Know Your Rights: Brazil's Health Insurance Deadlines and How to Enforce Them

Brazilians' Healthcare Rights: Know Your Deadlines and Recourse Options Brazil's National Agency of Supplementary Health (ANS) sets strict timeframes for various medical services under health insurance plans. However, many beneficiaries are unaware of these rights. This results in unnecessary delays and frustration. "Many people don't know they can demand faster service," explains Marih Oliveira, the presenter of the G1 video that highlights this issue. The video details these timeframes: basic consultations (7 days), specialist consultations (14 days), and lab tests (3 business days). For elective procedures, the waiting time is 21 days. But what if the deadlines aren't met? The video outlines a clear process: First, contact your health plan's operator and obtain a protocol number. If the issue persists, contact the plan's ombudsman. As a last resort, file a complaint with the ANS. The ANS website (www.gov.br/ans) or their hotline (0800 701 9656) can assist. The ANS's role in ensuring timely healthcare access is crucial. Their intervention in over 230,000 cases in the last decade shows their commitment to protecting consumers' rights. By raising awareness of these rights, Brazilians can ensure they receive the timely healthcare they deserve. The video concludes with a positive note, emphasizing the possibility of full reimbursement, including transport costs, if the plan fails to comply with the ANS's determinations within 30 days of the claim.