Moving to Argentina?
One of the first things you’ll want to get familiar with is the healthcare system.
Whether you’re staying short-term or planning a long-term move, knowing how healthcare in Argentina works is essential.
From public hospitals to private clinics, this guide will walk you through what to expect and how to choose the right care.
We’ll also cover how to make sure you’re covered without spending a fortune.
Let’s get right into it.
Quality of Healthcare in Argentina
Healthcare in Argentina is generally good, especially in big cities like Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Mendoza.
In these urban areas, private hospitals and clinics offer excellent care, similar to what you’d find in the U.S. or Europe. The facilities are modern, and many doctors have studied or trained abroad, so you can expect high-quality treatment. Private hospitals also tend to have English-speaking staff, which is a big plus if you’re not fluent in Spanish.
The public healthcare system in Argentina is also decent, particularly in the cities. Public hospitals provide free or very low-cost care, making them an accessible option for everyone. However, you might face long wait times, and the facilities may not always have the latest equipment. Despite these challenges, the medical staff—doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals—are usually well-trained and capable of providing good care.
In more rural areas, especially in the poorer northern regions of the country, the quality of public healthcare can be lower. Clinics in these areas might lack essential equipment or have fewer specialists, so you might need to travel to a bigger city for more complex treatments or specialized care.
Another option in Argentina is Obra Social, a job-based health insurance system. A portion of your salary goes toward this insurance, which covers basic healthcare services like doctor visits and hospital care. Managed by trade unions, Obra Social cannot deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, although you may still have to cover some out-of-pocket costs.
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare in Argentina is generally much more affordable than in most Western countries.
If you use the public healthcare system, many services are free or cost very little. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, and some dental care. The main costs you might have to pay are for medications, but even these are usually cheaper than in other countries.
If you choose private healthcare, you’ll pay more, but it’s still affordable compared to other places. A basic health insurance plan might cost around $150/month. This covers doctor visits, hospital care, and other services. However, prices can go up depending on the level of coverage you want and where you live.
Even without insurance, seeing a doctor or getting treatment is often quite cheap. For example, a visit to the doctor might cost around $20-$40, and dental treatments are also much less expensive than in North America.
Health Insurance in Argentina
When it comes to health insurance, expats in Buenos Aires are split pretty evenly.
About 48% have insurance, spending around $141 per month, while 52% don’t have insurance and pay an average of $56 per month for healthcare.
If you plan to stay in Argentina long-term, it’s smart to think about getting health insurance.
You can choose from local providers like OSDE, Swiss Medical, or Galeno, which are popular among expats.
Some hospitals, like Hospital Aleman or Italiano, also offer their own plans. These might cover you even outside their hospital, but make sure to check what each plan includes.
You can also get international expat insurance, which covers you in many countries, not just Argentina.
However, this option is usually more expensive.
If you prefer, you can skip insurance and pay out-of-pocket for care, which is still affordable in Argentina.
Just remember to read the fine print of any plan you choose, especially if you plan to visit rural areas.
Emergency Healthcare
If you’re facing a life-threatening emergency in Argentina, dial 107 for an ambulance. If you don’t have an Argentinian number, you can call +54 107. When you call, make sure to clearly state:
- The place of the emergency
- The phone number you’re calling from
- What’s happening
- The number of people affected
Remember, 107 is only for serious emergencies.
If you don’t need an ambulance, you can go directly to a hospital. Emergency rooms are called “guardia” in Argentina. At private hospitals, you’ll need to pay cash or with a card before being treated, but the wait times are usually short.
Don’t forget to bring your passport.
Conclusion
Overall, Argentina’s healthcare is affordable and good quality, which is one of the major pros for expats.
You can choose between public and private care, and the big cities have modern hospitals.
Insurance isn’t too expensive, so you can get the care you need without spending too much.
That’s why many expats are moving to Argentina—you can trust that you’ll be taken care of while enjoying life in this amazing country.
