Healthcare in Florianópolis
Practical guide to healthcare in Florianópolis for expats, digital nomads, and visitors exploring southern Brazil and needing easy access to medical care.
Understanding the Healthcare System in Florianópolis
Public and Private Healthcare
Public Healthcare
The public healthcare system is available to everyone, including foreigners, and provides free or low-cost medical services. It is funded by taxes, and you can visit public hospitals and clinics without paying for consultations or basic treatments. While public healthcare is widely accessible, it may involve longer waiting times and fewer resources compared to private facilities.
Private Healthcare
Private healthcare offers faster access to care, often with modern facilities and more personalized service. Private hospitals and clinics can be accessed either by paying out of pocket or through private insurance. While it offers a higher level of service, private care is more expensive than public care, but it ensures shorter wait times and better access to specialists.
CareThere Healthcare Coordination
CareThere can help coordinate your healthcare in both public and private systems and can help you understand which facilities and insurance options might be best for your situation.
Major Hospitals & Medical Centers
Florianópolis offers quality medical facilities, though finding English-speaking staff can be challenging:
Private Hospitals:
- Hospital Governador Celso Ramos - Leading private hospital with modern facilities
- Instituto de Cardiologia de Santa Catarina - Specialized cardiac care center
- Hospital Infantil Joana de Gusmão - Premier pediatric hospital
- Hospital SOS Cárdio - Specialized cardiovascular hospital
Public Hospitals:
- Hospital Universitário Polydoro Ernani de São Thiago (HU-UFSC) - Federal university hospital
- Hospital Regional Dr. Homero de Miranda Gomes - Regional public hospital
- Hospital de Caridade - Historic public medical center
Note: "Pronto Socorro" refers to urgent care or emergency department in hospitals.
Pharmacies in Florianópolis
Florianópolis has extensive pharmacy coverage throughout the island and mainland. Major chains include Raia Drogasil, Drogaria Catarinense, Pacheco, and Farmasil. Many pharmacies have extended hours, particularly in tourist areas like Lagoa da Conceição and downtown. Staff typically speak limited English, and foreign prescriptions require validation — only prescriptions from Brazilian physicians are automatically accepted. CareThere can facilitate local prescriptions and help navigate the pharmaceutical system effectively.