissions, and as a no hassle. They are pricey for Brazilian Standards. Since they might be acquired by a group from Rio, I would be very careful. Insofar, they are the standard bearer.

Amico - Very popular, with mid tier savvy buyers. Not the cheapest. 

Notre Dame - They maintain their own clinics and a scattered number of hospitals. I've gotten complaints there from time to time. Their facilities are posh.

I would consider health insurance as a gap.  Granted most expat want to beach comb, or live outside urban centers, for decent public health, even with an Universal Single Payer Government Free Health Care ( SUS ), the quality of delivery varies from State to State and even in between cities within a State. 

The Southern States ( Rio Grande do Sul, Parana, Santa Catarina, and Sao Paulo ) have thus far the best public and private network.  North and Northeast, my educated guess on good ones  would be Minas Gerais, Goias, Mato Grosso ( North and South ).   

Sao Paulo, the city, including Campinas, and the ABC region have, so far, the most specialized health care your money can buy.

I live in the ABC region, I do not have a carrier, and thus far, never had a need for one.

@MA22
What's the local policy you bought- I am looking for one here in Rio.
Thanks
Ron
-@359rongeipe

Rio ?  Health Care?   You mean the sausage factories out there. There ain't no good coming from Rio, son.

Hello.
I also just purchased insurance from Cigna ( Brazil only ) needed for my retirement visa.
Check the link on the top of the page, it was very helpful with deciding coverage and fees.
My Cigna is for 12 months but allows you to opt out on any month with 15 day written notice. Once you are able to purchase insurance in Brazil you are not locked in.
-@schuett17

CIGNA is an American carrier. Not sure of its reputation here, but American Carriers tend to fall short on coverage. Not to mention, they are often the first to mail in and bolt.   

There is a reason why Brazilian Branded Insurers still rule ( even assuming some might be under foreign ownership ). 

Every consumer oriented US Corporate Conglomerate tends to fail miserably in Brazil. Just on a short list, FYI, of overcapitalized colossal failures.

Walmart ( Carrefour and Casino ate their lunch )

Ford Motors ( They were on the way out, and now are fair game to Chinese Car Makers )

Prudential  ( They are taken to the cleaners by Porto Seguro, Tokio Marine, Alliansz )

Black & Decker

@rraypo Interesting. I read on this site somewhere that it was required also. But the Chicago Consulate never requested it, and neither did Immigration or the Federal Police after I arrived in Brazil last June, 2022. I had bought a 6 month Traveler's Insurance Policy in case I needed it. I never needed it to satisfy any Retirement Visa Vitem XIV Requirements. Now that I am living here, I bought a local Policy, which is MUCH less expensive than anything in the US, including that Traveler's Heath Care policy.
-@MA22

Good thing you rid yourself of Traveler.  They are known in New England and New York Metro.  Hartford, CT Carrier.  For a company that underwrites Casualty and Auto Policies, going into health care is a stretch. Further abroad, pricey and with poor coverage.

Good riddance.

@359rongeipe

Boa tarde!

I ended up buying a plan with Hapvida. Includes emergency/urgency and most of the basics for routine care and quite a few specialists... I think it's only good in a few others states here in the NE. We are in Paraíba. Way cheaper than any American Health Insurance plan or even the traveler's policy I bought initially. Hope this helps. 😊

@359rongeipe
Boa tarde!
I ended up buying a plan with Hapvida. Includes emergency/urgency and most of the basics for routine care and quite a few specialists... I think it's only good in a few others states here in the NE. We are in Paraíba. Way cheaper than any American Health Insurance plan or even the traveler's policy I bought initially. Hope this helps. 😊
-@MA22

We are with Hapvida as well - Pernambuco

06/22/23 @MA22, @Peter Itamaraca. We're with Hapvida also, in Amazonas. We're going on six years, and we've been pretty satisfied. We haven't had any major illnesses, but a relative did and is now entering her fifth year cancer-free after effective treatment that Hapvida coordinated well between their own and other private hospitals, and SUS for chemotherapy.

They have a good presence in the North and Northeast, and some presence in parts of the Southeast, South, and Center-West, where they're trying to expand.  Unfortunately, they're not in Rio de Janeiro.  As always, it's important to check their local reputation before signing up.

