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Travel Insurance for Brazil
Travel Insurance for Brazil
Written by
Rachel Gregg
Edited by
Ellie Garran
Reviewed by
Adrian BennettEasily compare Travel Insurance
Save time and effort by comparing a range of travel insurance policies with iSelect
Do I need travel insurance for Brazil?
Long story short
You’ll need to sort out a visa before you fly to Brazil
Even if it’s just a short trip, Australian travellers need to organise a visa before heading to Brazil. This can take up to two weeks to process.
Travel insurance for a weeklong trip won’t cost too much
A basic travel insurance policy for Brazil can start at around $72 for a one-week trip, leaving plenty of room in your Brazil budget.
Petty crime is common in tourst areas
Pickpocketing and petty theft can happen in busy spots like beaches and festivals, so it’s smart to stay alert and only take what you need out with you.
Do I need travel insurance for Brazil?
While travel insurance isn’t mandatory, getting it organised before you head off to Brazil is something you’ll thank yourself for later. And since you’ll need to apply for a visa to even get your Brazil holiday started, you may as well knock all that paperwork out in one hit.
Travel insurance acts as your safety net if things start running off track, from lost luggage and cancelled tours to medical emergencies and stolen belongings. While many tourists explore Brazil without issue, petty theft and crime are common across the country. Protecting yourself with your travel insurance means you can enjoy your time off without throwing caution to the wind.
Since Australia and Brazil don’t have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement, any medical care you need is on you to pay for. A travel insurance policy can help you with this, too.
Which popular activities in Brazil can be covered?
Brazil is big – like fifth-largest country in the world big. So, while you might not get through every beach, jungle or street party on your list, your itinerary options are endless.
Relax with some beachfront views
From Copacabana to Jericoacoara, Brazil’s beaches are postcard-worthy. While you’re soaking up the sun or snapping selfies with Mount Sugarloaf behind you, keep in mind that some beaches are hotbeds for petty crime. That means tourists need to stay alert and keep an eye on their belongings. If something goes wrong while you’re soaking up that Brazilian sun, travel insurance could help cover your stolen gear or travel documents.
Go off-grid with an Amazonian adventure
As the world’s green lung, the Amazon rainforest offers spectacular but remote scenery, taking up 42% of Brazil’s land mass. If you decide to embark on a jungle experience or try canoeing in the flooded forests of Anavilhanas, just know there’s a risk of getting lost or injured. Some policies cover medical costs or emergency rescues, but you might need to add extra cover for specific adventure activities. So, make sure you know your policy inside and out before packing the insect repellent.
Experience carnival fun
The colour, sounds, and energy of Brazil’s carnival festival are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With the sparkling costumes, bouncing steps, and rolling hips of Samba dancers, it’s a lively celebration iconic across the world. Although Rio de Janeiro holds the most famous festival in the lead-up to Easter, Bahia and São Paulo each have their own vibrant versions. No matter which festival you find yourself in, it can get pretty crowded (and when we say pretty, we mean very!). Travel insurance can come in handy if your stuff goes missing mid-celebration, so you can keep enjoying your night.
Catch football fever
Football (sorry, it’s not soccer here) is a religion in Brazil. If you’re in Brazil and don’t go to a game, did you even go? The energy in the stadiums is electric, especially at Rio’s Maracanã stadium (which hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup). But with passionate crowds come higher chances of a bump, spill or pickpocket. Luckily, travel insurance can cover you in case the stalls get a little too wild and you end up with a few lost belongings.
Helpful tip
If you’re going out to experience the nightlife of Brazil, leave your passport and phone somewhere safe. While you’re out, make sure to try a caipirinha – its Brazil’s signature cocktail made with Cachaça (distilled spirit made from sugarcane juice).
And if you’ve got time, Iguazu Falls is a must-visit. It’s one of the world’s longest waterfalls, and seeing it from both the Brazilian and the Argentine side is worth it. Booking a helicopter view is also an amazing way to see the falls (if your budget allows).
