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just0529
  12/17/2011 01:56 EST

Can anyone tell me how the hospitals are in Brazil? Also, if there are emergency services that are trained and efficient. I currently live in Boston, MA USA and we have amazing hospitals and response teams. I am considering moving to Brazil and would like any input on this subject.
Thanks to any and all

ibhasty
  12/18/2011 09:08 EST

Hi, Happy Charistmas and have a good new year....

I think that you will find the medical profession in Brasil is in large part trained in both USA and Europe. Their professional level in pay for services facilities are on a par with both the above areas.
If you have a medical problem ask your physician for a full account of the diagnosis and the treatment to date.
When you arrive ask around where your going to live for a specialist in the field you are concerned with and you will no doubt find a very competent Dr./Drs., here in Brazil. I am assuming that you will be in a major metro area like Sao Paulo, or some city of lesser size. This city is the most populated city in the world. Brazil in general is on a par with any US or 'European city I know of and I have traveled and lived all over the world. My only suggetion is "Learn the language" befor you go and life will be easier, fun and very rewarding. I live in the US and Brazil about 6 months in each. I do not like winter so I have a year around summer. I siggest you learn as much about Brazil customs as you can, and try too dress, think and live like the locals. Brazilians love YANKS, and if you are a little humble and courtious, you'll love it.

Good Luck, and enjoy life, it is shourt.

Bill Hastings.

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gcamarano
  12/19/2011 19:56 EST

Brazil is huge. Medical care quality is highly variable depending upon the region, city, part of the city, your insurance and your specific needs if any. Elaborate.

gcamarano
  12/19/2011 20:05 EST

Bill.. with all due respect...I am a physician who worked in the top Cardiology institutions in Sao Paulo. Brazilian physicians are educated and trained in Brazil. Period. Few seek training elsewhere and return. Quality of care is highly heterogeneous. Referrals by word of mouth are a recipe for disaster.

aneill42
  12/20/2011 08:00 EST

Hi there!
If you are a Gringo, you are probably in or near a big city, where there are medical plans available for a monthly fee.
The best I know of is Unimed.
There IS the local system, which I have also used, and in most cases, it is reasonable, but can be very slow because of the sheer number of people using it.
Best idea is to take advantage of the local hospitals that are part of the medical plans and pay their fee.

SUELY
  12/20/2011 09:36 EST

I AM A PAULISTANA AND CAN ALSO HELP YOU TO FIGURE OUT WHICH IS THE BEST PLAN FOR YOUR POCKET..
IN CASE YOU DON'T HAVE ANY RIGHT NOW AND NEED A MEDICAL TESTS, I WILL SUGGEST TO GO TO
= LAVOISIER LABS - WHERE IS INDICATED FOR PEOPLE WHO DOES NOT HAVE ANY MEDICAL PLAN. IT IS GOOD AND VERY AFFORDABE. JUST LOOK IN THE WEB THE CLOSEST ONE TO YOUR ADDRESS AND SET UP AN APPOINTMENT.
IF YOU NEED ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE WHETHER SUGGESTIONS OR PORTUGUESE CLASSES, CITY TOUR, ETC. I WOULD GLADLY HELP YOU...
[email protected]

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Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
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just0529
  12/21/2011 23:24 EST

Hello and thank you to all,
I appreciate all the info. Though I do think my question was misunderstood a bit. I am trying to find out how well emergency services respond ....how quickly, etc. I do plan to have a very good medical plan (insurance coverage) while there, I just wanted to know 'up to date' the ambulance services and emergency rooms are. As an example, I have friends who reside in Costa Rica, and if they are to dial emergency service there, they may get no response at all as most responders are volunteers and do not have the funding for up to date equipment etc.
Hope this helps clarify my question...thank you again.

billhasty
  12/22/2011 09:31 EST

Hi
For the Dr. who responded.
I did not mean to imply that the medical training in Brazil is inadequate. My apology. The Drs. that I am aquainted with were trained here and in the USA. That was the basis of my statement. I'm sure that you are a very competent Dr. Please accept my apology. And enjoy life, it is short.

Bill Hastings.

9carioca9
  1/28/2012 02:57 EST

I live in Niteroi. I recently had emergency gall bladder surgery and would rate their service very high. It is however quite expensive and most brasilian medical facilities do not accept any American Health Plans so you are on your own as I was to make payment using your credit card. I had to use mine to get checked into the hospital prior to the surgery. My health plan did reimburse me in the end however.

9carioca9
  1/28/2012 04:02 EST

I live in Niteroi. I just had emergency surgery with absolutely no problems. Brasil has 200 million citizens and plenty of good medical care. When seeking medical care just use common sense. You'll be fine.

youareglobal
  2/22/2012 09:27 EST

Hello, just0529.

can tell you that in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro there are "state-of-art"medical services, such as Albert Einstein Hospital (SP) , Sirio Libanes Hospital (SP) and Copador (RJ), which are reference for all Latin America. because of all technology and knowledge and highly trained professionals that work there, i would suggest you to contract a compreensive intenational medical insurace so you can have access to these (and other) great facilitis and not have the bill for that.

If I may, please visit my website "www.youareglobal.com" and get to know some solution we offer for foringners/expats that are coming to Brazil and need medical coverage.

I am an agent for an American International Medical Insurance company and i hope I can help you with that.

best regards.

Adriano Rocha.
[email protected]
+55 41 8721 8607

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Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
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