Healthcare and health insurance for expats in Rio de Janeiro

Healthcare in Rio de Janeiro is available in the form of both public and private facilities. Public healthcare is free for all citizens and legal residents in Brazil. You’ll have access to GP consultations, inpatient treatment and surgery at no cost under Brazil’s Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS).

Although permanent residency status in Brazil allows access to free public healthcare, most people opt for healthcare at private institutions. This is primarily due to the lower quality of the public health system.

Comprehensive health insurance is essential when living in Rio de Janeiro, as most expats rely on private healthcare for quality care. People moving to Rio as part of a corporate relocation package often have their health insurance costs covered by their employer.

The standards of private health facilities in Rio are generally high, while healthcare practitioners in the city are also qualified and skilled. Rio de Janeiro even has a reputation as a medical tourism hotspot, particularly in the field of cosmetic surgery. In 2023, Brazil performed over 14 percent of the world’s plastic surgeries. Many private institutions offer special sections for international patients with English-speaking staff.

In medical emergencies, you should know Brazil’s emergency numbers: 190 for police, 192 for ambulance services (SAMU), and 193 for fire services. Many private hospitals in Rio offer 24-hour emergency departments with English-speaking staff.

Healthcare and Health Insurance in Brazil

Below is a list of some of the top hospitals in Rio de Janeiro.

Hospitals in Rio de Janeiro

healthcare professionals in a hospital corridor

Barra D’Or Hospital

Website: www.rededorsaoluiz.com.br
Address: Avenida Ayrton Senna, 3079, Barra da Tijuca

Hospital Copa D’Or

Website: www.rededorsaoluiz.com.br
Address: Rua Figueiredo de Magalhães, 875, Copacabana

Casa de Saúde São José

Website: www.redesanta c atarina .o rg .br
Address: Rua Macedo Sobrinho, 21, Humaitá

Hospital Federal dos Servidores do Estado

Website: www.hse.rj.saude.gov.br
Address: R. Sacadura Cabral, 178

Pedro Ernesto University Hospital

Website: www.hupe.uerj.br
Address: Blvd. 28 de Setembro, 77

Hospital Federal da Lagoa

Website: www.gov.br
Address: R. Jardim Botânico, 501

Hospital Samaritano Botafogo

Website: www.hospitalsamaritano.com.br
Address: R. Bambina, 98, Botafogo

Quinta D’Or Hospital

Website: www.rededorsaoluiz.com.br
Address: Rua Alm. Baltazar, 435, São Cristóvão

What do expats say about the healthcare in Rio de Janeiro?
"Public healthcare is universal here, but its quality and speed is mediocre compared to private options. I've actually never gone to a hospital or health clinic in Brazil. One thing I've had trouble with is obtaining certain medications at pharmacies here, but a lot of medications you'd need prescriptions for in the US don't require prescriptions here."
Read more of American expat Elliot’s expat interview about Rio de Janeiro.

Are you an expat living in Rio de Janeiro?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Rio de Janeiro. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.