How does the healthcare system work in Argentina?

What is the quality of healthcare in Argentina?

• Argentina has one of the best healthcare systems in South America! In particular, the bustling Buenos Aires and large cities such as Córdoba and Mendoza have modern hospitals with well-trained healthcare staff.
• Healthcare in the country is decentralized, which means that healthcare is often arranged at the level of the municipality, or even the city. This also results in differences in quality (in public healthcare).
• Argentina has a mixed healthcare system, consisting of public (Sistema de Salud Pública), private (Medicina Prepaga) and social (Obras Sociales) healthcare.
• The quality of healthcare is not the same everywhere. For example, as in many other countries, it differs greatly between public and private healthcare, but also between urban and rural areas.
• Most doctors speak at least some English, but do not always expect this to be fluent. It can therefore be useful to speak a few words of Spanish or to take someone with you. Google Translate is also popular.
• Pharmacies can be found almost everywhere and many medicines can be picked up without a prescription. Call 107 for an ambulance. In the big cities, the ambulance is arranged by SAME (Sistema de Atención Médica de Emergencias). The emergency room in the hospital is called “Guardia” or “Emergencias” in Spanish.

How does the public healthcare system work in Argentina?

• Argentina has a very friendly public healthcare system: the Sistema de Salud Pública. Healthcare is largely free of charge, not only for residents, but also for foreigners!
• Unfortunately, the quality of healthcare varies. In the cities, some hospitals are good, but there are long waiting times and sometimes there is a shortage of resources. For these reasons, only about 50% of the population uses public healthcare. Most expats skip public healthcare and opt for private healthcare.
• Specialist care under the public healthcare system can also be limited.

How does the private healthcare system work in Argentina?

• For better, faster and more specialist care, the private sector is a solution. The facilities are also much more modern.
• Working Argentines and expats are required to be insured under the Obras Sociales, a health insurance paid by both employer and employee. The arrangements are monitored by the National Health Insurance Administration. Nevertheless, care is outsourced to private providers. The costs depend on the coverage, but the insurance must at least provide medical coverage for preventive care, diagnostic care, dental care and pregnancy. It is important to know that as a patient you sometimes still have to pay contributions, namely the difference in costs between the fixed reimbursements and the costs of the treatment.
• Another option is a classic private insurance. Only a small part (around 5-10%) of the population in Argentina chooses this.
• It is important to know that many private health insurances are locally focused and the system is very complicated to figure out. This can mean that care in other parts of the country is not reimbursed. For this reason, an international health insurance, which offers coverage everywhere and also in neighboring countries, is often a better fit for foreigners living in Argentina. Please note that you often have to pay for care on the spot and can only claim this later from your insurer.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Argentina?

• In Argentina, people usually go directly to a specialist or clinic. In public healthcare, this means a visit to a general practitioner or specialist in the hospital; there are no public GP practices. People go to the emergency room for minor problems (severe flu, sprains). Fortunately, hospitals work efficiently and people are often quickly referred to a specialist.
• In the private healthcare sector, you can choose your own GP or specialist without a referral.
• Registration is not necessary; you can visit a doctor of your choice.

How is the dentist arranged in Argentina?

• Dental care is generally of good quality. People usually choose private dentists, who are relatively affordable and provide good care.
• A standard consultation costs somewhere around 20-50 USD. Ask other reliable sources which dentists they have had good experiences with.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Argentina?

• Child mortality is low and is around 8 per 1,000 births, which generally means that maternity and postpartum care in the country is of good quality.
• The public sector offers free pregnancy check-ups and deliveries.
• Private care offers more personal guidance and privacy. Most expats therefore opt for private care. There are good private hospitals in the big cities that can also provide good care for high-risk pregnancies.
• Caesarean sections are more common in private care.
• Abortion is legal up to the 14th week of pregnancy. After that, it is possible in specific cases.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Argentina?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Argentina?

• Argentina is generally a safe country, as long as you keep an eye on your belongings. Pickpockets are often active, especially in tourist areas and in Buenos Aires. The city of Rosario has more crime than the other cities in Argentina.
• Violent crime also occurs, but much less.
• Protests take place regularly, especially in the capital, and these can get out of hand. It is therefore wise to avoid these types of gatherings.
• Also be aware of natural hazards. Earthquakes can occur in the west, floods in the north and east and stormy weather in Patagonia. There are also volcanoes on the border between Argentina and Chile that can erupt at any time.
• Wildfires can occur all year round, throughout the country.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Argentina?

• Mosquito-borne diseases are quite common in Argentina. Think of dengue, chikungunya and zika, for example. So protect yourself well against mosquito bites!
• Check well before departure which vaccinations you need.
• The Hantavirus is common in Argentina. The virus is spread by infected rodents. It is important to avoid contact with these animals (both dead and alive) and their burrows and droppings.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Argentina?

• Driving can be quite a challenge. Accidents happen relatively often because traffic lights are ignored, no right of way is given, motorcycles race through everything like crazy and people can drive aggressively and unpredictably.
• Thieves may stop your car at the traffic lights. So keep doors and windows closed!
• Also be careful with taxis. Fraud and robbery via taxis occurs, especially at the airport. Do not share taxis with strangers and always opt for reliable taxi companies.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Argentina?

• Is the trip to Argentina and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Argentina if you are going to live there for a while?

• To cover the costs of private healthcare and any medical repatriation and care outside Argentina, international private insurance is definitely recommended for expats.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.