Health Tourism in Brazil

In this article, you will find the answer for:

• Medical tourism in Brazil. 

• Plastic surgery in Brazil. 

• Mandatory vaccines in Brazil. 

• Is Brazil safe?

The name of the country derives from the Brazilwood tree, highly valued by the early colonists, which grew along the coast of Brazil and was used to produce a deep red dye.

Why Choose Brazil for Medical Tourism?

• 51 JCT-accredited hospitals and institutions,
• International recognition for outstanding services in the cosmetic surgery field,
• High-quality standards of healthcare services in private hospitals and clinics,
• Ultramodern technologies and renounced the medical expertise of the practitioners,
• Cosmetic surgery and dentistry with an outstanding reputation for orthopedics, sports medicine, bariatric surgery, and assisted reproduction,
• Cost-effective healthcare system. At the moment Brazil is competing only with Asia in providing medical treatments at low costs and with excellence.

Brazil is always striving to provide more healthcare solutions to meet the growing demand from the international market. As a part of this effort, the Brazilian Association of Medical Travel has been launched to provide better support for those who are seeking a visa for medical treatment. Additionally, the authorities are continuously seeking ways to improve airports, public transportation, and roads, build new hotels or renovate existing ones, and provide training for medical staff.

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Healthcare and Medical Tourism in Brazil

Traditionally Brazil has been known as the cosmetic surgery hub, but now many choose Brazil for major healthcare procedures and as a recuperation destination. 

Hospitals and healthcare venues are accredited by Joint Commission International (CJI) and by local authorities. Doctors and medical professionals are highly qualified and many of them have studied abroad acquiring international recognition and experience. 

Brazil has a unified health system. Under the current law, the responsibility to provide medical care belongs to municipal governments with technical and financial support from the federal government.

Plastic Surgery in Brazil

Despite its economic condition, Brazil is the second country in the world, after the USA, in the number of cosmetic or plastic surgeries performed. It is because of the overall low cost of a procedure and the social beauty standards that seem to be described as an "obsession for beauty". The cost of surgery is much lower in public hospitals, and very accessible even to those who have a low income. Insurance will cover the costs of certain body modifications if it is proven to be a medical necessity and the government subsidizes nearly half a million surgeries each year. Most clients are women but more and more men tend to go under the knife for aesthetic changes. The most popular procedures remain to be breast augmentation, facelifts, tummy tucks, nose jobs, and liposuction.

Mandatory Vaccines for Brazil

Note: Zika outbreaks have been reported in Brazil. For more information, see Zika Virus in Brazil.
Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. 

All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

Routine vaccines
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Brazil. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.

Safety in Brazil

CRIME: Brazilian police and media report that the violent crime rate remains high in most urban centers. Credit card fraud and ATM scams are endemic in Brazil. 

Brasilia: In Brasilia occur residential burglaries in the generally affluent residential sections of the city. Public transportation, hotel sectors, and tourist areas report the highest crime rates. Police reports indicate that rates of all types of crime, including “quicknappings,” have risen dramatically in Brasilia in the last two years. Brasilia’s Central Bus Station, or “Rodoviaria,” is a particularly dangerous area, especially at night. This location is known to have a large concentration of drug dealers and users.

Rio de Janeiro: The city continues to experience high incidences of crime, including armed robberies. Crime can happen at any place or time within Rio. Tourists are particularly vulnerable to street thefts and robberies in the evening and at night especially in areas adjacent to major tourist attractions. If robbed, do not attempt to resist or fight back, but rather relinquish your personal belongings. There have been reports of thieves and rapists slipping incapacitating drugs into drinks at bars, hotel rooms, and street parties. While crime occurs throughout the year, it is more frequent during Carnival and the weeks prior.

When choosing a lodge, consider location, security, and the availability of a safe to store valuables. Do not answer your hotel room door until you positively confirm who is on the other side.
Crime on public transportation is frequent, and at times is violent.  When traveling by taxi, tourists should only use taxis openly displaying company information and phone numbers, as well as red license plates. 

Report all incidents to Rio's tourist police (DEAT) at (21) 2332-2924.

The tourist police have been very responsive to victims.

Sao Paulo: All areas of Greater Sao Paulo have a high rate of armed robbery of pedestrians and drivers at stoplights and during rush hour traffic.  The downtown area and outskirts of the city are subject to higher levels of crime. The "red-light districts" of Sao Paulo, located on Rua Augusta north of Avenida Paulista and the Estacao de Luz metro area, are especially dangerous. There are regular reports of women drugging men's drinks and robbing them while they are unconscious. Armed holdups of pedestrians and motorists by motorcyclists are a common occurrence in Sao Paulo. Criminals also target restaurants throughout the city, frequently between the hours of 10:00 pm and 4:00 am, including the upscale neighborhoods of Jardins, Itaim Bibi, Campo Belo, Morumbi, and Moema. Victims who resist run the risk of a violent attack. 

Favela tours have recently become popular among foreign tourists in Sao Paulo. Avoid Sao Paulo’s favelas as neither the tour company nor the city police can guarantee your safety when entering favelas.
The São Paulo Tourist Police (Delegacia de Protecao ao Turista) numbers are 11-3120-4447and 3151-4167.
Recife: Tourists in Recife should take special care while on the beaches, as robberies may occur in broad daylight.  In the upscale Boa Viagem neighborhood, carjackings can occur at any time of the day or night.
The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Brazil is divided into three services: 190 - Policia (Police), 192- Ambulancia (Ambulance), and 193- Bombeiros (Fire Department).

Demonstrations: Demonstrations and political/labor strikes are common in urban areas, may cause temporary disruption to public and private transportation, and could become violent. Even demonstrations or events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. 
Per: country-specific information on travel.state.gov

Brazil Quick Facts

PASSPORT VALIDITY: Must be valid on the date of entry

BLANK PASSPORT PAGES: One page is required for the entry stamp

TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: Visit the Brazilian Consulate website to see if your trip qualifies for the visa waiver.

VACCINATIONS: None required

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY: None; amounts in excess of 10,000 BR must be declared to Customs.

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR EXIT: None; amounts in excess of 10,000 (BR) Brazilian Real must be declared to Customs.