Free airfare through the INSS: understand the rules approved in the Chamber

The Commission on Traffic and Transport (CVT) of the Chamber of Deputies approved a bill that guarantees free air tickets to retirees of the National Institute of Social Security (INSS) who need to travel to undergo surgeries, exams, consultations or other medical procedures unavailable in the municipality where they reside.

According to the proposal, the federal government will pay for tickets directly with accredited airlines, with a limit of up to R$ 200 per segment. Boarding fees will also be covered by the program. The text provides for the concession of up to two round trips per year within the national territory, in a limit that may be extended in exceptional situations, at the discretion of the managing body.

How to use?

To access the benefit, the retiree must present an official identification document, proof of retirement by the INSS, an updated medical report issued by a professional accredited to the Unified Health System (SUS) — which proves the need for treatment in another city — and proof of scheduling the service in the destination location. The reservation of tickets would be made through an integrated system, managed by the INSS and the Ministry of Health, with the objective of guaranteeing flights at times compatible with the patient’s needs.

The gratuity may also be extended to a companion when the beneficiary is over 70 years old, is a person with a disability or has limitations that require permanent assistance during the trip.

Authored by Deputy Neto Carletto (Avante-BA), Bill 1,439/25 was approved with a favorable opinion from the rapporteur, Deputy Bebeto (PP-RJ). For him, air transport is, in many regions of the country, the only way to guarantee access to specialized medical services. “The air modal, in these cases, becomes not only an alternative, but the only viable way to ensure the effectiveness of public health policies”, said the rapporteur in the vote.

In the justification, the author states that the measure is inspired by the Voa Brasil program and expands its coverage to retirees who need to travel for urgent medical reasons. If it becomes law, the Executive Branch will have 90 days to regulate the criteria for operationalizing the benefit.

Even so, the rapporteur himself considered that the proposal may face obstacles in the following stages, especially in the Finance and Taxation and Constitution and Justice committees.

The proposal is being processed in a conclusive manner and will still be analyzed by the Social Security, Social Assistance, Childhood, Adolescence and Family committees; Finance and Taxation; and Constitution and Justice and Citizenship. To become law, the text needs to be approved by the Chamber and the Senate and pass through the sanction of the Presidency of the Republic.