- The best travel insurance plans for Brazil
- Is it currently safe to travel to Brazil?
- Is travel insurance required to enter Brazil?
- Why take out travel insurance for Brazil?
- Travel insurance coverage for Brazil
- The cost of travel insurance for Brazil
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Brazil
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Brazil?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Brazil: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Brazil covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen belongings.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for entry, but it is strongly recommended for your financial protection.
3. Healthcare cost: Private healthcare is expensive; a hospital stay can easily cost over AUD $500 per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Brazil typically costs between AUD $40 and AUD $80.
5. Good to know: Australians will require an e-visa for tourism or business in Brazil from 10 April 2025.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Brazil.
The best travel insurance plans for Brazil
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | AUD 1.6M | Our recommendation for safe travel to Brazil. - high medical cover - repatriation included - broad guarantees |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | AUD 1.6M | Reliable for families and city breaks in Brazil. - 24/7 helpline - cancellation cover - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | AUD 800k | A practical and value option for tourist visits. - solid medical cap - emergency help - everyday protection |
| Travel Pass Monde | AUD 1.1M | Suitable for extended stays and remote travel. - ambulance and hospital costs - repatriation - wide territorial scope |
| Globe Partner | AUD 480k | Basic plan for travellers visiting larger cities. - essential assistance - civil liability - easy claims |
| Globe Traveller | AUD 800k | Affordable solution for short stays. - core medical cover - fast reimbursements - good cap for urban travel |
- high medical cover
- repatriation included
- broad guarantees
- 24/7 helpline
- cancellation cover
- no deductible
- solid medical cap
- emergency help
- everyday protection
- ambulance and hospital costs
- repatriation
- wide territorial scope
- essential assistance
- civil liability
- easy claims
- core medical cover
- fast reimbursements
- good cap for urban travel
Is it currently safe to travel to Brazil?
As of June 2025, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Brazil, largely due to the threat of violent crime and criminal activity, especially in major cities and tourist zones.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: violent crime is a major concern, including armed robbery and assaults in city centres, in favelas, and near beaches at night. For example, muggings in Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana area and the risk of express kidnappings in São Paulo highlight the importance of constant vigilance.
- Health risks: Brazil faces dengue, yellow fever, and Zika outbreaks, especially during the wet season. In the Amazon and rural areas, medical facilities are limited and evacuation may be required for serious illnesses.
- Legal requirements: Australians now need an e-visa before arrival, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate may be necessary if travelling from or through an endemic country. Failing to comply can result in refused entry at border control.
- Cultural and environmental factors: pickpocketing is common on public transport in Rio and Brasília, and seasonal floods in the Amazon can affect travel plans and local infrastructure.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Brazil.
Is travel insurance required to enter Brazil?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for Australian citizens visiting Brazil for tourism or short stays.
It is still strongly recommended, as medical costs and emergency assistance in Brazil can be very high, and local healthcare standards may vary significantly. The Australian Government advises all travellers to take out comprehensive travel insurance including medical, evacuation, and repatriation coverage before departure.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Brazil, mainly because of the high risk of health emergencies and costly private medical care.
Why take out travel insurance for Brazil?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Brazil.
In Brazil, public hospitals such as Hospital Municipal Souza Aguiar in Rio de Janeiro are often overcrowded with long waiting times, and foreigners are frequently referred to private clinics like Hospital Sírio-Libanês or Hospital Albert Einstein in São Paulo, where costs can be extremely high and payment is required upfront.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Brazil.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Hospital Sírio-Libanês | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 16,000 BRL (approx. 4,800 AUD) | up to 1,600,000 AUD |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 28,000 BRL (approx. 8,400 AUD) | up to 1,600,000 AUD |
| I need to be repatriated | 120,000 BRL (approx. 36,000 AUD) | up to 1,600,000 AUD |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 45,000 BRL (approx. 13,500 AUD) | up to 1,600,000 AUD |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
Travel insurance coverage for Brazil
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers medical consultations, treatments, prescriptions, and hospitalisation. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least 1,000,000 AUD. |
| 🚑 Emergency evacuation | Pays for evacuation to another hospital or back to Australia in severe emergencies. Recommended limit: unlimited or at least 400,000 AUD. |
| 🛬 Repatriation | Costs for returning you to Australia due to illness, accident, or death. Recommended limit: at least 150,000 AUD. |
| 🧳 Luggage and personal items | Protects against loss, theft, or damage to baggage, tech, and valuables. Recommended limit: minimum 5,000 AUD. |
| 💸 Personal liability | Covers claims if you accidentally injure someone or damage property. Recommended limit: at least 2,000,000 AUD. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation and delays | Reimburses prepaid costs if your trip is cancelled or interrupted by illness or emergencies. Recommended limit: 5,000–15,000 AUD. |
| 🦟 Infectious disease | Covers extra medical costs from illnesses like dengue, malaria, or Zika virus. Ensure this cover is included during outbreak seasons for travel in Brazil. |
| 🏝 Natural disaster coverage | Assistance or compensation if travel is affected by floods, landslides, or other extreme events. Recommended: coverage included without low limits. |
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least 1,000,000 AUD.
