Sistema Único de Saúde
The public health system (SUS -Sistema Único de Saúde) in Brazil has a lot of problems like crowded public hospitals and medical service units (Postos de Saúde), long waiting lines to be attended for exams and consultations even in cases of emergency.
Therefore it is suggest that people get a private health insurance which covers all medical and dental cases and emergencies partial or completely. Not covered by many private insurances are drugs and remedies, which have to be fully paid by the client. Some companies offer cover for medicines etc as an option. There are also separate plans for medicines.
Depending on your preferences you can choose from a variety of services which will be covered by the insurance or not.
Many insurance companies, banks and collectives offer many different types of insurances. Also some hospitals offer insurances, in this case usually all exams and consultations have to be done in that specific hospital. While other insurances offer the opportunity to choose the doctor, laboratory or hospital from a list of accredited professionals and institutions.
You can include or exclude treatments like dentist, specialists for skin or eye deceases as well as hospital services, which will influence the monthly payment for the insurance.
Before closing a contract with one of the providers of health insurances, you should contact the local consumer defense organization (PROCON) to get more information about the reputation and the quality of the company and the health insurance.
On this site you will find the nearest PROCON or similar organization of your place of residence in Brazil:
See the membership page on this site for details of discounts on Medical Insurance
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