There are a number of serious health risks in Brazil, including a high prevalence of dengue fever in urban areas, and endemic malaria and yellow fever in the Amazon and central western regions. Brazil also has cases of reported Rabies throughout the country, and occasional outbreaks of cholera. A number of other tropical diseases can also be found in Brazil, and travellers or expatriates going there should always check an authoritative source of up-to-date medical advice. Typhoid vaccinations are highly recommended, and polio vaccination certificates are required for children under six years of age.

Water is unsafe to drink straight from the tap in Brazil and should be boiled or sterilised. Pasteurised milk and dairy products are generally safe in urban areas but not in rural areas. Vegetables should be cooked before eating and fruits peeled. Meat and fish should be well cooked before consumption.

Brazil has a system of universal, government-funded healthcare, administered through the Sistema Unico de Saude (SUS) programme. Anyone can access this free healthcare at a SUS hospital, there is no registration procedure. However, the effective delivery of medical care under this programme is hampered by insufficient funding, and the hospitals tend to be extremely over-crowded.

In parallel with this public healthcare system is an extensive system of private healthcare for those with private health insurance. In some cases public and private healthcare facilities can be found within the same hospital. In general, private healthcare in Brazil is of a good standard, particularly in the main cities. However, the cost can be high so it is important to have health insurance. Good dental treatment is also available in Brazil. Cosmetic surgery is a major Brazilian industry, bringing many foreign nationals to the country.