Every traveler should visit the exotic city of Rio de Janeiro once in their lifetime.
Founded by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century, it is now a coveted UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been cited by UNESCO as the "World Capital of Architecture for 2020". Rio de Janeiro's stunning natural beauty is synonymous with golden sand beaches, urban forests, and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.
Its glamorous urban life offers visitors a chance to enjoy diverse holiday experiences. Here's your chance to groove to the samba or taste luscious Brazilian cuisine. Take home an antique from the local markets, or learn about the orchids at the botanical gardens.
Before you leave for your trip to Rio, remember to purchase travel medical insurance to protect yourself against unexpected accidents, illnesses, injuries, or travel mishaps.
Rio de Janeiro Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
Travel medical insurance is a type of insurance plan that protects you from the financial burden of falling sick abroad. A Rio de Janeiro travel medical insurance plan could provide you the comfort of 24/7, English-speaking medical assistance in a Portuguese-speaking nation.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Rio De Janeiro?
Effective October 2, 2020, the Government of Brazil does not require foreign travelers to possess a valid health insurance plan to enter Brazil, but it is highly recommended that international travelers buy travel medical insurance before departing for Rio de Janeiro or Brazil.
Travel medical insurance for Rio de Janeiro may not be able to safeguard you from falling sick during your vacation, but it could provide a safety net against catastrophic medical expenses that may happen in the unlikely event of falling ill in Rio.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Rio de Janeiro?
There are several benefits of buying travel medical insurance in Rio de Janeiro. Apart from safeguarding you and your loved ones from hospitalization expenses, a travel medical insurance plan can also offer coverage for:
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation of remains
- Accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)
- Ancillary benefits like natural disaster relief, ID theft assistance, the return of minor children, and more.
Things to Do for Travelers in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is one of the most visited cities on the continent of South America. Almost three million tourists from all around the world visit this impressive city every year. Don't just visit Rio; enjoy it to the fullest with our expert-recommended "Things to Do":
Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This towering statue of Jesus Christ is the fifth-tallest statue in the world. It stands proudly as one of Rio's most famous landmarks. One of the easiest ways to reach the base of the statue is to take a cab. If you are looking to go the more traditional way, you may travel by a cog train along a rail route that predates the statue itself.
Tijuca Rainforest Jeep Tour
A half-day trip from Rio takes you to Tijuca National Park. This rainforest is best explored by an open jeep tour. Keep your eyes open for rainbow butterflies, sloths, squirrels, armadillos, and the Paraguayan porcupine. You can take a hiking trail to enjoy the panoramic views from Vista Chinesa and soak in the spray of Cachoeira dos Macacos (Waterfall of the Monkeys).
Pão de Açúcar
Pão de Açúcar, or Sugarloaf Mountain, is another iconic landmark of Rio. Sugarloaf Mountain can be accessed by a pair of cable cars that offer a 360° view of Rio and its surroundings. A visit to the top of this landmark rewards you with mesmerizing views of Copacabana Beach, Christ the Redeemer and Corcovado Mountain, and the sprawling metropolis of Rio.
The Copacabana Experience
The Copacabana Beach in Rio is all things Brazilian. Come here to enjoy the feeling of Brazil. Soak in its charming carnival atmosphere. Sip on chilled caipirinhas. Enjoy a wide range of water sports and adventure activities. Take a walk on the golden sands of Copacabana beach. Get a sun-tan. Surf the Brazilian waves. Devour some local seafood. Live Brazilian life.
Rio by Air
If you are an adventure sports enthusiast, you can enjoy the best views of Rio by air. Go hang gliding, paragliding, or parasailing, or simply take a helicopter ride for a bird's-eye view of this magnificent city and its gorgeous attractions.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Rio De Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro may be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but it has its share of travel risks
Favelas
There are several favelas, or slums, scattered around Rio de Janeiro. These favelas are cobblestoned pedestrian streets, life on which offers an insight into typical Brazilian life. However, the security conditions in the favelas are quite unpredictable. We would strongly recommend avoiding these areas. If you are very keen on exploring these slums, then register for a credible walking tour and visit them under the guidance of a local guide.
Dangers at sea
The sea waters off Rio's beaches often experience strong currents. Shark attacks have also been reported in some areas around Rio. Adhere to warning signs, use protective gear or life vests, and consult local lifeguards before venturing into unknown waters.
Credit Card and ATM Safety
International travelers should be careful of tourist fraud involving credit cards, debit cards, and ATM cards. These scams include fraudulent use of credit cards, credit card theft, and creating multiple copies of credit cards. There have been instances of banking fraud through stolen mobiles, or even ATM card cloning. Always keep your credit card with you at all times. Avoid using the ATM card in a crowded place or in the presence of other people.
Health Risks
One of the biggest health risks that foreign tourists experience in Rio de Janeiro is the limited availability of safe drinking water. Drinking unsafe water exposes you to diseases like typhoid, diarrhea, and cholera. Drink bottled water at all times to avoid water-related health risks. Travelers to Rio de Janeiro are also susceptible to vector-borne diseases.
Weather Contingencies
Tourists should heed caution to weather conditions before finalizing their travel itinerary. Rio de Janeiro experiences heavy rainfall during the rainy season. Flash flooding, landslides, and over-flooding in water bodies may take place. The rainy season can also disrupt air traffic, causing flight cancellations and delays.
Before You Travel to Rio De Janeiro - Do This
- Pack Light: Rio has its own distinctive fashion vibe. You can shop for local designer-wear collections as well as street clothing. Pack light so you can load your luggage with shopping on the way back.
- Say Olá Portuguesa: Brazil is a Portuguese-speaking nation. Most people in Rio also speak mostly in Portuguese. Try to learn basic Portuguese or carry a translation book to enjoy Rio de Janeiro to the fullest.
- Compare and buy travel insurance: Be smart. Compare different travel health insurance plans that are available. Choose the one that works for you, and travel without worry.