Do you need insurance for Brazil

Russian citizens can enter Brazil without a visa and stay in the country for up to 90 days. If necessary, the stay can be extended for another 90 days, but it is worth checking the extension conditions in advance.

A medical policy is not required for entry. Even so, travelling around Brazil without insurance is risky: it is one of the largest countries in the world, with a tropical climate, jungle, ocean and megacities. Medical care for tourists is paid, and a bill for treatment at a private clinic or patient transport can be an unpleasant surprise.

Features of Brazil that matter for insurance

Huge distances

Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, the Iguazu Falls and the Amazon are thousands of kilometres apart, and tourists often travel by domestic flights. If something happens in a remote area, the patient may need to be taken to a large city. Make sure medical transport is part of the programme and the sum insured is chosen with a margin.

The Amazon and tropical infections

A jungle trip is a dream for many travellers, but clinics are far away and it is easy to catch a tropical infection. Pay special attention to dengue: it is carried by mosquitoes, and the calculator has a separate Dengue fever option. Discuss a yellow fever vaccination with your doctor in advance: recommendations depend on your route, and the requirements should be checked before the trip.

Ocean and surfing

Brazil's Atlantic coast is famous for waves that attract surfers. For an insurer, surfing is active leisure or sport, and without the matching option an injury on the board may not be covered. The same applies to diving, kayaking and multi-day jungle hikes.

Carnival and big events

Huge crowds gather for the Rio carnival and other festivals. In such conditions the risk of injury, dehydration in the heat and loss of belongings and documents grows. The medical programme will help with an injury, and the Baggage option plus care with valuables will save you stress.

How to choose the sum and programme

By default the calculator suggests USD 50,000 for Brazil. Given the long-haul flight and possible medical transport, it is not worth reducing it. Then choose options for your route:

  • Dengue fever: for trips to tropical areas and during the rainy season.
  • Active leisure: surfing, diving, jungle trekking.
  • Flight delay and baggage: the journey usually involves connections, plus domestic flights.
  • Emergency dental care: toothache on a long trip is not unusual.
  • Chronic conditions: if you have any, a flare-up is often not covered without this option.
  • Trip cancellation: if tickets and hotels are paid in advance.

A deductible lowers the price of a policy, but you will pay part of the costs of each claim yourself. For a long-haul trip a programme without a deductible is more convenient.

If you need medical help

  1. Call the assistance company on the number in your policy. It will tell you where to go and approve a clinic.
  2. In an emergency, call an ambulance first and contact the assistance company as soon as you can.
  3. Do not pay for treatment yourself without the assistance company's approval.
  4. Keep discharge summaries, prescriptions, receipts and tickets.

All the steps are described in detail in the article on insured events.

How to buy Brazil travel insurance online

You can buy a policy on polisre.ru without visiting an office. The quote and purchase go through the Cherehapa service (Polis Re's partner); the policy is issued by the insurance company you choose.

  1. Open the travel insurance calculator and enter Brazil, your dates and travellers' ages.
  2. Add the options you need and compare offers from 16 insurance companies.
  3. Enter travellers' details in Latin letters, as in their international passports.
  4. Pay for the policy and receive it by e-mail.

Already in Brazil without a policy? Some insurers have programmes for people who are already travelling; check the conditions (for example, a waiting period) in the calculator.

Many travellers combine Brazil with neighbouring countries: for a trip to Argentina, see the page on travel insurance for Argentina. If the Caribbean is also on your route, look at insurance for the Caribbean Islands. All destinations are collected in the Travel insurance section.