Brazil
Healthcare quality & costs · 2023
Fair — 55.0/100 Mixed systemHealthcare index trend
Americas comparison
| Country | Index | Life Exp | GP Visit | Doctors/1k | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 78.6 | 82.2 yrs | Free | 2.40 | 100.0% |
| United States | 68.2 | 77.5 yrs | $250 | 2.60 | 92.0% |
| Chile | 65.3 | 79.9 yrs | $38 | 2.50 | 80.0% |
| Colombia | 59.0 | 77.2 yrs | $17 | 2.20 | 95.0% |
| Argentina | 57.3 | 76.5 yrs | $24 | 3.20 | 70.0% |
| Brazil | 55.0 | 75.6 yrs | $38 | 2.30 | 76.0% |
| Mexico | 51.6 | 74.9 yrs | $29 | 2.40 | 52.0% |
| Peru | 48.6 | 73.8 yrs | $19 | 1.40 | 60.0% |
Healthcare in Brazil — FAQs
How good is healthcare in Brazil in 2023?
Brazil scores 55.0 out of 100 on the LifeIndexed Healthcare Quality Index in 2023, rated as "Fair". Life expectancy is 75.6 years. The country runs a Mixed (combination of public insurance and private providers) and spends 9.90% of GDP on health services.
How much does a doctor visit cost in Brazil?
A typical GP / doctor visit in Brazil costs approximately $38 USD. Hospital accommodation costs around $240 USD per day. These are out-of-pocket costs; insured patients may pay significantly less.
Is healthcare free in Brazil?
76.0% of the Brazil population is covered by public healthcare. The remainder typically relies on private insurance or out-of-pocket payments. The government spends 9.90% of GDP on healthcare.
How much is private health insurance in Brazil?
Average private health insurance in Brazil costs approximately $86 USD per month. This provides access to private hospitals, shorter wait times and specialist care beyond what the public system offers.
What type of healthcare system does Brazil have?
Brazil has a mixed healthcare system combining public insurance with private providers. Public coverage extends to 76.0% of the population, with private options available for supplementary or faster care.
How many doctors are there per 1,000 people in Brazil?
Brazil has 2.3 doctors per 1,000 people. This is above the global average of approximately 1.8 per 1,000. The country also has 2.20 hospital beds per 1,000 people.
What is the life expectancy in Brazil?
Life expectancy in Brazil is 75.6 years in 2023, compared to the Americas average of 77.2 years. Life expectancy is a key indicator of population health, nutrition, and the effectiveness of the healthcare system.
What is the infant mortality rate in Brazil?
The infant mortality rate in Brazil is 13.2 deaths per 1,000 live births. This is a moderate rate reflecting ongoing improvements in maternal and newborn care.
How does Brazil compare to other Americas countries?
Brazil ranks 6 out of 8 Americas countries on the healthcare quality index. Its score of 55.0/100 is -5.5pp below the Americas average of 60.5/100. Life expectancy is -1.6 years versus the regional average.
Can expats and foreigners access healthcare in Brazil?
Foreign nationals and expats in Brazil typically rely on private health insurance, as public healthcare access may be limited or require employment-linked contributions. International health insurance is strongly recommended before relocating.
Is Brazil a good destination for medical tourism?
Brazil is not typically considered a primary medical tourism destination. Patients seeking cost savings usually prefer regional alternatives. However, emergency and specialist care is available in major cities.
How much does a hospital stay cost in Brazil?
A hospital stay in Brazil costs approximately $240 USD per day for private or uninsured patients. Insured patients typically pay a co-payment or deductible on top of the base rate. Hospital costs can vary significantly between public and private facilities.
Is Brazil's healthcare improving?
Brazil's healthcare quality index has improved by 2.5 points from 2022 to 2026, rising from 53.7/100 to 56.2/100. Life expectancy also rose from 75.2 to 75.9 years over the same period.
What is the quality of hospitals in Brazil?
Hospital quality in Brazil varies significantly. Urban private hospitals generally meet international standards, while rural public facilities may face resource constraints. The country has 2.20 beds per 1,000 people and 2.30 doctors per 1,000.