Health and Wellness: Medical Tourism to Brazil
- Antonio Carlos Faustino
- Aug 16
- 3 min read
Introduction
Medical tourism to Brazil is emerging as one of the most promising segments in the health and wellness sector. The country, known worldwide for its excellence in plastic surgery, has also been excelling in areas such as cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, and dentistry. Against a backdrop of high costs and endless waiting lists in developed countries, foreigners see Brazil as an opportunity to access cutting-edge procedures with international quality and more affordable prices.
But is Brazil ready to become a global powerhouse in medical tourism? What are the benefits, risks, and opportunities involved in this sector? That's what we'll explore in this article.
What is medical tourism?
Medical tourism is the practice of traveling to another country for health treatments or cosmetic procedures. According to the Medical Tourism Association (2023), this market generates over US$100 billion annually and grows at an average rate of 15%.
Medical tourism is nothing new in Brazil. Since the 1990s, foreign patients have been seeking cosmetic surgery in the country. However, what was once a niche practice has now expanded to include complex treatments at leading hospitals such as Hospital Sírio-Libanês and Hospital Albert Einstein, both recognized by the Joint Commission International (JCI), a certification that validates global healthcare quality standards.
Why choose Brazil for medical tourism?
1. Internationally recognized quality
Many Brazilian medical centers have international certifications, which guarantees confidence for foreign patients.
2. Competitive prices
Procedures that can cost US$30,000 in the US cost less than half that in Brazil, even in high-end clinics.
3. Expertise in specific areas
Brazil is a reference in plastic surgery, but also stands out in dentistry, fertility, sports orthopedics and highly complex cardiology.
4. Recovery in a tourist destination
Beyond health benefits, patients can enjoy the country's beauty, combining medical treatment and leisure. Cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Florianópolis already offer integrated packages for this population.
The economic impact of medical tourism in Brazil
According to the Ministry of Tourism (2024), it is estimated that medical tourism could generate more than R$15 billion annually by 2030, generating jobs in areas such as hotels, transport, gastronomy and specialized services.
Furthermore, there is an indirect effect: foreign patients often travel accompanied, increasing the traditional tourist flow.
Challenges and barriers to growth
Despite the opportunities, Brazil faces obstacles:
Uneven hospital infrastructure: not all regions have international-standard hospitals.
Bureaucracy of international visas and health insurance.
Lack of institutional marketing: other countries such as Mexico, Costa Rica, and India already have official patient attraction campaigns.
Public safety issues: a factor that still weighs negatively on the perception of foreigners.
Strategies to consolidate Brazil as a medical tourism destination
1. International promotional campaigns led by the Ministry of Health and Tourism.
2. Integration of medical-tourism packages, including accommodation, transportation and bilingual support.
3. Public-private partnerships to expand international certifications in regional hospitals.
4. Digital telemedicine platforms for pre- and post-operative care, strengthening patient confidence.
Products and services that complement the experience
For those considering Brazil as a medical tourism destination, some items and information products may be relevant:
📘 Global Health Travel Guide – Complete guide on how to choose the right country for your treatment.
🦷 Professional Oral Hygiene Kit – Product recommended for patients undergoing dental treatments.
🎓 Hotmart Course: Health Tourism Planning – For professionals and investors interested in the sector.
Testimony of a foreign patient who was treated in the country;
Infographic: Price comparison between medical procedures in Brazil and the USA.
Conclusion: Brazil can be a protagonist in medical tourism
Medical tourism to Brazil has the potential to transform not only the healthcare sector, but also the country's economy and international image. To achieve this, it is necessary to invest in infrastructure, certifications, and global outreach campaigns.
If well-structured, Brazil can establish itself as a Latin American leader in health and wellness tourism, attracting not only patients seeking plastic surgery, but also those requiring advanced treatments with quality and competitive prices.
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References (ABNT)
BRAZILIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. Health tourism: national and international overview. São Paulo: AMB, 2023.
BRAZIL. Ministry of Tourism. Medical tourism in Brazil: opportunities and challenges. Brasília, 2024.
MEDICAL TOURISM ASSOCIATION. Global Medical Tourism Report 2023. Available at: https://www.medicaltourism.com/. Accessed on: August 15, 2025.
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION. Health systems and medical tourism. Geneva: WHO, 2022.
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