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Private healthcare plans are becoming increasingly rare. Traditionally the companies that offer them do not cover many of the things that they should. They take too long to attend the needs of their clients, and in many cases the clients have found it necessary to take legal action in order to force the companies to provide covered services. The government is constantly imposing heavy fines and suspending many of them from operating. For this reason most companies are getting out of private plans and selling only group plans which are subject to much less government regulation. From what I see all the time it is probably much more cost efficient for you to use the public plan SUS as much as possible and then pay to see doctors when you need to.

Cheers,
James
expat.com Experts Team

Unimed.  Cost R$ 1,200 per month for my wife and I via an extended family plan, but as James mentioned insurers can be problematic.  SUS is hit and miss depending on your city and your medical needs.   In the end, it is good to have a big bag of money just in case.  No politicians use SUS. :-)

For the sake of clarity, what is the public plan SUS?

Thank you in advance!!!

John

SUS - Sistema Única da Saúde. That is the government funded health system. There are various units for medical care in Brazil.

1. Posto de Saúde or UBS - Unidade Básico de Saúde which is the neighborhood health clinic.

2.  UPA - Unidade de Pronto Atendimento the local Emergency Clinic

3.  Hospital de Pronto Atendimento -  Hospital Emergency Ward

All of the above are free. While not absolutely necessary since they all will attend anyone, you should apply to your local prefeitura for a SUS card.

If you are hospitalized in a public hospital as the result of an emergency there is no charge. If you need to see a doctor you go to the UBS and see their staff doctor or the UPA in emergencies. If you require a referral to a specialist then they will give you that.

Cheers,
James
expat.com Experts Team

NOTED:   should apply to your local prefeitura for a SUS card.

Where do I go to apply in Macae?

As always, thanks,
John

The Prefeitura de Macaé offices are located on the corner of Rua Presidente Soudré and Rua Euzébio Queiroz. It's just before you get to the bridge over Macaé River. Parking in the area is limited, so you may want to go by bus. Check it out on Google maps before heading out. Also you need to take proof of residence and ID.



Cheers,
James
expat.com Experts Team