Travel Insurance for a Trip to Brazil (2024)

There are several types of travel insurance coverage that may come in handy for a trip to Brazil.

Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage offers more flexibility in canceling your trip under a travel insurance policy. Reimbursement with standard trip cancellation insurance is limited to a predetermined set of reasons that are usually beyond your control. For example, standard insurance may only cover cancellation due to major events like a death in the family, whereas CFAR coverage includes reasons as simple as changing your plans.

Although CFAR insurance offers more flexibility, it will increase your premium and does not guarantee complete coverage. However, it could be ideal if you may have to cancel your vacation for unconventional reasons. You must follow certain rules to qualify for coverage, including:

• You must cancel your trip within a certain timeframe, like up to 48 hours before your departure date.
• You purchase CFAR coverage within a provider’s specified time frame, typically within a few weeks of booking your trip.

Gear Theft Protection

Brazil has some of the highest crime rates in the world, with pickpocketing and robberies among the most common occurrences. Whether you’re visiting Rio de Janeiro, Salvador or Porto Alegre, gear theft protection can help protect your belongings.

Here are some items that travel insurance typically covers against theft or damage:

• A laptop, tablet or mobile phone
• Jewelry
• Professional camera and equipment
• Sporting equipment (like hiking sticks or a surfboard)

It’s important to note that travel insurance includes sub-limits and may not cover the full value of your items. Be sure to review your policy disclosure statement to ensure you have adequate protection against financial loss. If your valuables exceed your coverage limitations, consider leaving some items at home.

Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation

Medical emergencies can take place anywhere, whether you’re traveling to the capital city or the Amazon Rainforest. If an injury, illness or accident occurs, you’ll have to head to a hospital or medical clinic for treatment.

In Brazilian public hospitals, foreigners are entitled to emergency medical treatment. Private hospitals will only accept you if you have health insurance or immediate funds to cover treatment.

If your health insurance does not extend abroad, you can secure coverage with travel insurance for medical emergencies. Most policies also include medical evacuation and repatriation coverage to cover the cost of flying you back home if you can’t receive the treatment you need in Brazil.

In Brazil, the tropical heat can negatively affect some visitors. Be sure to declare any pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma or high blood pressure when booking your medical insurance.

Rental Car Protection

The U.S. Travel Advisory discourages the use of public transport in Brazil due to a higher risk of robbery and assault. Brazil does not require you to purchase insurance if you rent a car. While most rental car companies may offer you optional insurance, you can also secure rental car protection through a travel insurance policy.

Travel insurance with rental car protection may cover the following:

• Collision damage waiver
• Theft protection
• Third-party liability
• Personal accident insurance

If you rent a car in Brazil, be sure to keep valuables on you at all times or out of sight due to high crime rates and car theft.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Due to the cost of international travel to South America, trip cancellation insurance provides peace of mind knowing there won’t be a complete loss of your trip costs. If unforeseen circumstances happen, trip cancellation insurance can reimburse your financial losses. Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse nonrefundable, prepaid expenses if you have to cancel your trip due to the following:

• Death of a traveling companion or family member
• Diagnosis of a serious medical disease, illness or injury
• Natural disasters or extreme weather conditions
• Domestic or international acts of terrorism
• Jury duty

Your insurance policy will list coverage exclusions, such as pre-existing medical conditions, non-emergency appointments, scheduling conflicts or falling out with your travel partners. But you can opt for more flexibility by choosing CFAR coverage. Be sure to read any disclaimers and pay attention to the details in your insurance quote when booking.