Recommended limit: unlimited or at least 400,000 AUD.
Recommended limit: at least 150,000 AUD.
Recommended limit: minimum 5,000 AUD.
Recommended limit: at least 2,000,000 AUD.
Recommended limit: 5,000–15,000 AUD.
Ensure this cover is included during outbreak seasons for travel in Brazil.
Recommended: coverage included without low limits.
Travel insurance from local providers or credit cards usually only covers basic needs with low limits and many exclusions. For reliable protection, select a trusted insurer with comprehensive cover. Compare leading options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant insurance certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Brazil
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | 49 AUD |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | 87 AUD |
| 1 month | 35 years old | 135 AUD |
| 1 month | 70 years old | 236 AUD |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
Your travel insurance premium for Brazil depends on key factors: your age, trip duration, chosen level of cover, and any pre-existing medical conditions. The destination's high-risk rating also plays a part. Keeping these in mind is crucial to select a suitable policy and ensure you're properly covered for your adventure, mate.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to Brazil
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Brazil while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🛒 Comparison shopping | Prices and coverage vary widely between insurers, especially for Brazil due to health and crime risks. | Use comparison tools to review offers, benefits, and exclusions before deciding. |
| 📅 Trip duration | The longer your stay, the higher the insurance cost. Some policies offer tiered discounts. | Choose exact travel dates, avoid extra days to save money and avoid paying for unused coverage. |
| 👥 Traveller’s age | Premiums often rise with age, and age is a factor in coverage eligibility. | Compare special offers for seniors. Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| ⚖️ Level of coverage | Excessive limits or unnecessary extras increase costs without real value for many travellers. | Select only the coverage you need for Brazil, such as strong health and theft protection. |
| 🏡 Multi-trip vs. single | Frequent travellers may pay less per trip with annual cover. | Consider a multi-trip policy if travelling several times a year, it is more cost-effective. |
| 🏨 Extra options | Coverage for valuables, sports, or cancellation increases the price. | Add only the extras you really need based on your plans, avoid broad add-ons for all situations. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Group or family cover | Group policies offer per-person savings and unified management for families or groups. | Request a group quote if travelling with others to unlock lower per-person rates. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Brazil?
It is natural to consider whether your current insurance—including credit card insurance or your public health system—can protect you during a trip to Brazil. Unfortunately, coverage through these sources is almost always very limited or insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Brazil? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | No overseas cover. No medical expenses, hospitalisation or repatriation support abroad. | Travel insurance covers up to 1,000,000 AUD for medical expenses, repatriation, and emergency evacuation. No coverage exists under Medicare in Brazil. |
| Private health insurance (Australia) | Limited coverage | Limited overseas emergency cover, usually capped at 20,000–50,000 AUD. No non-medical guarantees. | Travel insurance provides up to 1,000,000 AUD for medical costs, plus baggage, liability, trip interruption and evacuation. Private cover rarely reimburses these. |
| Classic credit card (ANZ First, NAB Low Rate, Westpac Lite) | Limited coverage | Emergency medical capped at 100,000 AUD, no evacuation, usually excludes pre-existing conditions. | Travel insurance gives higher limits, up to 1,000,000 AUD for emergencies and includes extra benefits (theft, liability, holidays altered or cancelled). |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Platinum, NAB Premium, Westpac Altitude Black) | Limited coverage | Medical typically capped at 250,000 AUD, no sports or adventure cover, exclusions for valuables. | Travel insurance features up to 1,000,000 AUD for medical plus full theft protection, delays, lost documents, liability, and repatriation not included on cards. |
Example
While in Rio, Liam contracted severe dengue fever, requiring intensive care. The private hospital bill was AU$25,000. His standard CommBank card's complimentary insurance only covered AU$2,000, and his domestic health insurance offered nothing. Without proper travel insurance, he faced a crippling AU$23,000 debt from a single mosquito bite.
