The system is mixed, partly public and partly private. Primary healthcare is entrusted to the federal government, while the territorial structures and the organization of specific operational sectors are the responsibility of the individual states. Despite the universality of this system, private healthcare absorbs a large part of the country’s healthcare services. Also for this reason, private health insurance is widespread among the population.

Doctors can access public healthcare through fixed-term contracts as freelancers, or on a permanent basis after winning a public competition. Doctors who carry out public activity can also carry out private activity. In the private sector, most contracts are “token” contracts, which allows for flexibility in hours.

The degree in Medicine lasts 6 years. The degree automatically qualifies you to practice the profession. There are public and private universities.

Enrollment in the Register of Doctors is possible upon presentation of the medical degree.

In Brazil, all employees, self-employed and employers are required to contribute to the social security system. For doctors working in the public health service, contributions are automatically deducted from the monthly salary. Self-employed workers must pay according to their annual turnover. Most doctors pay a portion of their salary to build their supplementary pension.