Rio de Janeiro has a public and private healthcare system. The public healthcare system is called Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). It is available to all Brazilian citizens and permanent residents, but not to foreigners. People generally do not recommend using public hospitals in Rio de Janeiro for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Rio de Janeiro are often overcrowded and understaffed, and the quality of care can be inconsistent. Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are not allowed to use the public healthcare system in Brazil. Expats primarily use private hospitals, which are generally better equipped and staffed than public hospitals. Private hospitals in Rio de Janeiro are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Rio de Janeiro
Recommended clinics and hospitals in Rio de Janeiro for expats include:
- Hospital Samaritano Rio de Janeiro (private hospital) – located in Botafogo
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Jose (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Francisco de Assis (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Camilo (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in Copacabana
- Hospital Sao Lucas (private hospital) – located in
Insider Tips from Expats in Rio de Janeiro: Health Care
“I’ve been living in Rio de Janeiro for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of the neighborhood you choose to live in and the size of your apartment.For example, some of the more upscale neighborhoods like Ipanema, Leblon, and Copacabana can be quite expensive, especially if you want a larger apartment with modern amenities. If you’re set on living in one of these areas, you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or one that’s not as updated as you’d like.On the other hand, there are more affordable neighborhoods that still offer a good quality of life and access to modern amenities. Some of these include Botafogo, Flamengo, and Laranjeiras. These areas are still close to the beach and have plenty of shops, restaurants, and other conveniences nearby, but the cost of living is generally lower than in the more upscale neighborhoods.In terms of other expenses, you’ll find that groceries, transportation, and entertainment can be quite affordable in Rio. Eating out at local restaurants can be inexpensive, and there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, such as visiting parks, beaches, and cultural events.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of safety. While Rio de Janeiro has made progress in recent years, crime can still be an issue in certain areas. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, such as not displaying valuables and avoiding walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.Overall, I think it’s definitely possible to live comfortably in Rio de Janeiro on $5,000 a month, as long as you’re willing to be flexible with your choice of neighborhood and apartment size. And with so much to see and do in this beautiful city, I’m sure you’ll find it to be a great experience,” commented an expat living in Rio de Janeiro.
