At a Glance: Brazil's SUS
| System Name | Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1988 (Constitution) |
| Cost to Patient | 100% FREE (No co-payment) |
| Beneficiaries | 215+ Million (Universal) |
| Emergency Number | 192 (SAMU - Ambulance), 193 (Fire) |
| Official App | Conecte SUS |
Brazil is the only country with a population of over 200 million people to have a universal, free, and public healthcare system. The Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) ensures that everyone on Brazilian soil—rich or poor, citizen or tourist—has the right to medical care without paying anything directly.
While Brazil has a large private healthcare sector (Planos de Saúde), roughly 75% of the population relies exclusively on SUS for their medical needs, from vaccinations to organ transplants.
Where to Go: UBS vs. UPA
The biggest mistake foreigners make is going to the wrong place. Brazilian healthcare is divided into levels of urgency.
UBS
Unidade Básica de Saúde
Also called "Posto de Saúde".
- Use for: Non-urgent checkups, vaccines, renewal of prescriptions, prenatal care.
- Hours: Usually Business Hours (7am - 5pm).
- Appointment: Often required.
UPA 24h
Unidade de Pronto Atendimento
Intermediate Emergency Unit.
- Use for: High fever, fractures, heart attack symptoms, severe cuts, spikes in blood pressure.
- Hours: Open 24 hours / 7 days.
- Appointment: No. First come, first served (prioritized by risk).
Note: For catastrophic trauma (car accidents, shootings), the SAMU (192) ambulance will take you to a large "Hospital de Base" or "Pronto Socorro", not just a UPA.
The Cartão SUS (National Health Card)
The Cartão Nacional de Saúde (CNS) is your identification number in the system. It links your medical history across the country.
How to get it?
- Digital (Conecte SUS App): Download the "Conecte SUS" app. Login with your Gov.br account. Your digital card appears instantly.
- In Person: Go to any UBS (Posto de Saúde) with your ID (CPF) and proof of residence. They will print a card for you.
Is SUS Free for Tourists?
YES. The Brazilian Constitution (1988) declares health a "right of all and duty of the State."
If you are a tourist in Brazil and have a medical emergency (e.g., break a leg, food poisoning, Dengue fever), you can go to a UPA or Public Hospital and be treated for free. You do not need to be a citizen. However, for non-urgent elective treatments, you generally need to be a resident with a Cartão SUS.
Farmácia Popular (Free Medicine)
SUS isn't just doctors; it's also medicine. The "Farmácia Popular" program allows you to get essential medications for free or at a 90% discount at private pharmacies (look for the "Aqui Tem Farmácia Popular" red sign).
- Free Medicines: Diabetes, Hypertension, and Asthma medications.
- Discounted: Contraceptives, diapers (geriatric), and rhinitis medication.
Find a UBS or UPA Near You
Finding the correct facility is crucial. Use the official government portal to locate the nearest health unit.
Access Conecte SUS Portal
View your vaccine history, find nearby UBS/UPA, and access your digital Cartão SUS.
Go to Official Portal →For emergency ambulance, dial 192 immediately.