Travelling to Brazil, a country with magnificent landscapes and a rich culture, is an unforgettable experience. However, in view of the high medical costs and specific risks involved, travel insurance for Brazil is recommended, and in some cases compulsory. Find out everything you need to know to choose the right coverage and leave with peace of mind.
Travel insurance in Brazil: is it compulsory?
Travel insurance for Brazil is not compulsory for French nationals. French travelers do not need to show proof of insurance to enter Brazil. However, it is advisable to take out such insurance. Medical costs are very high. In the event of accident or illness, you’re taking a big risk without coverage.
For certain visas or extended stays, the authorities require medical insurance with coverage of at least €30,000. The certificate must be written in Portuguese, English or Spanish. Otherwise, border officials may refuse entry to the country.
Why is travel health insurance essential for Brazil?
Brazil does not have a social security agreement with France. As a result, French social security does not reimburse your medical expenses in Brazil. In the event of accident or illness, costs can quickly mount up, especially in private establishments. Certain regions of Brazil present a health risk. They are exposed to diseases such as dengue fever, yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika. A travel health insurance policy will provide you with appropriate coverage, including medical expenses, hospitalization, medical repatriation and other essential guarantees.
Health establishments in Brazil charge particularly high rates. For example, a simple medical consultation can cost around 500 BRL, or around 80 euros. In the case of hospitalization, rates can reach around 5,000 BRL per day, equivalent to almost 800 euros. Emergency transport, meanwhile, can cost around 1,500 BRL, or around 240 euros.
What cover should I look for in travel health insurance for Brazil?
When choosing travel health insurance for Brazil, make sure it includes the following benefits:
- Medical and hospital expenses: A minimum cover of €300,000 is recommended to cover unforeseen health expenses.
- Medical repatriation: If necessary, this benefit covers the cost of early return to your country of origin.
- 24/7 assistance: A hotline available at all times to help you in an emergency.
- Civil liability abroad: Covers damage you may cause to third parties during your stay.
- Baggage insurance: Compensation in the event of loss, theft or damage to your personal belongings.
- Cancellation option: Reimbursement of costs incurred if you have to cancel your trip for unforeseen reasons.
| Warranty | Average ceiling |
| Emergency medical expenses | 100 000 € |
| Evacuation / repatriation | 150 000 – 200 000 € |
| Trip cancellation | Up to €3,000 |
| Lost or stolen luggage | Up to €2,000 |
| Baggage delays | Up to €500 |
| Civil liability | Up to €4.5 million |
Check exclusions
It’s important to carefully check the frequent exclusions of travel insurance policies. Generally speaking, pre-existing illnesses are not covered, nor are accidents related to the practice of extreme sports. Insurance policies often exclude the consequences of acts of war or terrorism. Nor do they cover incidents related to alcohol or drug abuse. Certain high-risk areas are sometimes excluded. Check these points carefully before choosing your policy.
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Brazil travel health insurance comparison
Here is an overview of some travel health insurances suitable for a stay in Brazil:
- AXA Assistance – Voyageo Court Séjour: Offers three formulas with reimbursement ceilings of up to €1 million, including 24-hour assistance, medical repatriation, teleconsultation with a French-speaking doctor, and coverage of legal fees up to €3,000.
- Chapka – Cap Assistance: Covers medical and hospitalization expenses up to €300,000, including in the event of Covid-19 contraction. Also includes repatriation assistance, luggage insurance and a cancellation option.
- Allianz Travel – Brazil Travel Insurance: Offers comprehensive coverage including healthcare reimbursement, medical repatriation, civil liability, and compensation for lost or stolen luggage.
- AVA – Plan Santé AVAnture: Offers packages tailored to long-term travelers, with coverage for medical expenses, repatriation assistance and civil liability.
Here is an overview of some travel health insurances suitable for a stay in Brazil, with their main advantages and limitations to make your choice easier:
| Insurance | Benefits | Limits |
| AXA Assistance – Voyageo Short Stay | ✓ High ceiling (up to €1 million)✓ 24-hour assistance✓ Teleconsultation with French-speaking doctor✓ Legal expenses covered up to €3,000 | ✗ Rates higher than average✗ Cancellation option not included as standard |
| Chapka – Cap Assistance | ✓ Medical expenses up to €300,000✓ Covid-19 coverage included✓ Luggage and repatriation assistance cover | ✗ Risk sports not covered (without option)✗ Lower medical ceiling than some competitors |
| Allianz Travel – Travel insurance Brazil | ✓ Comprehensive coverage: health, repatriation, third-party liability, luggage✓ International network of medical partners | ✗ Customer service sometimes criticized for delays✗ Complex formulas to compare |
| AVA – Plan Santé AVAnture | ✓ Ideal for long stays✓ Liability coverage included✓ Modular options | ✗ Less suitable for short stays✗ Higher rates for families |
Tip: When choosing your insurance, remember to compare deductibles, exclusions and reimbursement periods, which often vary from one insurer to another.
How much does travel insurance for Brazil cost?
| Length of stay | Estimated price |
| 1 week | 9 € à 139 € |
| 2 weeks | 17 € à 185 € |
| 1 month (family) | 185 € à 900 € |
The price depends on the cover selected, the number of travellers and the insurance company.
How do I take out travel insurance for Brazil?
Taking out travel insurance for Brazil with Santexpat.fr is quick and easy: start by filling in our online form with details of your profile and your trip. Then select the plan that best suits the duration of your stay and your specific needs. Finalize your subscription. Finally, you’ll immediately receive your insurance certificate by email, ready to present during your trip.
For complete peace of mind on your trip, make sure you have a certificate in English, Spanish or Portuguese, and that your policy covers Covid-19 costs.
Health before traveling to Brazil
Before you leave, we recommend that you :
- Update your vaccinations: Make sure you’re up to date on mandatory vaccinations (DTP), and consider vaccinations against yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, typhoid and rabies, depending on the region you visit.
- Take preventive measures against mosquitoes: Use repellents, wear long clothing and sleep under a mosquito net to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
- Take care with water and food: Drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw food to prevent gastrointestinal infections.
Ready to travel to Brazil with peace of mind?
Taking out the right travel health insurance is a crucial step if you want to travel to Brazil with complete peace of mind. By taking into account the essential coverages and choosing a package to suit your needs, you can protect yourself effectively against unforeseen medical and other incidents. Don’t forget to consult a healthcare professional before you leave for personalized advice.
