This article describes a telephone survey in 2008 to monitor non-communicable diseases. The study population consisted of adults (> 18 years of age) living in households with landline telephones in the 27 Brazilian State Capitals. The selected variables are presented according to health insurance coverage (yes/no), gender, and adjusted prevalence ratios between populations with and without health insurance. The results represent 54,353 persons 18 years or older, 41.8% of whom with health insurance. Health insurance coverage tended to increase with age and schooling. Compared to those without health insurance, men with health coverage were more likely to have a diagnosis of dyslipidemia, and women with coverage were more likely to have had a mammogram, Pap smear, and diagnosis of dyslipidemia and/or osteoporosis, besides showing less arterial hypertension and infrequent poor health status. This information is essential to support health promotion and prevention with appropriate programs.