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chefjim

Ola gente!

I am planning to return to Brasil in January, and would appreciate any current information concerning the requirement to have medical insurance to cover my planned stay.   I have noticed that some airlines do not have this statement in their websites.....but, on American Airlines proof of medical insurance is mandatory to purchase prior to leaving. 

I have tried to call the Brazilian embassy for an answer to this question, but, to date, have not received a return call.  Can someone please give me a correct answer to this problem. 

Muito obrigado!

Jim

Texanbrazil

Latest advisory.

Health Alert: December 14, 2020
Location:  Brazil
Event: Extension of Brazil Travel Restrictions on Land and Sea Borders
Effective December 11, Brazil extended the restrictions on entry of foreigners by land (unless for transit) and sea, for an additional seven days, through December 18.  The entry of foreign visitors traveling by air for a short stay of up to 90 days is currently permitted.   
The U.S. Department of State continues to recommend that all travelers purchase insurance before departing the United States.  The U.S. government does not provide health insurance for U.S. citizens overseas and does not pay medical bills.  Commercial flights between the United States and Brazil operate on a regular basis.  Although Brazil has opened its borders to visitors traveling by air, U.S. citizens considering international travel should be aware that Brazil remains at a Level 4 Travel Advisory (Do Not Travel) and continues to experience high daily case numbers of COVID-19.   
Foreigners who are in a country that shares a land border with Brazil and need to cross the border to take a flight back to their country of residence may enter Brazil with authorization from the Federal Police and must follow the steps below: 
•    The foreigner must obtain an official note from the embassy or consulate of the country of citizenship (U.S. citizens should reach out to the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate General for assistance) 
•    When crossing the border, the air tickets for the flight to the home country must be presented to the immigration official; and 
•    After approval of the request, the foreigner must go directly to the airport after crossing the land border. 
Those in the following categories are exempt from the provisions in this decree: 
•    Brazilian citizens, born or naturalized 
•    Permanent residents of Brazil 
•    National Immigration Registry Card Holders (Registro Nacional Migratório – RNM) 
•    Foreign professionals employed by a non-governmental aid organization recognized by the Brazilian government 
•    Foreign officials, such as diplomats, accredited by the Brazilian government 
•    Spouse, domestic partner, son or daughter, father or mother, or caregiver of a Brazilian citizen 
•    Any person whose entrance into Brazil is deemed by the government to be in the public interest 
•    Travelers in transit in one of the following categories: 
o    Cargo delivery 
o    Passengers required to disembark for aircraft refueling or repairs 
o    Flight crews
Brazil notice in Portuguese
https://pesquisa.in.gov.br/imprensa/jsp … Arquivos=3

Although no longer required, I would recommend travel insurance. The majority of the hospitals are maxed. Our local hospitals do not allow anyone but the person needing assistance. No non-emergencies (must go to clinic and wait) and no elective surgeries

Drjmagic

Hi,


I arrived in Sao Paulo November 29 and was not asked anything about insurance.  That being said, I DO have insurance including COVID. With the ongoing high numbers of infection in Brazil, it might be a prudent investment. Heymondo was the most reasonable insurance I could get as a Canadian. You might get less expensive plans if you are coming from a different country.

Drjmagic

Hi,


I arrived in Sao Paulo November 29 and was not asked anything about insurance.  That being said, I DO have insurance including COVID. With the ongoing high numbers of infection in Brazil, it might be a prudent investment. Heymondo was the most reasonable insurance I could get as a Canadian. You might get less expensive plans if you are coming from a different country.

rraypo

My wife and I just flew into GRU from Seattle, SEA.  Other than masks at both airports and on the plane, United, it was a fast, perfect, and VERY CHEAP flight, no airport crowds, one flat tire on the plane, but no delays, no customs inspections, no shots, no health insurance, no one taking any body temperatures, just business completely as usual.

chefjim

Hi guys!

I want to thank you all for your timely responses to my question.   I'm looking forward to my return....with a lot less stress!  Muito obrigado para todos!

Texanbrazil

One question for Expats. IF and when a vaccine is available in Brasil, will non-citizens receive it?
All I read is "citizens" fall into certain groups. Never mention permanent residence's in a group.
Even if you have insurance, will it be available;e to us?  :unsure

abthree

The Brazilian Constitution guarantees medical care to all people in Brazil, not just citizens.  I wouldn't worry:  if you go in - to SUS, for example - when your age group is called (if that's how it runs) with your CRNM in hand, they're not going to turn you away.  ;)

Texanbrazil

Well, that's good and bad. If I have to go to SUS the line for my group would be backed up to our house.  :dumbom:
Wonder if my private hospital will do the same? We would have to close the border because of others coming across. As soon as we open the bridge, I noticed our clinics were swamped.

abthree

If you're paying for a private medical plan, they're not going to turn you away.

