Corporate health management and medical leave trends in Brazil

Corporate health management in Brazil is shifting from a human resources function to a strategic financial priority due to rising costs and complexity. According to data from the National Supplementary Health Agency (ANS), Brazil has approximately 53.1 million medical assistance links, with 38.8 million belonging to corporate plans. In 2025, healthcare expenses for operators reached R$ 276.9 billion.

To manage these costs, companies are increasingly integrating HR and Finance departments to monitor continuous usage data, such as hospitalization rates, chronic diseases, and emergency room visits, rather than relying solely on annual contract renewals.

Parallel to rising costs, Brazil is seeing a significant increase in medical leave. In 2024, the National Social Security Institute (INSS) recorded over 6.87 million requests for temporary disability benefits, a 50.2% increase from 2023, with back pain and spinal issues being primary causes. In 2025, approximately 4 million work absences due to illness were recorded, and projections for 2026 suggest a continued upward trend driven by psychological and orthopedic factors.