2011-06-22, 12:13 PM
Just pitching in that Brazil has a semi-socialized medicine system. Everyone has the right to use the SUS (Universal Healthcare System), but depending on what you want there may be queues until you get to see your doctor (generally common and small things have longer queues while emergency, surgery, expensive medicine is really quick and good).
You are also free to opt for private healthcare if you want to avoid the queues and/or choose your doctor. There are insurance companies as well.
I've been through the SUS system for a few broken bones and torsions as well as through the private system for things like dental care, eye care, etc.
Sometimes under the same hospital there are a certain number of beds that are for SUS patients and the rest for private patients, the government pays for SUS patients and the patient (or the insurance company) pays for the private ones.
I'd say it works pretty well.
You are also free to opt for private healthcare if you want to avoid the queues and/or choose your doctor. There are insurance companies as well.
I've been through the SUS system for a few broken bones and torsions as well as through the private system for things like dental care, eye care, etc.
Sometimes under the same hospital there are a certain number of beds that are for SUS patients and the rest for private patients, the government pays for SUS patients and the patient (or the insurance company) pays for the private ones.
I'd say it works pretty well.