Do you really need travel insurance in Brazil?

Travelling provides the opportunity to experience different cultures, environments, and ways of life. Brazil has become an increasingly popular destination for travellers interested in its diverse landscapes, from major cities to pristine coastal areas and natural attractions like the Amazon Rainforest and Pantanal.

Whether visiting for a short holiday, a backpacking trip, study, or working as a Digital Nomad, preparing properly will help to ensure your trip runs smoothly.

A key part of this preparation is obtaining reliable travel insurance. Unexpected events such as illness, injury, or lost belongings can occur anywhere, and dealing with them in another country can be costly and complex. Travel medical insurance provides coverage for emergency healthcare, hospital visits, and other medical needs while abroad. It can also include support for trip cancellations or delays, offering a practical safeguard throughout your journey. Having comprehensive insurance allows you to focus on exploring Brazil with confidence and peace of mind.

Don't have time to read the whole article? > Visit SafetyWing to get a quote for your insurance > Find cheap accommodation for your trip > Find cheap bus tickets around Brazil

Why you do need travel health insurance in Brazil

You might think that skipping travel or health insurance is a smart way to save money, especially if you’re young and healthy. But one accident, illness, or mishap in Brazil can prove otherwise. Here’s why travel medical insurance is essential:

• Healthcare in Brazil: While Brazil has a public healthcare system (Sistema Único de Saúde or SUS), it’s often overburdened and may involve long wait times or limited resources, particularly in rural areas. For high-quality care, private hospitals are your best option, but they can be costly.

• Accidents in Remote Areas: Brazil’s vast and diverse geography makes it a playground for adventurers, but exploring remote regions like the Amazon or hiking trails in Chapada Diamantina can expose you to risks. In the case of severe injuries, emergency evacuations to better-equipped facilities in major cities can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

• Leisure Sports: Brazil is one of the world's top destinations for leisure sports such as hiking, which always have a risk of accidental injury.

• Adventure Sports: Brazil is an absolute hotspot for adventure sports enthusiasts, especially kitesurfing and paragliding, and these sports can be covered as well with an add-on. More on this below.

• Unforeseen Disruptions: Lost luggage, flight cancellations, or family emergencies back home can derail your plans and rack up unexpected expenses.

Without insurance, any one of these situations could lead to substantial financial losses. Travel medical insurance ensures you’re protected, giving you the freedom to focus on your work and adventures.

Why SafetyWing is the best solution for long-term travellers and Digital Nomads in Brazil

When it comes to travel medical insurance designed for digital nomads, SafetyWing is a top choice. Founded by digital nomads for digital nomads, SafetyWing is tailor-made to address the unique needs of remote workers exploring the world. Unlike other trip-based travel insurance, it uniquely works like a subscription, giving you the flexibility your nomadic lifestyle requires.

Its affordability, global coverage, and flexibility make it an excellent option, especially for those working and traveling in Brazil.

SafetyWing Plans: Essential and Complete

SafetyWing offers two distinct plans to meet the needs of digital nomads: the Essential Plan and the Complete Plan. Here’s an overview of each plan’s coverage:

1. Essential Plan

The Essential Plan is designed for short-term coverage and focuses on protection against unexpected medical and travel issues that may occur during a trip. It includes coverage for hospital stays, ambulance services, diagnostic procedures such as MRIs, and emergency dental care. It also covers evacuation to better equipped hospitals, which is particularly important in remote areas such as the Amazon or Chapada Diamantina where local facilities may be limited. The plan provides support for incidents such as lost checked luggage, leisure sports injuries, and trip interruption due to family emergencies. It also includes evacuation in the event of unrest and covers repatriation or burial if required.

2. Complete Plan

The Complete Plan offers the same benefits as the Essential Plan but is intended for those who need more comprehensive, long-term coverage. It adds coverage for doctor and specialist visits, preventative care such as vaccinations and screenings, and mental health services. It includes wellness therapies like chiropractic care and acupuncture, as well as coverage for cancer treatment. Maternity care is included after a waiting period, covering routine appointments, labour, and postnatal recovery. The Complete Plan also provides reimbursement for trip cancellation and protection for stolen belongings, including essential items such as passports and laptops. This plan is suitable for travellers who may need ongoing or extended care during their time abroad.

Are you in Brazil for Adventure Sports?

For nomads seeking adrenaline, travel insurance becomes even more important. Accidents are more likely to happen when you're doing these crazy things that you love! SafetyWing offers an Adventure Sports Add-On that is highly recommended for anyone planning to visit Brazil for adventure sports. This add-on provides coverage for risks associated with:

• Hang Gliding & Paragliding over Rio’s iconic beaches

• Kite-surfing along the windy coasts of Ceará

• Martial Arts, for those learning Brazilian jiu-jitsu and capoeira

• Motorbiking including motorized dirt bikes

• Scuba Diving to explore Brazil's incredible marine life

• Whitewater Rafting down the rivers of Itacare

Adding this option ensures you’re covered for injuries and emergencies arising from these high-adrenaline activities, making it a must for adventurous nomads.

Why Choose SafetyWing?

SafetyWing’s plans are designed with digital nomads in mind, making it an ideal choice for remote workers in Brazil. Here’s why:

1. Affordable Pricing: Starting at $56.28 for four weeks (Essential Plan for ages 18-39), SafetyWing offers one of the most cost-effective solutions for comprehensive coverage.

2. Flexibility: You can sign up from anywhere, even if you’re already traveling, and cancel at any time without penalties.

3. Global Reach: With coverage in over 180 countries, SafetyWing ensures you’re protected no matter where your journey takes you.

4. 24/7 Support: Fast, human assistance ensures claims and inquiries are resolved efficiently.

5. Digital Nomad-Centric: As a company created by nomads, SafetyWing understands your unique needs and offers solutions tailored to your lifestyle.

Brazil’s allure for digital nomads is undeniable, with its mix of vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and exciting opportunities. However, living and working in such a dynamic environment comes with its own set of risks. Whether you’re surfing in Pipa, trekking through the Amazon, or simply enjoying the café culture of São Paulo, SafetyWing ensures that you’re fully covered for medical emergencies, travel disruptions, and more.

Don’t leave your adventure to chance - let SafetyWing handle the unexpected so you can focus on exploring all that Brazil has to offer.

Want to know more? Get a quote from SafetyWing below:

Disclaimer: Choosing the right insurance is a personal choice - contact SafetyWing and consider your personal situation to decide if this insurance is right for you.

More resources for planning your trip to Brazil

• Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. Or, rent a car and give yourself the freedom to explore at your own pace.

• Find your perfect accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels

• You're not ready to travel until you have travel insurance. I recommend Safety Wing to my friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. Get a free quote

• Forgetting something? Read my packing check-list for Brazil, and my list of 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil