As a foreigner living in Rio de Janeiro, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

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We asked expats in Rio de Janeiro if they have access to public healthcare in Rio de Janeiro. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"As a foreigner living in Rio de Janeiro, you will have access to Brazil's public healthcare system, known as the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). The SUS provides free healthcare services to all residents, including foreigners. However, the public healthcare system in Rio de Janeiro can be quite overwhelmed, with long waiting times and limited resources. It is common for people to face challenges in accessing specialized treatments and surgeries. Additionally, the quality of care may vary between different facilities, and language barriers can be an issue if you don't speak Portuguese. Many foreigners and middle-class Brazilians opt for private healthcare insurance to access better quality services and avoid long waiting times," remarked another expat who made the move to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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As a foreigner living in Rio de Janeiro, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

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SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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