Health Care in Sao Paulo

Summary: Learn about the health system in Sao Paulo: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Sao Paulo.

Sao Paulo has a public and private healthcare system. The public healthcare system is called Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). It is used by both citizens and foreigners, however, it is not recommended for serious medical emergencies or major surgery. Public hospitals in Sao Paulo are often overcrowded and understaffed, and the quality of care can be lacking. Foreigners are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Brazil, but many expats and digital nomads opt to use private hospitals for better quality care. Private hospitals in Sao Paulo are well-equipped and offer a higher standard of care. They are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Sao Paulo

Hospital Albert Einstein: Private hospital located in Morumbi, Sao Paulo. Specializes in cardiology, oncology, and neurology.
Hospital Sírio-Libanês: Private hospital located in Jardins, Sao Paulo. Specializes in oncology, cardiology, and neurology.
Hospital Santa Catarina: Private hospital located in Itaim Bibi, Sao Paulo. Specializes in orthopedics, cardiology, and oncology.
Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein: Private hospital located in Morumbi, Sao Paulo. Specializes in oncology, cardiology, and neurology.
Hospital Santa Joana: Private hospital located in Jardins, Sao Paulo. Specializes in obstetrics, gynecology, and pediatrics.

Emergency Services in Sao Paulo

Ambulance services are available in Sao Paulo. To call for an ambulance, dial 192. Ambulances usually arrive quickly, but there can be delays due to traffic or other factors.

Health Insurance Companies in Sao Paulo

The most popular private health insurers in Sao Paulo are Amil, Bradesco Saúde, SulAmérica Saúde, and Unimed. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, but there are also specialized expat health insurance providers available.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.