Adrian Bennett
General Manager for General Insurance
What does travel insurance for Brazil typically cover?
Travel insurance is always one thing you’ll be thankful to pack (especially if things don’t go according to plan). While your policy might change a little from one provider to another, here are a few standard things you could see.
Medical costs
If you get injured or become ill, the cost of medical treatments, repatriation costs, and non-medical expenses while you’re in hospital could be covered with travel insurance.
Lost Luggage
Losing your bags is always annoying, but you could have coverage for missing, stolen and damaged luggage depending on your limits.
Personal Liability
If you accidentally injure someone or damage property, you could be covered for any compensation costs.
Lost or stolen money and travel documents
If you lose your passport or have cash stolen from you, your insurance might step in.
Cancellations or travel delays
If your flights get cancelled, delayed, or disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances, you could be covered.pa
Incidents related to an undeclared medical condition
If you fail to declare any pre-existing conditions to your insurer and need to make any claims related to them, you likely won’t be covered.
Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
This comes down to common sense – if you’re injured while under the influence, your policy probably won’t cover you.
Travelling to a ‘do not travel’ area
If you choose to ignore Australian Government travel advice and visit dangerous or unsafe areas, your travel insurer may not cover you.
Stolen items left unattended
If you leave your bags on the table while running off to take a nice sunset picture and they do a disappearing act, it might not be covered.
Reckless behaviour
If you get injured riding a motorbike without a helmet, for instance, your insurance probably won’t step in.
Accidents from activities that need extra coverage
Some specific adventure sports activities, like quad biking or outdoor rock climbing, might need extra cover, so if you try and claim for those activities without it, it might not work out.
Medical costs
If you get injured or become ill, the cost of medical treatments, repatriation costs, and non-medical expenses while you’re in hospital could be covered with travel insurance.
Lost Luggage
Losing your bags is always annoying, but you could have coverage for missing, stolen and damaged luggage depending on your limits.
Personal Liability
If you accidentally injure someone or damage property, you could be covered for any compensation costs.
Lost or stolen money and travel documents
If you lose your passport or have cash stolen from you, your insurance might step in.
Cancellations or travel delays
If your flights get cancelled, delayed, or disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances, you could be covered.pa
Incidents related to an undeclared medical condition
If you fail to declare any pre-existing conditions to your insurer and need to make any claims related to them, you likely won’t be covered.
Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
This comes down to common sense – if you’re injured while under the influence, your policy probably won’t cover you.
Travelling to a ‘do not travel’ area
If you choose to ignore Australian Government travel advice and visit dangerous or unsafe areas, your travel insurer may not cover you.
Stolen items left unattended
If you leave your bags on the table while running off to take a nice sunset picture and they do a disappearing act, it might not be covered.
Reckless behaviour
If you get injured riding a motorbike without a helmet, for instance, your insurance probably won’t step in.
Accidents from activities that need extra coverage
Some specific adventure sports activities, like quad biking or outdoor rock climbing, might need extra cover, so if you try and claim for those activities without it, it might not work out.
How much does travel insurance for Brazil usually cost?
The cost of travel insurance for your Brazil adventure will be different depending on which provider you’re looking at. For a week-long trip, basic cover can start at $72.1Indicative prices from iSelect comparison tool, June 2025 Just remember, this might change a little depending on things like your age or any pre-existing medical conditions you might have.
Although this is more expensive than a policy for Europe or Thailand, it’s about the same as Canada and the United States. But if you’ve got plans to cruise along the Brazilian coastline, expect your premium to at least double.
Travel tips for Brazil
Culture
Brazil is a cultural melting pot, blending Indigenous traditions with customs from its many migrant communities. From samba beats echoing through the streets to late-night dancing and beachside barbecues, life here moves to its own rhythm. Of course, beach culture is huge in Brazil, especially in bigger cities. When it comes to the people, most Brazilians are talkative and friendly, but don’t expect much English outside the tourist spots. A few handy Portuguese phrases can go a long way, even if it’s just obrigado after ordering your pastel.