Private Insurance Coverage is a regional thing, outside of maybe Sul America and Amico. 

Hapvida in the Northeast, Prevent Senior in Sao Paulo.

I would keep an watch on your carrier, as  far as M&A, Financials, News Releases. After all, it's your monthly payments that you are sinking into this racket.

Out here, out of the pocket, for those who can afford, is welcomed more from practicioners, clincs, and hospitals more than any other carrier. These too, have to handle claims just as you have it Stateside. 

The moment you say, I am paying out of my pocket, expect the red carpet treatment.

Hapvida as well - Pernambuco
    -@Peter Itamaraca

Old thread but this is starting to become relevant to me as I am considering a move to the Nordeste.

In the US, I am currently with Cigna.  Do I need to also get additional Brazil insurance even if I don't plan to spend all year long?

My parents and other relatives from Canada who are expected to visit the beaches often - do they need to get additional health coverage - even for short tourist trips?

Just asking as no-one has ever had to buy additional health coverage for short tourist stays...

03/13/24  In the US, I am currently with Cigna.  Do I need to also get additional Brazil insurance even if I don't plan to spend all year long?My parents and other relatives from Canada who are expected to visit the beaches often - do they need to get additional health coverage - even for short tourist trips?Just asking as no-one has ever had to buy additional health coverage for short tourist stays...        -@Pablo888

Check your Cigna paperwork.  Cigna provides cover in Brazil, and you may already be covered, or be able to add coverage for a smalll additional premium. 

We had Cigna my first year here, though, and be aware that they operate in Brazil on a strict indemnity basis:  you pay, submit the receipts, and they reimburse you.  Their claims service is quick and handled electronically if you can manage it at your end, and their telephone Customer Service is very good.  It's in the suburbs of Glasgow, Scotland, however, and some people have trouble adjusting to the Glaswegian accent.

For visitors, a travel policy can be had pretty cheaply, and is probably worth it.  We always get one for my husband when we travel to the United States.  SUS will treat your visitors for emergencies, but they may follow up later for reimbursement.

@abthree thank you for the information.  I have bought travel insurance before but never used it - so I cannot say how valuable this is.

However, from the thread, emergency service in Brazil is not crazy expensive as it is in the USA.  The last time that my son had to go to the emergency in the US, the bill was around $970,000 but the insurance covered most of it.

My plan now is to have some emergency cash - in case I need it.  I will worry about claiming back after the emergency has been dealt with.

This is a bit of a headache for me. Being from the UK I have only ever needed travel insurance when travelling abroad. The thought of having to buy expensive health insurance just to get my retirement visa seems crazy. So I guess I have two questions here;

1. Will a more comprehensive travel insurance policy suffice for visa requirements?
2. Can I purchase health insurance before arriving in Brasil, and if so, does anyone have any recommendations for companies in the Sao Paulo area?

Thanks in advance for any info.

Boa noite!

1. I cannot say. When I received my Retirement Visa in 2022, I had purchased an International policy for 6 months.  I cannot remember the name of the company, but it was American.  I think I had to submit proof of this to the consulate (Chicago) before my Retirement Visa was approved. However, NOONE ever asked to see proof of this when I arrived at GRU International OR when I went to the Federal Police after my arrival. This was in Paraíba.  Not sure how strict/thorough they are in São Paulo. 
2. My understanding is that you will need your RG number (and card) beore you can purchase the local Health Insurance here in Brazil.  I got my own plan here in João Pessoa (Hapvida) after my 6 months expired with the Internatinal policy I had purchased in the USA.

Hope this is useful information!

@davidhall1959

If you are able to, apply for the Goldeb Visa rather than the Retirement Visa. It is much easier to achieve (so long as you qualify financially), and unlike the Retirement Visa it does not require proof of any health insurance in advance

03/31/24@davidhall1959

I did the same as @MA22, arriving with coverage by a US/International insurer, and changing to a Brazilian insurer as soon as I could -- the same one he and @Peter Itamaraca are with, as a matter of fact. 

Unfortunately, our plan isn't active in São Paulo, but your partner and your partner's family and friends should have a good handle on which plans are active there, and more importantly, which ones have a good reputation.