Travel Insurance for Brazil
What Americans need to know before travelling to Brazil
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At a glance
- World Nomads offers four travel protection plans for your trip to Brazil. Plans range from standard to higher-limit protections.
- Coverage may apply to popular activities in Brazil like surfing, hang gliding and hiking.
- Plans for Americans include protection for medical emergencies, trip cancellations and lost luggage.
Big and bold, Brazil is known for its warm, welcoming culture. From the beaches of Rio de Janeiro to the depths of the Amazon rainforest, it’s a country defined by strong traditions, a deeply social way of life and a rhythm that feels distinct within South America. Beyond the headline sights, you’ll find vibrant cities, colonial towns and a culture shaped by music, food and festivals. No wonder more and more US travelers are adding Brazil to their plans. Travel protection helps safeguard your plans, your belongings, and your peace of mind.
Plan Comparisons
Choosing the right travel protection coverage depends on your trip type and planned activities. Each of our four plans – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – offers different coverages and benefit maximums.
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
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Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Covering the basics for your trip to the Brazil. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available* Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available* Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Get a quote |
Travel insurance for adventure activities in Brazil
For incredible views over Rio de Janeiro, challenge yourself with a hike up to Pedra da Gávea or try hang gliding over the city and beaches. At Iguazu Falls, boat tours take you close to the base of the falls, while in the Amazon, guided treks and river trips grant you access to remote parts of the rainforest. Along the coast, surf towns from Florianópolis to Bahia are popular for wave riding, and snorkeling and diving in the protected waters around the islands of Fernando de Noronha is a must. For something different, try kitesurfing or sandboard across the dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses.
Coverage for activities in Brazil
Common insurance considerations for Brazil
Accidents and emergencies
No one likes imagining the worst, but if you do get sick or have an accident that sends you to the hospital, you’ll be glad you purchased travel protection before you left home. Wiped out surfing in Rio and had to go to hospital? Ate coxinha in São Paulo and came down with a nasty bout of food poisoning? Emergency assistance is a phone call away. All World Nomads plans include non-insurance services like portable health records. This enables medical staff to access your records 24/7. Having that information available may be critical if you experience an unexpected medical emergency while travelling.
Trip interruption
No matter how good of a time you’re having, things can happen that mean you have to finish your trip early or you’re unable to participate in your full planned itinerary. If you get injured or sick while you're traveling, or you get a call from back home and learn that an immediate family member has unexpectedly passed away, you may not be able to complete the rest of your planned trip. World Nomads offers trip interruption coverage that may help you get reimbursed for prepaid, non-refundable travel costs if your plans change for a covered reason.
Trip cancellation
The best trips are often the ones you’ve planned months in advance, but you can’t predict the future and unexpected situations can sometimes happen before you even set off. Trip cancellation coverage is included in all single-trip and annual travel protection plans offered by World Nomads and gives you the opportunity to cancel your trip before you depart – but only for covered reasons. Optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to cancel for any reason that’s not otherwise covered by your plan. Broke up with your partner? You can cancel your trip. Sick dog? You can stay home. Change your mind about traveling? There’s no judgment here. Just make sure you purchase the Cancel For Any Reason benefit within 7 days of making your first trip payment (like booking a hotel or flight) and remember to cancel no later than two days before your departure date. Additional cost, terms and conditions apply; not available to New York residents.
Missing luggage
Nothing gets a trip off to a rocky start quite like arriving in Brazil without your bags. If your checked luggage is lost or delayed, travel protection benefits may help reimburse you for lost items. Keep original receipts for any personal items you buy – like a toothbrush, medication or a change of clothes. The first step is always to report missing luggage to your carrier and check what compensation they may provide. Travel protection benefits for lost, damaged, destroyed, stolen or delayed bags are included in all World Nomads plans. Also, our non-insurance service included in every plan assists with tracking and delivering missing checked bags.
Tips we recommend for travelling to Brazil
- Pickpocketing and bag snatching happens, so keep valuables secure and out of sight – especially in cities and on popular beaches
- Protect against mosquitoes – use repellent and wear long sleeves in the evening, especially in tropical regions
- Avoid walking alone at night and stay in well-lit, populated areas
- Carry a copy of your ID and keep your passport stored securely at your accommodation
- Set off on hikes in the cool of the early morning if hot and humid weather is forecast and take plenty of bottled water.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for Brazil. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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Do Americans need a visa to visit Brazil?
Visa requirements for Americans travelling to Brazil have changed in recent years. Currently, you will need to get an eVisa* before travelling. Check official government advice before you go.
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Is Brazil safe for tourists?