As for SUS, I've received good treatment there. The waits aren't always terrible, especially for something as simple as a shot.  You're old enough for the "Prioridade" line, so step right up ... but bring a book, just in case.  ;)

Texanbrazil

Never been to the SUS hospital or clinics, SInce all beds are full and no admittance into hospital/ clinics, I would think they would use the same clinics as the dengue shots/ Then again there will be more paperwork and tracking on the vaccine.
Keep in touch. I missed the US stimulant payment and now a second go-around coming who knows.  I do not want to miss the vaccine.

abthree

Texanbrazil wrote:

Never been to the SUS hospital or clinics, SInce all beds are full and no admittance into hospital/ clinics, I would think they would use the same clinics as the dengue shots/ Then again there will be more paperwork and tracking on the vaccine.
Keep in touch. I missed the US stimulant payment and now a second go-around coming who knows.  I do not want to miss the vaccine.


Will do.

A couple of months ago, I had minor surgery on my scalp.  The doctor, like many doctors here, works part-time both for our private medical plan, and for SUS.  He saw me at the private clinic, but wanted to perform the surgery at the SUS Serviço de Pronto Atendimento where he also works, which is the intermediate level of care between the neighborhood Postos de Pronto Socorro and SUS's hospitals.  He thought that the risk of covid infection was lower there than in our plan's private hospital.  We had to provide our own bandages (!), but aside from that, the SUS facility was clean and professional, and just fine.

Texanbrazil

Brazil will require a negative test of Covid to enter the country
The federal government published an ordinance on Thursday (17) in which it will require a negative RT-PCR test for Covid-19 for Brazilians and foreigners entering the area in the country.

The rule takes effect on December 30 and the test must be submitted to the airline operating the flight.

The exam date must be a maximum of 72 hours prior to travel. Those who do not submit to the rule may be deported or have an application for asylum denied - in case of foreigners - or from paying fines.

This type of requirement is already applied by countless countries in Europe, Asia, and even other countries in the Americas to control the arrival of foreigners and also of contaminated residents. (ANSA).

rraypo

Texanbrazil wrote:

Brazil will require a negative test of Covid to enter the country
The federal government published an ordinance on Thursday (17) in which it will require a negative RT-PCR test for Covid-19 for Brazilians and foreigners entering the area in the country.

The rule takes effect on December 30 and the test must be submitted to the airline operating the flight.

The exam date must be a maximum of 72 hours prior to travel. Those who do not submit to the rule may be deported or have an application for asylum denied - in case of foreigners - or from paying fines.

This type of requirement is already applied by countless countries in Europe, Asia, and even other countries in the Americas to control the arrival of foreigners and also of contaminated residents. (ANSA).


Confirming, I saw this on last night's, Thursday's, and tonight's TV news here in Sau Paulo.  You might start a new thread on here to get more people to catch on.

Texanbrazil

Health Alert: December 21, 2020

Location:  Brazil

Event: New Requirements for Air Travelers to Brazil

Effective December 17, Brazil extended the restrictions on entry of foreigners by land (unless for transit) and sea, for an indefinite period.   

The entry of foreign visitors traveling by air for a short stay of up to 90 days is currently permitted but beginning December 30, all travelers to Brazil by air (Brazilians and foreigners) must present the following to the airline before boarding:

1) Negative COVID-19 test: specifically, a document from a laboratory test (RT-PCR) for screening for infection by SARS-CoV-2, with a negative/non-reactive result, performed within 72 hours prior to the moment of boarding; and;

2) Traveler’s Health Declaration (DSV): filled out (in print or digitally) agreeing to sanitary measures that must be complied with during the traveler’s time in Brazil.  Note: the Brazilian government has not issued the specifics of this document yet but it is understood that the form will be distributed prior to boarding the airplane to Brazil. 

The U.S. Department of State continues to recommend that all travelers purchase health insurance before departing the United States or verify that their existing health insurance will cover them while abroad.  The U.S. government does not provide health insurance for U.S. citizens overseas and does not pay medical bills.  Commercial flights between the United States and Brazil operate on a regular basis.  Although Brazil has opened its borders to visitors traveling by air, U.S. citizens considering international travel should be aware that Brazil remains at a Level 4 Travel Advisory (Do Not Travel) and continues to experience high daily case numbers of COVID-19.   

Regarding land border crossings, non-Brazilian citizens or residents, except those exempt (see list below) and who are in a country that shares a land border with Brazil and need to cross the border to take a return flight to their country of residence, may enter Brazil only with prior authorization from the Federal Police and must follow the steps below: 

The traveler must obtain an official note from the embassy or consulate of the country of citizenship (U.S. citizens should reach out to the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate General for assistance) 

When crossing the border, the air tickets for the flight to the home country must be presented to the immigration official; and 

After approval of the request, the traveler must go directly to the airport after crossing the land border. 

