Canadian Medical Travel Coordination
Quick Facts
Last updated: June 2026
Visa for Canadians
Brazil e-Visa, applied entirely online. Valid for 5 years, multiple entries, stays of up to 90 days per visit. Most decisions issued within 2 to 5 business days. Apply through the official Brazil e-Visa portal and review the Government of Canada entry requirements before you travel.
Official language and hospital languages
Portuguese is the official language. Leading private hospitals in São Paulo run dedicated international patient departments with English-speaking coordinators.
Currency
Brazilian real (BRL). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities.
Flights from Canada to Brazil
Brazil's main medical hub is São Paulo, served by Guarulhos International Airport (GRU).
from Toronto (YYZ)
to São Paulo (GRU)
Direct: Yes, daily
Flight time: About 10 hours
Round-trip: Off-peak CAD 850 to 1,100 / peak CAD 1,100 to 1,300
from Vancouver (YVR)
to São Paulo (GRU)
Direct: One-stop only
Flight time: 14 to 17 hours total
Round-trip: Off-peak CAD 700 to 1,000 / peak CAD 1,200 to 1,250
from Calgary (YYC)
to São Paulo (GRU)
Direct: Yes
Flight time: About 13 hours
Round-trip: Off-peak CAD 885 to 970 / peak CAD 1,250 to 1,550
from Montreal (YUL)
to São Paulo (GRU)
Direct: Yes, seasonal direct
Flight time: About 10 hours
Round-trip: Off-peak CAD 700 to 950 / peak CAD 950 to 1,250
Fares are indicative and shift with the season and how early you book. September and October are typically the lowest-priced months.
Where to Stay
Most international patients stay in São Paulo's calmer, well-connected districts such as Jardins, Itaim Bibi, Bela Vista, and Morumbi, the neighbourhood that surrounds one of the city's top hospitals. April through September is the cooler and drier season, with lower humidity that supports comfortable recovery.
3-star hotels
Average nightly
CAD 90 to 120
Per week, 7 nights
CAD 630 to 840
4-star hotels
Average nightly
CAD 160 to 200
Per week, 7 nights
CAD 1,120 to 1,400
5-star hotels
Average nightly
CAD 260 and up
Per week, 7 nights
CAD 1,820 and up
Safety and Travel
The Government of Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil, mainly because of urban crime. International medical patients typically follow a very different routine from leisure tourists. You stay near your hospital, move by arranged transfers, and have a coordinator reachable throughout your trip.
We recommend choosing established São Paulo districts, using registered taxis or ride-share apps rather than public buses, and keeping valuables out of sight. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is essential.
​
For the current advisory, see the Government of Canada travel advisory for Brazil.
Featured Treatments in Brazil
Brazil performed approximately 2.3 million surgical cosmetic procedures in 2024, more than any other country in the world, according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Its leading hospitals also hold globally recognized positions in cancer and cardiac care.
​Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery
​First in the world for surgical cosmetic procedures in 2024, and home to surgeons recognized as pioneers of modern body contouring.
Learn more about plastic surgery with Maple Med Global
​
Bariatric Surgery
​Brazil performs the second-highest number of bariatric procedures worldwide, supported by a mature surgical community and decades of international society engagement.
Learn more about bariatric surgery with Maple Med Global
​
Oncological Care
​São Paulo hosts the largest cancer hospital in Latin America and the regional leader in robotic oncological surgery, with access to CAR-T cell therapy and phase I to III clinical trials.
Learn more about oncological care with Maple Med Global
​
Cardiology Services
São Paulo's Heart Institute holds a top-15 global ranking in cardiology and is an international reference for complex cardiovascular procedures and transplants.
Costs and Canadian Wait Times
In 2025, Canada's median wait from family doctor referral to treatment reached 28.6 weeks across the twelve specialties tracked by the Fraser Institute, one of the longest figures on record. For plastic surgery as a whole the national median total wait was 41.5 weeks, and for procedures like bariatric surgery the public wait in Canada averages around three years. Cosmetic procedures are largely private-pay in Canada, so the table compares Brazil pricing with Canadian private-sector pricing.
Rhinoplasty
Brazil: CAD 2,750 to 5,500
Canada, private: CAD 8,000 to 18,000
Breast Augmentation
Brazil: CAD 4,550 to 6,900
Canada, private: CAD 8,000 to 15,000
Liposuction
Brazil: CAD 3,450 to 8,300
Canada, private: CAD 8,000 to 18,000
Brazilian Butt Lift
Brazil: CAD 4,000 to 8,300
Canada, private: CAD 8,500 to 20,000
Tummy Tuck
Brazil: CAD 6,200 to 8,300
Canada, private: CAD 9,000 to 17,000
Mommy Makeover
Brazil: from CAD 8,300
Canada, private: CAD 15,000 to 30,000
Final quotes are confirmed per case.
Leading Internationally Accredited Hospitals in Brazil
​​
-
Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, JCI accredited
-
Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, JCI accredited
-
Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, São Paulo, JCI accredited
-
HCor, Hospital do Coração, São Paulo, JCI accredited
-
Hospital Samaritano, São Paulo, JCI accredited
-
Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Porto Alegre, JCI accredited
This list is informational. Hospital selection for each patient depends on diagnosis, complexity, and treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
For general questions about Canadian health insurance coverage abroad, complication insurance, follow-up care after returning to Canada, and trip planning, see our General FAQ page.
Plan Your Treatment in Brazil with Maple Med Global
You do not have to face long waits or sort through this alone. Maple Med Global is a Canadian company that coordinates every step, from selecting the right hospital to your flights, accommodation, and care in Brazil. Tell us what you need and we will build a clear, personalized plan.​​​​
Or call/text us at +1 (647) 492-2777
Explore Other Destinations
Comparing your options? Explore more of our medical travel destinations to find the right fit for your treatment.