Expert advice
Your credit card or health insurance often won't cover trip interruptions for a family emergency. Always check the policy's fine print to avoid nasty surprises overseas. For true peace of mind, it's always safer to get dedicated travel insurance tailored specifically for your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Brazil?
Yes, as of April 2025, Australian citizens need a visa to visit Brazil for tourism or business. You can apply for an e-visa online, which is suitable for stays of up to 90 days. Entry requirements include a valid passport, proof of income, and a round-trip ticket.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Brazil?
To get travel insurance for Brazil, follow these steps. First, compare options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, check cover and exclusions—pay special attention to guarantees for health and theft, given risks in Brazil. Then buy your chosen plan online. You will receive your insurance certificate by email.
What health risks should I consider when travelling to Brazil?
Brazil presents risks such as dengue, malaria, yellow fever, Zika virus and measles. Vaccinations should be up to date before leaving Australia. Use insect repellent and avoid raw foods or unsafe water to reduce your risk of illness. Medical care can be expensive, so adequate insurance is important.
Is travel insurance needed if I already have health coverage in Australia?
Australian health insurance, including Medicare, does not cover overseas medical expenses. Hospitals in Brazil usually require payment upfront. Travel insurance is strongly advised, as it can reimburse up to AUD 1 million or more for emergencies, medical evacuation, and related costs that your domestic cover will not pay.
What should be included in a travel insurance policy for Brazil?
A comprehensive policy should cover at least AUD 1 million for medical expenses, hospitalisation, and medical evacuation. Extra benefits like baggage theft, trip cancellation, personal liability, and emergency assistance are also helpful. Always check for exclusions, especially for high-risk activities or pre-existing conditions when selecting your policy.
How much does travel insurance for Brazil usually cost?
For a two-week single traveller policy to Brazil, prices start at around AUD 110 and can exceed AUD 250 depending on cover level and age. Premiums increase for older travellers, high medical limits or extra benefits such as cancellation cover. Comparing offers helps you find the right balance for your needs.
Do I need a visa to travel to Brazil?
Yes, as of April 2025, Australian citizens need a visa to visit Brazil for tourism or business. You can apply for an e-visa online, which is suitable for stays of up to 90 days. Entry requirements include a valid passport, proof of income, and a round-trip ticket.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Brazil?
To get travel insurance for Brazil, follow these steps. First, compare options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, check cover and exclusions—pay special attention to guarantees for health and theft, given risks in Brazil. Then buy your chosen plan online. You will receive your insurance certificate by email.
What health risks should I consider when travelling to Brazil?
Brazil presents risks such as dengue, malaria, yellow fever, Zika virus and measles. Vaccinations should be up to date before leaving Australia. Use insect repellent and avoid raw foods or unsafe water to reduce your risk of illness. Medical care can be expensive, so adequate insurance is important.
Is travel insurance needed if I already have health coverage in Australia?
Australian health insurance, including Medicare, does not cover overseas medical expenses. Hospitals in Brazil usually require payment upfront. Travel insurance is strongly advised, as it can reimburse up to AUD 1 million or more for emergencies, medical evacuation, and related costs that your domestic cover will not pay.
What should be included in a travel insurance policy for Brazil?
A comprehensive policy should cover at least AUD 1 million for medical expenses, hospitalisation, and medical evacuation. Extra benefits like baggage theft, trip cancellation, personal liability, and emergency assistance are also helpful. Always check for exclusions, especially for high-risk activities or pre-existing conditions when selecting your policy.
How much does travel insurance for Brazil usually cost?
For a two-week single traveller policy to Brazil, prices start at around AUD 110 and can exceed AUD 250 depending on cover level and age. Premiums increase for older travellers, high medical limits or extra benefits such as cancellation cover. Comparing offers helps you find the right balance for your needs.
