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Travel Insurance for Brazil

Hemmed by Amazon Rainforest and golden arcs of sand with tempo-filled cities at its core, Brazil is abuzz with experiences.

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Essential travel tips for Brazil

The beat of Brazil is unlike anywhere else. Nature-filled experiences abound, and a life-loving energy fills the air. To travel here is to experience the world at its best. From eating your way through the culinary creations of the country to finding your rhythm at Carnival Brazil is a destination for every traveler.

But before you pack your bags and hop on a plane to South America’s largest country, there are a few things to consider when it comes to staying safe in Latin America. Here’s how World Nomads travel insurance can bolster your time in Brazil.

Aerial view of Ipanema, Arpoador and Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro.
Aerial view of Ipanema, Arpoador and Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro. Photo credit: Getty images / Giordano Cipriani

What’s covered

Heading to Brazil without travel insurance is like riding in a car without a seatbelt - it can be risky business. We offer two levels of cover, Standard and Explorer. Depending on your Country of Residence and the level of cover you need, our travel insurance may cover you for:

  • Baggage and personal effects
  • Extended stays
  • Overseas medical emergencies and hospital expenses
  • Unexpected trip cancellation
  • Travel delays and trip interruption
  • A wide variety of sports, activities and experiences.

Make sure that you’ve selected the right travel insurance plan for your specific needs. With World Nomads you can get a quote, make a claim, or extend your policy instantly online, even while traveling.

Note: all travel insurance plans are different, and cover will vary, depending on what's happened, your Country of Residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy.

What’s not covered

Travel insurance is not blanket cover-all and there are some things we do not cover. It’s important to read your policy wording carefully to ensure you fully understand what is and isn’t covered, but some of the common claims we see which we do not cover include:

  • Cancellation costs if you simply change your mind
  • Traveling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is subject to a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning issued by your Country of Residence.
  • Participation in a sport or activity not listed in the policy wording or agreed by World Nomads where you haven’t paid the required additional premium.
  • Incidents resulting from reckless behavior

If you’ve got any questions, or are unsure if something is covered, please contact us for more information.

Health and safety while in Brazil

While Brazil is considered a relatively safe country to travel in, like anywhere, there are health and safety concerns that have a penchant for ruining your jaunt. Exercise a certain level of caution when traveling here and keep your guard up for the following common complaints:

Crime in cities

Muggings and other opportunistic crimes can be an issue in major cities. Be aware of your surroundings in places like markets, tourist hotspots, ATMs, and on public transport, particularly at night. Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo can be hotspots for crime. Pay particular attention in places like Ipanema beach, Christ the Redeemer statue, and Sao Paulo Cathedral.

Keep an eye on your gear 24/7

It’s very important that you NEVER leave your valuables out of sight. There’s always the chance that you might end up being pickpocketed or being victim of a scam in many top tourist hotspots. When in crowded areas always maintain a sense of awareness of your surroundings. You should also make copies of all key documents you’ll be traveling with — passport, ID, travel insurance, receipts, vouchers, addresses, transportation tickets — and keep them separate from the originals while abroad so you’ll have backups and proof of purchase if anything happens.

Swimming safety

Brazil’s beaches are brilliant, but many have turbulent seas. Strong rips are a common issue on popular beaches like Ipanema and in Fortaleza. Sharks can be found in the water here too and shark attacks have happened. Practice caution and always heed warning signs posted on beaches.

Mosquito-borne diseases

The Amazon Rainforest is an insect’s paradise and insect-borne diseases are a real threat particularly in the wet season. Zika virus, malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever are all insect-borne diseases that may be contracted in Brazil, not just the Amazon. It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of viruses such as Zika before you go. Cover up and use insect repellent to reduce your risk of being bitten.

Botafogo bay, Rio de Janeiro
Botafogo bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo credit: Getty Images / Andre Pinto

Traveling in the Amazon

Covering more than 1 billion acres and spanning 9 countries, the Amazon is the Earth’s most grand rainforest. With approximately 60 percent of the rainforest located in Brazil, there’s much to see and do here. Home to lengthy winding rivers (some of the longest in the world) and an impressive array of species, it’s rich in biodiversity and there are countless ways to experience it all. From jungle tours to cruising the river tributaries, bird spotting to scaling the towering canopy in the name of adrenaline there’s no shortage of ways to spend your time - nor ways things can possibly go sideways. Stay safe and healthy while exploring the jungle with our guide on how to prepare for your first time in the Brazilian Amazon.

Wondering how to stay safe when traveling around the rest of Brazil? Check out our tips for getting around safely here.

Access to our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team around the clock

World Nomads travelers have access to 24/7 Emergency Assistance. If something goes wrong and you need help, contact our team. They can help get you find local medical facilities if needed, provide local consular details and information and in the worst-case scenario, help get you home if you’re seriously injured or ill and need to be repatriated. When you call (free from anywhere in the world), make sure you have your policy number and a contact number for where you are so we can help.

FAQ’s

Is Zika virus an issue in Brazil?

Yes, you can contract Zika virus while in Brazil. The virus is transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes, a type of mosquito found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including Brazil.

What are the recommended vaccinations for Brazil?

There are no mandatory vaccinations for people entering the country; however, we recommend you consult a healthcare professional well in advance of traveling to Brazil. To help maintain your health while in South America, consider certain vaccinations irrespective of Brazil’s entry requirements.

Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. All of the information we provide is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the plans described. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.

About World Nomads

World Nomads polices are designed by travelers for travelers to provide simple and flexible travel insurance – and it’s often cheaper than you might think. Featuring coverage for more than 150 activities, quotes are fast and can be done online at www.worldnomads.com. All the information we provide about travel insurance is a summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states, or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.

Get a quote 24/7

With World Nomads you can buy travel insurance before you land in Brazil, or while you're already traveling around Brazil. Fill out the quick quote form below and get an instant quote today.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you*

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team

Get an instant travel insurance quote

Simple and flexible travel insurance designed by travelers, for travelers. See why over 3 million travelers have chosen World Nomads for more than 20 years.