Healthcare in Rio de Janeiro is available in the form of both public and private facilities. Public healthcare is free for all citizens and legal residents in Brazil. Expats will have access to GP consultations, in-patient treatment and surgery at no cost under Brazil's Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). 

Although expats living in Brazil with permanent residency status are able to access free public healthcare, most opt for healthcare at private institutions. This is primarily due to the lower quality of the public health system. 

Private healthcare in Brazil is among the most expensive in Latin America, but it's more affordable than in the USA while being slightly pricier than in Thailand. It's essential for expats moving to Rio de Janeiro to have comprehensive health insurance. Expats moving to Rio as part of a corporate relocation package often have their health insurance costs covered by their employer.

The standards of private health facilities in Rio are generally high, while healthcare practitioners in the city are also qualified and skilled. Rio de Janeiro even has a reputation as a medical tourist hotspot, particularly in the field of cosmetic surgery. Many private institutions offer special sections for international patients with English-speaking staff. 

There are plenty of pharmacies available in Rio de Janeiro. The pharmacies sell affordable general and prescription medication and are typically open between 7am and 11pm. Rio also has federal pharmacies offering free or low-cost medication to low-income individuals.

Below is a list of some of the top hospitals in Rio de Janeiro.

Hospitals in Rio de Janeiro

Barra D'or Hospital

Website: www.barrador.com.br
Address: Avenida Ayrton Senna, 3079, Barra da Tijuca

Galdino Campos Clinic

Website: www.clinicagaldinocampos.com.br
Address: Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana, 492, Copacabana

Hospital Copa D'or

Website: www.copador.com.br
Address: Rua Figueiredo de Magalhães, 875, Copacabana

Hospital Samaritano

Website: www.hsamaritano.com.br
Address: Rua Conselheiro Brotero, 1486, Higienópolis

Casa de Saúde São José

Website: www.cssj.com.br
Address: Rua Macedo Sobrinho, 21, Humaitá

Quinta D'or Hospital

Website: www.quintador.com.br
Address: Rua Alm. Baltazar, 435, São Cristóvão

Further reading

►Learn more about Healthcare in Brazil

Expat Experiences

"Public healthcare is universal here, but its quality and speed is mediocre compared to private options. I've actually never gone to a hospital or health clinic in Brazil. One thing I've had trouble with is obtaining certain medications at pharmacies here, but a lot of medications you'd need prescriptions for in the US don't require prescriptions here." Read more of Elliot's expat interview.

Are you an expat living in Rio de Janeiro?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Rio de Janeiro. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.

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