With doubts continuing over the future of Western economies, emerging markets are thought by many to hold the best prospect of growth. Among the top-ranked nations in this category is Brazil, attracting many expatriates from the US and Europe.
As befits a rapidly growing economy, healthcare has improved radically within a few years. Child mortality, for instance, has decreased 60 per cent since 1990. Brazil has won plaudits from Unicef. And the country has a booming trade in medical tourism, attracting patients even from Europe.
Unfortunately, medical care costs have also boomed. The world’s fourth biggest democracy is by far the most expensive country in South America in which to be ill. It’s no place to be without sound health cover.
Brazil is the subject of September’s expatriate health guide of The Telegraph.
We examine ways insurers can control costs not just in Brazil, but across the globe. And if cost control is problematic, good cover can make all the difference in ensuring quality. We also report industry news.