First: Is it an emergency?
Emergency numbers in Brazil: SAMU (medical emergencies): 192 · Fire / Rescue: 193 · Police: 190
For life-threatening situations, go directly to the nearest hospital emergency room (Pronto-Socorro or UPA).
For everything that isn't an emergency — fever, nausea, infection, skin reaction, UTI, anxiety, medication refills — an online consultation is faster, cheaper, and far less stressful than sitting in a Brazilian emergency room for hours.
How to Find an English-Speaking Doctor in Brazil
Most Brazilian doctors don't speak English fluently. In public hospitals, it's even less likely. Your options:
- Online telemedicine (fastest): Services like MyPassportCare connect you with a Brazilian board-certified doctor who speaks English via video call. Same-day appointments, prescription included, $70 flat fee.
- Private international clinics: Available in major cities (São Paulo, Rio), but expensive and require you to travel to the clinic.
- Hotel concierge: Some high-end hotels have arrangements with private doctors. Ask the front desk.
- SUS (public health system): Free for everyone in Brazil, but expect long waits and very likely no English speakers.
Pro tip: With MyPassportCare, you can consult with an English-speaking doctor from your hotel room, hostel, or Airbnb. Book online, get seen by video, receive a prescription valid at any Brazilian pharmacy — all within the hour.
Common Illnesses Travelers Get in Brazil
Traveler's Diarrhea (the most common)
The #1 health issue for visitors to Brazil. Caused by bacteria from food or water your body isn't used to. Symptoms: loose stools, cramping, nausea. Usually resolves in 2–5 days, but can be treated with antibiotics when severe.
Prevention: Stick to bottled water, avoid raw street food if you have a sensitive stomach, wash hands frequently.
Respiratory Infections
Air conditioning in hotels and shopping malls, combined with dramatic temperature changes between indoors and outdoors, often triggers colds and sinusitis in travelers.
UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)
Very common, especially in women. Antibiotics are needed and must be prescribed by a doctor. This is a classic case where an online consultation saves hours of waiting in a clinic.
Dengue Fever
Transmitted by mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti). Symptoms: high fever, severe headache, joint pain, rash. No specific treatment — rest, hydration, and avoid aspirin/ibuprofen. If you suspect dengue, seek in-person care.
Heat Exhaustion & Sunburn
Brazil's sun is intense, especially in the Northeast and during summer (December–March). Stay hydrated, use SPF 50+, and avoid prolonged sun exposure between 10am–4pm.
Getting a Prescription in Brazil as a Tourist
Brazil has strict rules about over-the-counter medications — antibiotics and many other drugs require a doctor's prescription (receita médica). Here's what you need to know:
- A valid prescription from a licensed Brazilian doctor is required for most antibiotics and controlled medications.
- Foreign prescriptions are generally not accepted at Brazilian pharmacies.
- With MyPassportCare, the consulting physician is a licensed Brazilian doctor who can issue a valid local prescription.
- Pharmacies (farmácias) are everywhere in Brazil — Drogasil, Droga Raia, Ultrafarma are major chains with English labeling in tourist areas.
Do I Need Travel Insurance in Brazil?
While not legally required for most nationalities entering Brazil, travel insurance is highly recommended. Brazil's public healthcare (SUS) is free to use but can be slow and overwhelmed. Private care without insurance is expensive.
Good options for travelers: World Nomads, SafetyWing, Allianz Travel. Most policies cover telemedicine consultations — keep your receipt.
With MyPassportCare's $70 flat fee, even without insurance, you get affordable access to an English-speaking doctor fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
The simplest option is an online telemedicine service like MyPassportCare, where all consultations are conducted entirely in English by a Brazilian board-certified doctor.
Tap water in major cities is treated, but most visitors (and locals) prefer bottled water. Avoid ice at street food stalls and restaurants outside tourist areas.
No. Antibiotics require a prescription from a licensed doctor in Brazil. A telemedicine consultation is the fastest way to get a valid prescription without going to a clinic.
Medical emergency: 192 (SAMU) · Fire: 193 · Police: 190
Yes. As long as you have a stable internet connection, you can consult from anywhere in Brazil — Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Florianópolis, Salvador, the Amazon, or any other location.
No. The service costs $70 and you pay directly. If you have travel insurance, most policies will reimburse telemedicine consultations — keep your receipt.