Travel Insurance for Brazil
Brazil is big, bold, and unforgettable, from its beautiful beaches to wild Amazon adventures, delicious cuisine, and much more. However, it is always important to stay prepared for the unexpected when you travel — and Brazil is no exception. Travel insurance can help you protect your health and your trip costs if something unexpected happens while you explore Brazil.
Do You Need Travel Insurance for Brazil?
Travel insurance is not a legal requirement for travel to Brazil, but it is recommended for international travelers (U.S. Department of State), given the potential unexpected situations you could face. According to On Call International, Brazil’s safety concerns for travelers include crime, expensive medical care, mosquito-borne illnesses, and weather, especially floods and landslides. With this in mind, the right travel insurance plan can help travelers be more prepared and offer coverage to help if unexpected issues arise.
Will Domestic Insurance Work in Brazil?
Your U.S. health insurance may offer limited—or no—coverage while you are traveling in Brazil, so it’s essential to review your policy before departure.
According to Medicare.gov, Medicare typically does not cover healthcare services outside the United States except in very limited circumstances. As a result, travelers who rely on Medicare often need supplemental insurance to access care abroad. Similar restrictions may also apply to many U.S.-based health plans.
To help address these potential coverage gaps, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that travelers consider purchasing travel medical insurance. Since Brazil’s healthcare system and associated costs can differ significantly from those in the United States, obtaining appropriate coverage can help protect you from unexpected medical expenses.
What Type of Travel Insurance is Right for Your Trip?
Travel insurance can protect many aspects of your trip, but not every plan functions the same way. The two main types to understand are comprehensive trip protection and travel medical insurance. Knowing how they differ makes it easier to choose the coverage that best fits your needs.
A comprehensive trip protection plan is designed to safeguard your prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses—such as flights, hotels, and tours—while also offering some benefits for unexpected medical emergencies or evacuations. This type of plan is ideal for travelers who want financial protection if a trip is canceled, interrupted, or delayed, and those disruptions could lead to additional costs or lost payments.
For instance, WorldTrips’ Atlas Journey® trip protection plan can reimburse you for eligible cancellation or interruption expenses, helping you recover non-refundable costs when a covered reason forces your plans to change.
Travel medical insurance, by comparison, focuses mainly on covering unforeseen medical expenses you might face while abroad. These plans may also include limited travel-related benefits, such as coverage for lost baggage or delays.
With Atlas Travel® insurance, you also gain access to Air Doctor, a service that helps you find telehealth appointments, in-clinic visits, or even in-hotel medical care during your trip. These plans are flexible, allowing you to choose your deductible coverage limits based on your destination, travel duration, and budget.
Travel Medical Insurance
Atlas Travel
Designed for international travelers who need travel medical insurance coverage while abroad. Choose your deductible and coverage limits to match your destination, length of stay, and budget.
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Trip Protection Plans
Atlas Journey
A great option for U.S. residents looking for trip protection. Trip insurance includes benefits for trip cancellation, interruption, delays, and emergency medical care.
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Why Choose WorldTrips for Your Brazil Travel Insurance?
The most meaningful trips come from discovery and connection, not from navigating unexpected setbacks. WorldTrips helps you travel with confidence by providing dependable coverage backed by decades of global experience.
Global Experience
For over 30 years, WorldTrips has protected more than five million travelers around the world, including families, students, frequent flyers, and business professionals. As a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies, we offer strong financial backing and a trusted record of reliability. The A++ (Superior) rating from AM Best reflects the commitment to stability and high-quality travel protection.
Flexible Coverage
No two trips are alike, which is why we offer plans that match a wide range of needs. WorldTrips provides flexible plans that can be customized with benefits for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, delays, and lost baggage. Whether you’re taking a short getaway, visiting loved ones, studying abroad, or embarking on a longer journey, you can choose coverage that fits your itinerary and budget.
24/7 Global Support
WorldTrips offers 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance and access to healthcare providers in more than 190 countries. Our team can help coordinate medical evacuations, connect you with local physicians, and more. Through our partnership with Air Doctor, you can easily arrange virtual or in-person medical appointments wherever you are if you purchase Atlas Travel.
Transparent Claims
Travel insurance should be easy to understand. WorldTrips provides a straightforward online claims process designed to make reimbursements simpler. You’ll receive a clear Description of Coverage at the time of purchase, so you’ll know exactly what is and isn’t covered—giving you clarity and peace of mind throughout your trip.
