Knowing where to go for comprehensive medical care is critical for your peace of mind.
This directory lists hospitals in Buenos Aires, from large, full-service institutions to smaller specialized clinics.
Find information on facilities that offer emergency services, inpatient care, and a wide range of specialties.
As an expat living in Buenos Aires, understanding the city’s healthcare system is crucial for your well-being.
The city offers both public and private hospital options, with most expats opting for private facilities despite higher costs.
While Argentina has an extensive public healthcare network, private hospitals in Buenos Aires provide faster service, better facilities, and English-speaking doctors – making them the preferred choice for most international residents.
Buenos Aires boasts some of South America’s finest medical facilities, with several hospitals particularly well-suited for expats.
The British Hospital (Hospital Británico), Italian Hospital (Hospital Italiano), and German Hospital (Hospital Alemán) are three specialized institutions that attract many foreigners due to their international standards and English-speaking staff.
These hospitals, along with Sanatorio Otamendi and Sanatorio Güemes, offer comprehensive care with modern equipment and highly trained professionals. For pediatric care, the Garrahan Hospital of Pediatrics is the leading choice for families with children.
Unlike many North American or European systems, Argentina operates with three distinct healthcare sectors: public, private, and social security-based.
As an expat, you have access to both public and private systems, but most choose private care due to shorter waiting times. While public healthcare is technically free, language barriers and crowded facilities make private options more practical for expats.
If you’re looking for the best hospital in Buenos Aires, quality is generally excellent across private facilities, but convenience and language compatibility should factor into your decision.
For emergencies, call 107 for ambulance service or head directly to the nearest private hospital’s emergency room. Most private hospitals operate 24/7 with minimal waiting times compared to public facilities. If you don’t speak Spanish fluently, having a medical phrasebook or translation app can be invaluable during appointments.
Healthcare costs in Buenos Aires are generally much more affordable than in the US and comparable to or slightly lower than European rates, even for private care.
Most expats carry private health insurance, either through local providers like OSDE or Swiss Medical, or international plans that cover treatment abroad. When visiting a hospital, bring your passport or residency documentation as identification.
Essential Spanish phrases to know: “Emergencia” (emergency), “Dóctor/a” (doctor), “Me duele aquí” (it hurts here), “Necesito un médico que hable inglés” (I need a doctor who speaks English).
While many private hospitals have English-speaking staff, don’t assume all medical personnel will understand English, especially in public facilities.
Avoid the common mistake of waiting until you’re sick to research healthcare options. Establish a relationship with a private hospital before you need emergency care, and consider carrying a list of your medications with both generic and brand names, as drug names differ across countries.
Always keep local emergency numbers saved in your phone for quick access.
