The Chamber of Deputies' Commission on Travel and Transport (CVT) approved a bill aimed at providing free air travel tickets for retirees of the National Institute of Social Security (INSS). This benefit is intended for those who need to travel to receive medical treatments, such as surgeries, exams, or consultations, that are not available in their municipality of residence.
According to the proposal, the federal government will cover the costs of the tickets directly with partner airlines, setting a limit of up to R$ 200 per segment. Boarding fees will also be covered by the program. The text provides for the possibility of making up to two round trips per year within the national territory, although this limit may be increased in exceptional circumstances, depending on the decision of the managing body.
To benefit from this aid, the retiree must present several documents: an official identification document, proof of retirement provided by the INSS, a recent medical report issued by a professional accredited to the Unified Health System (SUS) attesting to the need for treatment in another city, in addition to proof of appointment at the destination location. The organization of flight reservations will be carried out through an integrated system between the INSS and the Ministry of Health, aiming to align schedules with patient requirements.
Additionally, the free service can be extended to an accompanying person if the beneficiary is over 70 years old, is a person with a disability, or presents limitations that require continuous assistance during the trip.
Bill 1.439/25, authored by Deputy Neto Carletto (Avante-BA), received a favorable opinion from the rapporteur, Deputy Bebeto (PP-RJ). The rapporteur argued that in various areas of the country, air transport represents the only way to ensure access to specialized health services. He stated that in these scenarios, air travel ceases to be just an option and becomes the only viable means to implement public health policies.
Regarding the justification, the author mentioned that the initiative is based on the Voa Brasil program, expanding its scope to retirees who need to travel for urgent health reasons. If sanctioned, the Executive Branch will have a period of 90 days to define the operational criteria for the benefit. However, the rapporteur himself warned about possible hurdles in subsequent phases, particularly in the Finance and Taxation and Constitution and Justice committees.
Currently, the proposal is in a conclusive character, awaiting analysis by the Committees on Social Security, Social Assistance, Childhood, Adolescence and Family; Finance and Taxation; and Constitution and Justice and Citizenship. To become law, the text must be approved by both the Chamber and the Senate and subsequently sanctioned by the Presidency of the Republic.
