HEALTH TIP #1: Understanding Brazil's SUS
HEALTH TIP #2: Public vs. private hospitals
HEALTH TIP #3: Be kind to yourself
Health
No matter where you're living, you're likely to cross paths with the healthcare system at some point. As you prepare yourself for your life in Brazil, it helps to get acquainted with the specifics of the local healthcare system. Com saúde não se brinca!
Our healthcare section has five subsections of relevant vocabulary. Click on the buttons below to dive into each subsection, and scroll down further for general health tips and reflections. Our healthcare recordings feature Matheus, a male from Natal, RN!
Saúde
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Brazil's public healthcare system is commonly known as SUS, or the Sistema Única de Saúde. Under SUS, any person living in Brazil has access to publicized healthcare - including you! Ask any Brazilian about SUS, and you are sure to hear a wide variety of opinions, many of which suggest that it's a great idea that unfortunately doesn't work as well as it could. If you're curious, we strongly encourage you to ask locals about their perspectives on nationalized healthcare. You can also check out this YouTube channel and video series to better understand SUS, as told by a group of Brazilian students (Portuguese with English subtitles)!
When should you chose SUS over a private hospital, or vice versa? Ultimately, this is a personal choice that may depend on your financial situation, time, and the quality of the SUS post in your neighborhood or host city. Many ETAs who have used the public hospitals in Brazil have found it to be time consuming and have received a higher standard of care at private hospitals, while others have marveled at how you can spend a night hooked up to an IV and walk out completely healed without paying a penny. In general, public hospitals work fine, but if it's something serious and you can afford to be reimbursed by your healthcare plan later, we recommend private ones.
Depending on your city, you may experience various physical and mental challenges. From hair loss to weight gain, jellyfish stings to vector-borne diseases, past ETAs have experienced numerous health challenges. Paying close attention to what your body is telling you and scheduling time for self-care will be beneficial to your health. Living in a new country means new food, new water, and new weather. All of these factors can affect hair, skin, weight, etc.! Don't freak out if you notice a few changes. Be kind, stay calm, fique peixe.
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