Safety can vary by region. Popular tourist areas are generally well managed, but petty theft and more serious crime can occur. Stay in well-known areas, use reputable transport, stay aware of your surroundings and follow US Department of State travel advisories*. You may want to consider travel protection for those unexpected situations that arise.
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Can I drink tap water in Brazil?
It’s generally best to avoid tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water and take care with ice and raw foods.
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Can I drink tap water in Brazil?
It’s generally best to avoid tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water and take care with ice and raw foods.
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What currency is used in Brazil and can I use credit cards?
Brazil uses the Brazilian real (BRL). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, but it’s useful to carry cash for smaller purchases.
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Do I need vaccinations for Brazil?
Some vaccinations may be recommended, including protection against hepatitis A and yellow fever, depending on your itinerary. Speak with your doctor before travelling. All World Nomads plans for US residents include additional non-insurance services like access to pre-trip medical support. A telehealth consultation can help you with a customized medical plan based on your destination. This may help you prepare for health concerns before you go and the best ways to avoid things like altitude sickness, malaria, yellow fever and traveler’s diarrhea.
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Is it safe to travel in the Amazon in Brazil?
The Amazon is generally safe to visit with a reputable guide or organized tour. Most travelers explore the region through lodges or guided excursions, which help manage risks. It’s important to follow local advice, use insect repellent, consider travel insurance, and stay aware of your surroundings.
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Is Carnival safe in Rio?
Carnival is one of Brazil’s biggest events and is generally safe for travelers, but large crowds can increase the risk of pickpocketing and petty theft. Keep valuables secure, avoid carrying unnecessary items and plan your transport in advance, especially at night.
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Do I need travel insurance for Brazil?
Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended. Insurance benefits for accidents, medical emergencies, cancellations, delays and lost luggage can help protect you against unexpected costs. Whether you’re in a major city or off adventuring in a more remote location, it’s reassuring to know you can get the help you need – especially when it comes to an accident or sudden illness.
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What if my passport gets stolen in Brazil?
World Nomads travel insurance plans cover theft or damage of the following documents:
- Passports
- Driver’s licenses
- Birth certificates
- Travel visas
You can claim up to the maximum limit stated in the plan towards the replacement of your passport or other travel documents.
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How do I make a travel insurance claim?
You can make a claim online 24/7: https://worldnomads-us.eclaims.csaclaims.com. Have your documents and receipts handy to upload and get started. If you get stuck, you can call us collect on +1 844-207-1930 and we can assist you with your claim.
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What do I do if I need emergency assistance?
No matter where you are in the world, our 24/7 non-insurance Emergency Assistance partners at Generali Global Assistance are ready to help – 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Whether it’s a medical emergency, stolen gear, missing bags, or a natural disaster, they’re the first call to make. Need a translator? They can help with that too.
When you call, you’ll be asked if you are experiencing a travel emergency. If you are having a medical emergency, you’ll be connected with Emergency Assistance right away. If your situation is not urgent and you are calling outside of normal business hours, you’ll be able to leave a message and be called back.
The contact information for medical emergency assistance is:
Phone: +1 (877) 289-0968 (toll-free from the Continental US); or
Phone: +1 (954) 334-8143 (collect from anywhere else in the world)
Need destination inspiration for Brazil?
Not sure where your next adventure should take you? Take a look at these travel and safety ideas around the world and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.
Brazil Discoveries: The heart of Carnival
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Protection
Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.
- Standard Plan: $2,500
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Epic Plan: $15,000
- Annual Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Insurance
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
- Standard Plan: $125,000
- Explorer Plan: $150,000
- Epic Plan: $250,000
- Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Evacuation
We'll provide assistance to get you to the hospital or home quickly.
- Standard Plan: $400,000
- Explorer Plan: $500,000
- Epic Plan: $700,000
- Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Evacuation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags, tech and gear.
- Standard Plan: $1,000
- Explorer Plan: $2,000
- Epic Plan: $3,000
- Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
The amounts listed represent the maximum benefit amount.
Protect your health
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance Help Line
- Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Evacuations
- Bedside Companion Travel
- Emergency Medications
Protect Your Trip
- Trip Cancellation
- Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
- Trip Delay & Trip Interruption
- Missed Connection (Explorer or Epic)
- Rental Car Damage (Explorer, Epic or Annual)
Protect Your Stuff
- Baggage Delay
- Passport and Visa Loss
- Lost or Stolen Bags
- Personal Tech, Equipment & Gear
- Baggage Return After Evacuation
Non-Insurance Services
- Medical & Non-Medical 24/7 Emergency Assistance Line
- Translators Available
- Pre-Departure Telehealth Services
- Portable Health Records
- Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.