Those in the following categories are exempt from the land border entry restrictions 

Brazilian citizens, born or naturalized 

Permanent residents of Brazil 

National Immigration Registry Card Holders

Foreign professionals employed by a non-governmental aid organization recognized by the Brazilian government 

Foreign officials, such as diplomats, accredited by the Brazilian government, and their eligible family members.

Spouse, domestic partner, son or daughter, father or mother, or caregiver of a Brazilian citizen 

Any person whose entrance into Brazil is deemed by the government to be in the public interest 

Travelers in transit in one of the following categories: Cargo delivery and flight crews


  Actions to Take:

Review the December 17 Brazilian Government announcement (in Portuguese).

See the State Department’s Level 4 Travel Advisory for Brazil. 

If you have questions, visit the U.S. Embassy website on COVID-19 or contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General closest to you.

rraypo

Great info, thanks for posting

sprealestatebroker

It would be interesting to see if you can purchase Brazilian Health Insurance otherwise.   Anyone has a take in this?

abthree

sprealestatebroker wrote:

It would be interesting to see if you can purchase Brazilian Health Insurance otherwise.   Anyone has a take in this?


CRNM holders definitely can - I did when I was living with that as my ID document.   Not sure about people here on a Visitor Visa.

Texanbrazil

NEW ALERT
Health Alert: December 24, 2020

Location:  Brazil

Event: UK Travel Restrictions and Additional Details Regarding the COVID-19 Test for Air Travelers to Brazil 

As communicated in a Health Alert on December 21, the entry of foreign visitors traveling by air for a short stay of up to 90 days is currently permitted but beginning December 30, all travelers to Brazil by air (Brazilians and foreigners) must present 1) a negative/non reactive COVID-19 test as well as 2) proof of a completed Declaration of Traveler’s Health (DSV) to the airline responsible for the flight, before boarding.  Travelers will need to fill out the DSV (in print or digitally) agreeing to sanitary measures that must be complied with during the traveler’s time in Brazil.  Note: the Brazilian government has not issued the specifics of this document yet but it is understood that the form will be distributed prior to boarding the airplane to Brazil. For further questions on this document, please contact your airline. 

Effective December 25, international flights to Brazil originating in or passing through the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are prohibited on a temporary basis. Foreign travelers who are coming from or passing through the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the last fourteen days will not be permitted to embark on flights to Brazil.

Please see below further clarifications from the Brazilian government regarding the required COVID-19 test:

The COVID-19 test must be a document from a laboratory test (RT-PCR) for screening for infection by SARS-CoV-2, with a negative/non-reactive result, performed within 72 hours prior to the moment of boarding;

The document must be presented in Portuguese, Spanish or English;

The test must be carried out in a laboratory recognized by the health authority of the country of departure;

Children under the age of twelve who are traveling with a companion are exempt from presenting a COVID-19 test provided that all companions present the required negative/non-reactive COVID-19 tests.  However, children aged two or over and less than twelve years old who are traveling unaccompanied must present proof of the negative/non-reactive COVID-19 test;

Children under the age of two years are exempt from presenting a negative COVID-19 test;

In the event of travel to Brazil with connections or stopovers where the traveler remains in a restricted area of ​​the airport, the seventy-two hour period applies for prior to boarding the first flight of the trip.

The U.S. Department of State continues to recommend that all travelers purchase health insurance before departing the United States or verify that their existing health insurance will cover them while abroad.  The U.S. government does not provide health insurance for U.S. citizens overseas and does not pay medical bills.  Commercial flights between the United States and Brazil operate on a regular basis.  Although Brazil has opened its borders to visitors traveling by air, U.S. citizens considering international travel should be aware that Brazil remains at a Level 4 Travel Advisory (Do Not Travel) and continues to experience high daily case numbers of COVID-19.   



For information on the restrictions in place on the entry of foreigners by land (unless for transit) and sea, please see our December 21 Health Alert.   

Actions to Take:

Review the December 23 Brazilian government announcement (in Portuguese).

See the State Department’s Level 4 Travel Advisory for Brazil. 

If you have questions, visit the U.S. Embassy website on COVID-19 or contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General closest to you. 

Follow the U.S. Mission to Brazil on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. 

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and Messages from the U.S. Embassy.

mberigan

Just saw this -  negative test for Covid 3 days prior to travel to the USA:

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021 … ngers.html

Texanbrazil

Take a look at the CBP site if Brazilian. Many restrictions as to entering the US from Brazil. Stepdaughter came from US (student visa) and now may not return unless the new president amends the proclamation.

rraypo

The funny thing seems to be the CDC is still not stating just what type of test will be required prior to entering the USA.

Golsucks

Regarding travel insurance. I canceled my flight due to a sore throat. Just in case I had Covid. I tried to extend my blue cross insurance and was denied. I don’t recommend flying with symptoms but you better lie to the Blue Cross insurance company
I am fine now. It was just a sore throat. But I don’t have insurance.

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