When I was pregnant one of the first things I realized I didn't know how to say in Portuguese was "I don't have health insurance and I'll be paying cash." And you need to know this because you are constantly seeing a doctor or blood technician and even if the doctor speaks English, odds are their receptionist does not. So for those who haven't already gone and figured it out the hard way (with pleading smiles, hand motions, and the pre-emptive handing over of credit cards), here's my experience with paying for medical services, as well as a couple of common phrases you may need to understand.
"Particular ou Convenio" or "Pagamento no ato"
At a doctor's office usually Brazilians arrive and hand their health plan card to the receptionist/assistant. This identifies them to the receptionist and gives their payment information. Most embassy folk, however, will be paying up front and requesting reimbursement from their health insurance back in the States (or other country of origin). So I suggest that upon your arrival in the office, go to the desk and tell them your name. "Eu sou [Donna Brown]. Tenho uma consulta as [oito e meia]." It isn't always necessary as frequently the receptionist knows you are the foreigner due to your having worn jeans and flats instead of a dress and heels.
The next thing they will ask is "Particular ou convenio?" or "Pagamento no ato?" If you are paying up front, you say, "Particular." or "Pagamento no ato." Particular means that you will be handling the payment yourself, Pagamento no ato basically means "Payment up front". Then they will calculate your fee and you usually pay before seeing the doctor. For some reason I typically paid after the appointments with Dr Rachel Santos dos Reis. But her assistants won't let you forget so don't worry about walking out without paying. It won't happen.
At Sabin you take a number from a little box and you have the option to choose preferencial - choose it. Pregnant women and the elderly are expedited - people expect you to do this and will encourage you to go to the front of lines. Don't be shy!
My experience with the clinics and medical offices is that doctors don't accept credit cards, but clinics do. Sabin will accept cards, but my OB and ultrasound technician did not. So always have at least R$350 with you when you go to a doctor.
What did I miss? What is your experience with paying for care at doctors and medical offices in Brasilia?
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