Here’s what our customers have to say:
- WorldTrips really has you covered! We have always relied on WorldTrips for our travel insurance. They were invaluable during covid, helping us repatriate to the US and even refunding us the remainder of our insurance. Their services are reasonable and cover everywhere, and the letter of coverage is so easy to print and show when needed. We recommend them to many people. Thanks WorldTrips! — Robin
- Online booking and cancelation is very simple. The customer service when contacted was very helpful. I have used this now two times for my Europe trips and would recommend to anyone. — Muthuraman
WorldTrips wants you to enjoy every moment of your trip, confident that we’re here to assist if your plans take an unexpected turn.
Healthcare in Brazil
According to On Call International*, Brazil offers very different healthcare experiences depending on where you are.
In major cities, Private medical facilities in cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro can provide a high standard of care. However, they may require payment up front, and treatment can be expensive for visitors who are not part of the local system.
Outside large urban centers, the availability and quality of care are more limited in smaller cities and rural areas. If you are traveling to remote regions or planning eco-tourism, you may need to be transported to a larger city for appropriate treatment. According to the U.S. Department of Health, ambulance services may be less reliable outside of state capitals and large cities; those who require fast medical services may prefer to take a private vehicle or taxi to the nearest major hospital, rather than waiting for an ambulance.
Because private facilities may ask for payment at the time of service, it is a good idea to carry proof of insurance and know how to contact your insurer’s assistance team before you leave home.
If you need medical treatment while traveling in Brazil, WorldTrips gives you the flexibility to visit any healthcare provider for eligible benefits, with no required network. You’ll pay the provider upfront and then submit a claim to be reimbursed. When filing your claim with WorldTrips, be sure to keep the following documentation:
- Itemized bills that list diagnoses
- Medical records and copies of prescriptions
- Receipts showing all payments made
- A doctor’s note if your condition impacted your travel plans
“WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024, based on our analysis of cost and coverage options.”
Visa & Entry Requirements for Brazil
According to the U.S. Department of State, it is required for U.S. citizens to obtain a visa or e-visa before departing for Brazil, regardless of the purpose of travel. You can find more information about visas and e-visas on the Brazilian government website.
Brazil’s visa and entry rules can change and vary based on your nationality, the purpose of your trip, and the length of your stay. Because of that, it is important to:
- Check the latest entry requirements with your nearest Brazilian embassy or consulate before you travel.
- Make sure your passport is valid for your entire stay and has blank pages for entry stamps and any required visas.
- Carry your passport or a clear copy with you when you are out and about. Brazilian police may ask to see identification, and they may also request to see the page that shows your visa if you have one.
- If you are traveling with a minor, Brazilian authorities may require written authorization for travel from one or both parents. Make sure to understand the requirements and prepare ahead of time.
Travel & Safety Tips for Brazil
Here are some health and safety tips from On Call International* and the U.S. Department of State:
Health
- Mosquito-borne disease: Dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses are present. Preventive steps like using insect repellent with DEET, wearing long sleeves and pants, and sleeping under nets where needed are important.
- Food and water safety: Gastrointestinal illnesses from contaminated food or drinks may occur for travelers in Brazil. Tap water is generally not considered safe to drink, and many locals stick to bottled or treated water.
Crime
- Stay alert in cities and tourist areas. Keep track of your personal items in crowded places such as markets, beaches, festivals, public transportation, and around airports.
- Keep a low profile. Avoid flashy jewelry, expensive watches, and visible electronics. Do not count cash in public. Be careful with phones and bags. Keep phones out of sight near streets and lock bags across your body.
Areas to Avoid
- Avoid favelas. Also known as vilas, comunidades, or conglomerados, these low-income informal settlements are often controlled by organized crime. Travelers should avoid these areas entirely.
- Be cautious near borders. Areas along Brazil’s land borders, especially within about 100 miles, are linked to smuggling and organized crime activity. Avoid Brazil’s administrative regions or “satellite cities,” especially at night: Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa
Transportation
- Limit self-driving. Road conditions vary widely; driving behavior can be unpredictable, especially on rural roads or at night.
- Guard against “smash and grab” theft. Keep doors locked, windows up, and valuables out of sight when in traffic or stopped at lights.
