Consumers press public bodies for immediate changes
The significant increase in the number of complaints from consumers who have had their group health insurance contracts unilaterally canceled is drawing the attention of consumer protection agencies. In São Paulo, for example, Procon-SP recorded an 80% increase in the volume of complaints related to this issue in 2023, compared to the previous year.
According to data from the National Council of Justice, in April, more than 27,000 cases were opened related to supplementary health, almost double the number registered in the same period in 2022. Between January and July this year, 164,905 new cases were filed, an indication that the problem is not limited to isolated cases, but has become a systemic issue.
The seriousness of the situation has led the Procon-SP Foundation, the Brazilian Consumer Defense Institute (Idec) and the Federal Public Defender’s Office to send a formal request to the National Supplementary Health Agency (ANS). The entities are calling for urgent measures to deal with the increase in complaints and suggest adjustments to the sector’s regulations, with a view to greater consumer protection.
Among the proposals is the creation of stricter criteria and a ban on the unilateral cancellation of group health insurance by operators, a measure that would protect beneficiaries from sudden and unjustified cancellations. Another point highlighted is the need for greater transparency on the part of operators, ensuring that consumers have access to clear information on adjustments and a full copy of the contract.
The impact of these cancellations goes beyond financial issues. In many cases, the termination of contracts directly affects people undergoing critical medical treatment, leading to the interruption of essential care. This practice, which is considered abusive, has been challenged in both the legislative and judicial spheres. Recently, the Consumer Defense Commission of the Chamber of Deputies approved a bill that prohibits the unilateral cancellation of health insurance in cases of emergency or urgency.
The ANS, for its part, received the letter from the entities and said that the document is being analyzed by the technical areas, with no forecast of when there will be any deliberations on the subject. The agency has also posted a note on its website with information on the current rules for contract termination in the supplementary health sector.
The pressure on the ANS to act is growing, and consumers expect concrete measures to be taken to prevent unilateral cancellation from continuing to harm thousands of Brazilians. The current scenario reinforces the need for stricter and more protective regulation, which balances the relationship between operators and beneficiaries, preserving the fundamental right to access to healthcare.
Here at Pryor Global, we help managers take out the best corporate insurance and benefits for their employees. We consider the company’s profile and its needs in order to offer the best product.
Contact us and find out why we are the best in the corporate insurance and benefits management sector.
EN 
PT_BR 
A Pryor Global se preocupa com o uso de seus dados pessoais. Solicitamos apenas os dados necessários para podermos retornar seu contato. Estes dados serão devidamente protegidos. Para mais informações, consulte nossa Privacy Policy".