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Travel Insurance for Brazil: Why You Should Get One and What I Use

Brazil is an absolute dream destination. Think white sandy beaches, Amazonian adventures, wild carnival nights, and delicious food that will make you want to stay forever. But let’s be real—traveling always comes with a bit of risk, and Brazil is no exception. That’s why having solid travel insurance for Brazil isn’t just a smart move; it’s a must.

And if you ask me which insurance I trust? Hands down, SafetyWing – I use it myself.

“But wait, aren’t you Brazilian? So why would you need travel insurance for Brazil?”. Well, dear reader, that’s an excellent question with an easy answer: I don’t live in Brazil, so whenever I travel around my beloved home country, I’m also a tourist – an expert tourist, if you will.

So today, I will discuss why you need travel insurance for Brazil, which I use myself. Let’s break it down.

Want to check out SafetyWing’s plans? Click here to learn more and start your adventure with peace of mind!

Bruna and Frank diving with a sea turtle in Arraial do Cabo, Brazil
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Why is it smart to have travel insurance for Brazil?

Oh, Brazil. What an incredible country! I’m yet to meet someone who regrets visiting it. Still, you need to plan for unexpected situations because things can go wrong no matter where you go: South America, Europe, Oceania… Imagine these scenarios:

  • You get food poisoning after indulging in one too many street market delights in a major city. (I’ve been there.)
  • You twist your ankle hiking in Chapada Diamantina and need urgent medical treatment.
  • Your phone mysteriously disappears from your pocket on a crowded metro in São Paulo. (Pickpocketing happens, unfortunately.)
  • A flight delay causes you to miss your connection, leaving you stranded at an airport in Rio de Janeiro with no backup plan.

That is, having travel insurance means you’re not paying out of pocket for expensive bills related to medical emergencies, stolen belongings, travel delays, or unexpected trip cancellations. It’s that extra safety net that lets you enjoy your trip stress-free.

And honestly, who doesn’t want that?! I know, right.

What should you consider when choosing travel insurance for Brazil?

Not all travel insurance is created equal. Here’s what you need to look out for:

  • Medical coverage – Brazil has both public and private hospitals, but as a traveler, you’ll likely need private care, which can be pricey.
  • Emergency assistance – You want 24/7 support in case things go south.
  • Adventure sports coverage – Planning to surf in Florianópolis or paraglide over Rio de Janeiro? Make sure your insurance covers these activities.
  • Stolen belongings – Phones, cameras, and passports are prime targets for thieves in touristy areas.
  • Trip interruption & delays – Travel plans change, flights get canceled, and you want to be covered when they do.

Also, always read the travel insurance policy to ensure it covers what you need.

Why do I recommend SafetyWing?

If you have been following me long enough, you know by now that I only recommend products and services that I use. Otherwise, I will openly mention my lack of experience with it. I’m all about the good stuff and travel tips so you have an amazing time in Brazil.

Anyway, I personally use SafetyWing, and here’s why I think it’s the best insurance for anyone traveling to Brazil:

  • It’s super flexible – Whether you’re a digital nomad, backpacker, or just taking a short vacation, there’s a plan for you.
  • Affordable pricing – Compared to traditional insurance, SafetyWing offers budget-friendly options.
  • Subscription model – No need to manually renew; it runs on an easy 28-day cycle.
  • Great customer service – If you ever need help, their team is surprisingly responsive and helpful.

And they’ve two plans that make travel insurance even better:

SafetyWing travel insurance Brazil

SafetyWing’s Plans: Essential vs. Complete

1. Essential Insurance

Are you a short-term traveler? Essential is best for you, then! In a nutshell:

  • Covers unexpected medical issues and travel risks.
  • You can choose fixed dates for shorter trips.
  • Works mostly while you’re outside your home country. It has limited coverage back home, 30 days in a 90-day period, or 15 in the case of the US.
  • Subscription renews every 28 days (max 364 days, after which a new policy automatically starts).

It basically covers emergency scenarios related to your trip, like a trip interrupion due to a family member passing, costs for unplannen overnight stay due to travel delays, evacuation from local unrest, medical treatment/hospitalization and more!

Perfect if you’re coming to Brazil for a few weeks or months and want basic yet solid coverage.

Click here to buy your insurance.

2. Complete Insurance – Best for Long-Term Travelers

Are you traveling for a long period? Then, Complete is the insurance you need.

It includes everything from the Essential plan, plus:

  • Full coverage in your country of residency (great for nomads who move between countries).
  • Adventure sports included – so you can surf, dive, or skydive with peace of mind.
  • Minimum contract of 12 months, renewable indefinitely.

So, it covers everything on Essential plan plus routine check-ups for preventive care, vaccines, visits with a psychologist/psyciatrist, maternity care, wellness therapies such as dietician, acunpunture, and chiropractics, and more!

Perfect if you’re a full-time traveler, digital nomad, or simply want top-tier coverage.

Click here to buy your insurance.

But, what’s the main difference between them? SafetyWing’s Essential plan covers travel and medical emergencies with options for adventure sports and electronics theft. Their Complete plan offers comprehensive health coverage with routine healthcare, mental health support, and maternity anywhere in the world, including in your home country, on top of all Essential benefits.

How much is travel insurance for Brazil?

Glad you asked. While the cost of travel insurance for Brazil isn’t expensive, at least, I don’t consider SafetyWing expensive, it’s something to consider when choosing your insurance, of course.

Starting at $56/4 weeks, the Essential plan covers a bunch of things and gives you peace of mind when traveling in Brazil. The Complete plan starts at 150.50/month.

  • Essential plan: Starts at $56 per 4 weeks.
  • Complete plan: Starts at $150.50/month.

Final Thoughts on Brazil Travel Insurance: Get Covered and Enjoy Brazil Worry-Free

I have traveled around quite a lot and I can safely say that Brazil is one of the most exciting places to visit around the world!

Still, smart travelers know that being prepared is key. Both SafetyWing’s insurances provide reliable and affordable coverage for every type of traveler.

I use it, I trust it, and I recommend it. So, if you’re planning a trip to Brazil, do yourself a favor—get insured and travel stress-free.

Want to check out SafetyWing’s plans? Click here to learn more and start your adventure with peace of mind!