- Choose safe rides. Instead of hailing taxis off the street, prearrange official taxis or use reputable ride hailing services, checking that the license plate matches the app. Avoid public buses, especially at night.
Water and Beach Safety
- Take water safety seriously. Rip currents are common along many beaches, and safety measures such as lifeguards may not always be present. Swim only where you are confident in the conditions and your abilities.
- Watch for pollution. Some popular beaches and bays, including parts of Rio such as Copacabana, Ipanema and Guanabara Bay, can have high levels of pollution. Check local guidance before swimming.
- Choose reputable tour operators. Book with licensed providers that use proper safety gear and confirm that your travel insurance covers the specific activities you plan to try.
Female Travelers
- Ignore unwanted attention. Catcalling and other unwanted comments aimed at women may occur. Try to ignore the behavior and move toward a safer, more public place.
- Be very careful with drinks. Do not leave drinks unattended or accept open drinks from strangers or new acquaintances.
- Stay in groups and stick to well-lit routes. Women should avoid traveling alone at night.
Travel insurance for Brazil is about more than checking a box. It is about backing up your plans in a country where world-class cities, wild landscapes, and real risks all exist side by side. By combining smart safety habits with a thoughtful travel insurance plan from a provider like WorldTrips, you can focus more on enjoying Brazil and less on what might go wrong.
WorldTrips provides a variety of options for travel insurance to suit your travel needs. Each plan includes flexible coverage options, worldwide protection, and 24/7 emergency travel assistance. Get a quote today and find the plan that’s right for you!
* Country safety data provided by our trusted partner On Call International
** Pre Existing Condition Definitions
Pre existing condition definitions vary by plan type. Review the definition that applies to the product you are considering.
Comprehensive Trip Protection
(Atlas Journey, Atlas Cruiser, Atlas On the Go)
Pre existing condition means an illness, disease, or other condition during the 90 day period immediately before your coverage effective date for which you did any of the following:
• received a test, examination, or medical treatment
• received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment
• took or received a prescription for medication
Item (3) above does not apply to a condition that is treated or controlled solely through the use of prescription medication and remains treated or controlled without any change in required prescription throughout the 90 day period before your coverage effective date.
Change in required prescription means the dosage or frequency has been increased, reduced, stopped, and or new medication has been prescribed due to the worsening of the condition being treated. Exceptions include:
• switching between brand name and generic medication with equivalent dosage
• adjustments to insulin or anti-coagulant dosage
Pre-existing Condition Exclusion Waiver: Pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage unless you meet both of these requirements: 1) you purchase your Atlas Journey Elevate or Explore plan within 21 days or purchase your Atlas Escape plan within 14 days of the date you made your first payment toward your trip; and 2) you are medically able to travel on your coverage effective date.
If you do not purchase your Atlas Journey plan within the required time period, a 90-day lookback period will apply to pre-existing conditions. Coverage varies by plan and state of residency. Please review the policy documents specific to your plan and state of residency for a full list of covered reasons, conditions, and exclusions.
Travel Medical Insurance
(Atlas Travel, Atlas Premium, Atlas Nomad, Atlas MultiTrip, Atlas America)
Pre-existing Conditions are excluded except for an applicable Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition.
Pre existing condition means any injury, illness, sickness, disease, or other physical, medical, mental, or nervous disorder, condition, or ailment that, with reasonable medical certainty, existed at the time of application or at any time during the 2 years prior to the effective date of this insurance. This applies whether or not the condition was previously manifested, symptomatic, known, diagnosed, treated, or disclosed, and includes any subsequent, chronic, or recurring complications or consequences related to the condition.
An Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition means a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence that is of short duration, is rapidly progressive, and requires urgent care. A pre-existing condition that is a chronic or congenital, or that gradually becomes worse over time is not acute onset of a pre-existing condition. An Acute Onset of Pre-existing Condition does not include any condition for which, as of the Effective date, the Insured Person (i) knew or reasonably foresaw he/she would receive, (ii) knew he/she should receive, (iii) had scheduled, or (iv) was told that he/she must or should receive, any medical care, drugs or treatment.
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WorldTrips is a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. WorldTrips international travel medical insurance products are underwritten through binding authorities with TMHCC (CI) Insurance SPC Ltd and Houston Casualty Company (HC).