Crime
Brazil is beautiful, but it’s not without its risks. Petty theft and more serious crimes are, unfortunately, common, especially in bigger cities. Which is why it’s important to check Smartraveller’s advice level before travelling and to always stay alert for crimes that may happen. Places like Copacabana Beach might look like paradise, but they’re also hotspots for pickpockets. Keep your valuables tucked away, carry copies (not originals) of your important docs, and avoid flashing the fancy stuff.
Weather
Brazil’s climate is as diverse as the country itself. While it’s thought of as warm and dry, there are regions where it can get wet and chilly (especially further south). Southern regions have a sub-tropical climate with hot, humid weather in summer and dry, cool weather in winter. In contrast, the central and northern regions have more typical tropical climates, with hot temperatures throughout the year. The further north you get, the more rain and humidity you’ll get. So, if your trip takes you all across Brazil, make sure to pack for a variety of seasons.
Health
Mosquitoes thrive in Brazil’s climate, and unfortunately, they don’t come empty-handed. Diseases like dengue, yellow fever, malaria, and zika are all risks, especially during the wet season. So, it’s important to be mosquito smart (bring bug spray, cover exposed skin, etc). You should also keep on top of routine vaccinations, including for typhoid and hepatitis, which are more common in Brazil than Australia.
Frequently asked questions
Which companies offer travel insurance for Brazil?
When it comes to your travel insurance, you don’t have to settle for the first policy you see. There are many travel insurers to choose from for your Brazilian holiday, so you’ll be able to choose the one that best matches your trip itinerary. Some insurers that iSelect can help you compare include:
- Fast Cover
- Huddle Insurance
- Insure4less
- InsureandGo
- ReadySet Travel Insurance
- Southern Cross Travel Insurance
- Tick Travel Insurance
- Travel Insurance Saver
- Travel Insuranz
- Travel Protect
- WAS Insurance
- World2Cover
- Zoom Travel Insurance
Other travel insurers in the market include:
- 1Cover
- Allianz
- Blue Insurance
- Budget Direct
- Bupa Travel Insurance
- Cover-More
- Everyday Travel Insurance
- Medibank
- Nib
- RACV Travel Insurance
- Travel Insurance Direct
Note: iSelect does not compare all travel insurance providers in the market, or all products offered by our partners in your area.
Do Australians need a visa to travel to Brazil?
If you’re an Aussie planning a trip to Brazil, you’ll need to organise a visa to get through the airport gates. The process isn’t super complicated, but it can take up to two weeks to be processed. So, make sure to sort it out early so you’re not left sweating the night before you’re set to leave. Your visa should cover trips up to 90 days, so if you’d like to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for an extension with the Federal Police. Brazil immigration isn’t too keen on close calls, so you’ll also need to make sure your passport has at least 6 months of validity before your date of arrival.
Does my travel insurance cover COVID-19?
These days, most policies will include some COVID-19 coverage, but what they do (and don’t cover) can vary. For example, some providers will help cover hospital costs if you catch it, but won’t cover any related claims before this (including RAT tests).
The best bet is to read through the provider’s product disclosure statement (PDS) to understand the ins and outs of your policy. You should also check Smartraveller before you go – it’s got the latest health and safety updates for Brazil.
Travel insurance that’s ready to roll with the rhythm of Brazil
From stolen belongings on a Rio beach day to medical emergencies in the Amazon, travel insurance is here to remove the stress from your holiday in Brazil, so you can enjoy every second without worry. Compare travel insurance from our range of providers today so you can dance the samba and enjoy feijoada to your heart’s content.
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Save time and effort by comparing a range of travel insurance policies with iSelect
iSelect does not compare all travel insurers or policies in the market. Travel insurance is only available through our website and not all policies are available at all times or in all areas. Not all policies available from our partners are compared by iSelect and due to commercial arrangements and customer circumstances not all policies compared by iSelect will be available to all customers. Click here to view iSelect’s range of providers.
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