Brazil is the largest country in Latin America and South America, and arguably the most influential. Home to over 217 million people, it is the most populated Portuguese-speaking nation on earth, as well as one of the most biodiverse places in the world, with 60% of the Amazon rainforest existing here.
The beaches, jungles, wildlife, and amazing cities of Brazil make it a first-class tourist attraction for visitors from all over the world. If you’re ready to spend your next vacation here, read on. But first, learn about the importance of buying travel medical insurance or travel insurance before your Brazil trip.
Travel Medical Insurance for Travelers in Brazil – FAQs
Going without health insurance coverage is a risk. It’s not something you would do at home, and certainly not something you should do abroad. However, your domestic health insurance is unlikely to cover you in Brazil. To make sure you have coverage in case of an unexpected medical issue abroad, you will need to have travel medical insurance.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Brazil?
Brazil ended its legal requirement for visitors to have travel medical insurance in order to be granted entry several years ago, but it is still highly recommended by the US Department of State and numerous other government agencies. Without travel medical insurance coverage, you will be solely responsible for paying any medical costs you incur on your Brazilian trip out of your own pocket.
Why buy travel medical insurance before traveling to Brazil?
If you get sick or hurt while in Brazil, you will have access to quality care in major cities, but it will not be cheap. And if you happen to require medical attention in a more remote area, emergency medical evacuation (which can more than the average person’s annual salary) could be required. In either case, you will want the coverage that travel medical insurance can offer. It is a financial shield in your time of need.
Trip Cancellation Insurance for Travelers in Brazil – FAQs
We’ve all had no choice but to cancel our plans from time to time. It’s not that big of deal when it comes to a dinner reservation, but when it comes to an international trip, that’s another issue entirely. As most prepaid travel expenses are nonrefundable, a canceled trip could leave you sitting at home, still paying for a trip that you aren’t taking. With trip cancellation insurance for Brazil, you can avoid having this happen.
Why should I get trip cancellation insurance for my Brazil travel?
International travel can’t usually be done at the last minute. You have to book (and pay for) lots of things ahead of time. But if you get sick, have a family emergency, or some other issue prevents you from traveling, the airline, hotel, tour company, etc. is under no obligation to give you your money back if they’ve stated that the charges are nonrefundable.
Luckily, with trip cancellation insurance, you can be reimbursed for your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses if you must cancel your trip for a covered reason.
What can be covered by trip cancellation insurance for Brazil?
Even if your trip does not need to be cancelled, travel insurance for Brazil can be extremely valuable protection. Depending upon the plan you choose, it can provide coverage for things like travel delays, lost baggage, delayed bagged, trip interruption, and even emergency medical care.
Looking for an option that allows you to cancel your trip for reasons not covered by standard policies? Consider cancel for any reason travel insurance.
Brazil’s Most Popular Cities for Travel
Brazil is home to many of South America’s most famous tourist attractions. And while it would be impossible to see everything in this expansive country in just a single trip, we recommend putting at least a few of the following cities on your schedule:
Rio de Janeiro
Rio is a city that’s as famous as they come, with undeniable glitz and glamour, world-renowned attractions, and a festive atmosphere. Regardless of your faith, every visitor to Rio should see the towering Christ the Redeemer statue; one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Of course, you should also spend some time in the sun at Copacabana Beach, take a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, and indulge in a rainforest jeep tour to complete the experience.
Sao Paulo
Brazil’s financial capital and cultural center is one of its most popular tourist attractions for good reason. Once you hit up some museums and cafes on Avienda Paulista, explore the unique shopping stalls of Mercado Municipal, and experience some of the hottest nightlife in the world, you may find yourself not wanting to leave.
Brasilia
The capital city of Brazil looks like it’s straight out of the future, with a unique, pre-planned shape, historic monuments, and impressive architecture. While there, you can explore the massive Parque Nacional de Brasilia for outdoor adventures such as hiking and biking, experience the beauty of Itamaraty Palace, and feel the timeless reverence of the Cathedral of Brasilia.
Belo Horizonte
Though it may not be as well-known as Rio or Sao Paulo, Brazil’s third-largest city has a lot to offer. Nearly all of the architecture here features unmistakable Art-Deco styling, and Mercado Central is one of the liveliest markets you’ve ever seen, selling just about anything you can imagine. When your ready for a breather and some vitamin D, enjoy some sun and fresh air at Paque Mangabeiras.
Goiânia
Though Brazil is famous for its festivals and parties, Goiânia takes a more relaxed approach. It offers attractive destinations such as Flamboyant Park in the center of the city, the Oscar Niemeyer Cultural Center, which showcases some of the country’s best architecture, and Clube Jao Waterpark, which is fun for the entire family.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Brazil
One of the main attractions of traveling abroad is to have new experiences; to immerse yourself in different cultures, different environments, and different climates. Naturally, doing so means getting outside of your comfort zone a bit. To help you know what to expect, remember these tips:
Reversed Seasons
Though it may sound obvious, many travelers from the northern hemisphere tend to forget that seasons are swapped in the southern hemisphere. If you travel from North America, Europe, or Asia to Brazil in July, it will be winter; in January, it will be summer. Of course, the closer to the equator you get, the less difference this makes, but it’s still worth noting when remembering what clothes to pack.
Crime and Safety
Sadly, the cities of Brazil have a much higher crime rate than in much of the rest of the world. Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere. To mitigate the risk as much as possible, never wear flashy jewelry in public, avoid using a mobile phone in public, and try to walk within a group whenever possible. If you can keep your cash and valuables in a money belt, it is advised that you do so. If you are ever threatened by a mugger, hand over your valuables to them, avoid a confrontation if at all possible, and inform the police and your consulate or embassy.
Best Time to Visit
Brazil has a rainy season that some tourists may want to avoid, but it varies depending upon what part of the country you’re visiting. The rainy season in the south and southeast runs from November-March, and runs from April to July in the northeast. Flooding, landslides, and infrastructure disruptions are more common during the rainy season, so keep this in mind when deciding when to plan your Brazil trip.
Health Risks
Travelers to Brazil are at risk of contracting dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus. Be sure to wear mosquito repellent when outdoors, and do all you can to avoid mosquito bites. Also, tap water in Brazil is not typically considered safe to drink for tourists. To avoid gastrointestinal issues, stick to drinking bottled water or purified water only while in Brazil.
Before You Travel to Brazil – Do This
- Get the latest information about Brazilian COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements from the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency.
- Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months past your entry date into Brazil.
- Purchase travel medical insurance or travel insurance.