Brazil gained visa-free access to the full Schengen zone in 2023, making it significantly easier to visit France, Italy, Portugal, Germany, and Spain. But traveling without a visa doesn't mean traveling without risk. Brazilian nationals in Europe are treated as private patients — every treatment, every ER visit, every ambulance ride generates an out-of-pocket invoice that must be paid upfront or collected through your insurance.
Visa-Free Status
Brazilian passport holders can enter the Schengen zone without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Travel insurance is not legally required but is strongly recommended given high European medical costs.
Why Brazilians Need Travel Insurance in Europe
Brazilian public health coverage (SUS) does not extend abroad. Brazilian private health insurance — from Unimed, Hapvida, SulAmérica, or any Brazilian provider — typically does not cover international medical events. When you are hospitalized in Europe, the invoice arrives in euros — payable in full.
| Country | Hospital/Day | ER Visit | Air Evacuation to Brazil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | €1,500–€3,500 | €400–€1,200 | €60,000–€120,000 |
| Germany | €700–€1,200 | €200–€600 | €50,000–€90,000 |
| France | €600–€1,100 | €150–€500 | €40,000–€80,000 |
| Portugal | €400–€800 | €100–€350 | €35,000–€70,000 |
| Italy | €500–€900 | €100–€400 | €40,000–€80,000 |
| Spain | €400–€900 | €100–€350 | €35,000–€70,000 |
Cost of Travel Insurance for Brazilians Visiting Europe
| Age | 15-Day Trip (USD) | 30-Day Trip (USD) | Approx. in BRL (30d) | 90-Day Trip (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18–35 | $12–$18 | $22–$35 | R$110–R$175 | $55–$90 |
| 36–50 | $15–$24 | $28–$45 | R$140–R$225 | $70–$110 |
| 51–65 | $22–$38 | $40–$70 | R$200–R$350 | $110–$180 |
| 66–75 | $35–$60 | $65–$110 | R$325–R$550 | $180–$280 |
BRL estimates based on approximately R$5.00/USD. Use our quote tool for exact current pricing.
Best Plans for Brazilian Nationals in Europe
WorldTrips
Atlas International
from $8/wk
Medical
Up to $2M
Evacuation
$1,000,000
Max Age
79
- ✓Lowest price for young travelers
- ✓Instant digital certificate
- ✓Covers emergency repatriation to Brazil
IMG
Patriot International
from $10/wk
Medical
Up to $1M
Evacuation
$500,000
Max Age
99
- ✓24/7 multilingual assistance line
- ✓IPA hospital network throughout Europe
- ✓Covers travelers up to age 99
Trawick International
Safe Travels International
from $15/wk
Medical
Up to $1M
Evacuation
$500,000
Max Age
89
- ✓Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions
- ✓Multi-person family policies available
- ✓Telemedicine included
Compare Europe Travel Insurance Plans
Plans from $8/week. 60 seconds to compare. Instant digital certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Brazilian nationals need a visa to visit the Schengen zone?
No. Brazilian nationals have been visa-free for the Schengen zone since 2023. You can enter for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Note: ETIAS (the European Travel Information and Authorization System) is expected to launch in 2025–2026 and will require Brazilians to register and pay a small fee before travel — though this is not a visa.
Do Brazilians need travel insurance for Europe?
It is not legally required for Brazilian nationals traveling to the Schengen zone visa-free. However, it is strongly recommended. Brazilian travelers in Europe do not have access to European public health systems. Private hospital care in Germany, France, Switzerland, or the Netherlands can cost thousands of euros per day. A single broken leg or appendix surgery can generate a bill well over €10,000.
What does travel insurance cover for Brazilians in Europe?
Travel insurance for Brazilian nationals in Europe typically covers: emergency medical treatment (hospitalization, surgery, ER visits), prescription medications, emergency dental care, medical evacuation back to Brazil, trip cancellation and interruption (on trip plans), and 24/7 emergency assistance. Plans from IMG, WorldTrips, and Trawick are specifically designed for international travelers.
What is ETIAS and how does it affect Brazilian travelers to Europe?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a pre-travel registration program that will apply to all visa-exempt nationals, including Brazilians. It is similar to the US ESTA system. Once launched, you will need to register online and pay a small fee (expected €7) before traveling to the Schengen zone. This is not a visa — it is an authorization system. Travel insurance is separate and still strongly recommended.
How much does travel insurance cost for Brazilians visiting Europe?
Travel insurance for European trips typically costs $8–$28 per week depending on your age. A 30-day trip for a 35-year-old runs approximately $26–$45 (roughly R$140–R$240 at current rates). Coverage up to $2M in medical costs is available for minimal additional cost.
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