OBJECTIVES: Chronic pain is considered a major health problem, with different prevalence rates around the world. In Brazil, affects around 30% of adults, consuming more health care resources as the general population.This study analyzes economic impact of chronic pain in a health plan. METHODS: A self-administered survey was conducted online for 97,983 beneficiaries. For a sample of 2,188 individuals, using categorical questions, we asked about related pain for no apparent reason, duration of pain and the use of pain relief therapies. The annual costs and utilization of health care were analyzed and compared with the costs and utilization of individuals who did not report pain. Statistical analysis used OpenEpi software, by calculating the relative and absolute frequencies, means and standard deviation. For statistical significance, Chi-square tests (Mantel-Haenszel and Fisher's Exact), when p <0.005. RESULTS: From the sample, 20.6% related pain for more than 30 days (mean age 53.4 years, 60.1% female, 39.9% male). From the total, 43.9% reported back pain, 16.2% lower limb pain, 14.9% headache, 9.6% abdominal pain, 8.1% upper limb pain and 7.3% in other regions. In this group, the utilization of health plan was significantly higher than without chronic pain individuals for consultations (p = 0.004, OR 4.66) and exams (p <0.001; OR 4.73), and not significant in therapies (p = 0.352, OR 4.85) and hospitalizations (p = 0.652, OR 4.09). The annual expenditure was US$ 1,444.11 versus US$ 1,301.12 in patients who haven´t pain (p <0.001; OR 4.29). Considering the estimated prevalence and the incremental cost, the annual impact of chronic pain was US$ 1,960,488.06. CONCLUSIONS: As observed, the economic impact of chronic pain is greater than most other health conditions, generating long-term impacts on the patient's quality of life and their families, as well substantial expenses with health services.