Health Insurance in Argentina For Foreigners
Argentina’s healthcare is considered among the best in South America. Major cities, such as Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Mendoza, are particularly notable for their excellent hospitals and clinics. However, the same cannot be said of the rest of the country.
The quality of medical care in Argentina varies greatly, especially in the impoverished north. In rural and remote areas, clinics often lack modern amenities and essential diagnostic testing capabilities.
Currently, the country’s healthcare system is ranked 75th in the world, according to the World Health Organization. If you’re considering a move to Argentina, this is what you need to know about health insurance in the country.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Overview of the National Health Insurance System
Healthcare in Argentina is decentralized. This means that while healthcare is regulated at the federal level, it is administered at the local or municipal level.
As such, primary health care in Argentina is often managed independently by each city. As a result, the quality of care varies widely in different regions.
There are three main sectors in the Argentinian medical system. The Ministry of Health (MSAL), oversees all three industries and is responsible for regulations, evaluations, and collecting statistics.
The Public Sector
The public sector provides free or highly subsidized health services to around 50% of the population. Medical appointments, hospital visits, dental care, palliative care, rehabilitation services, prosthetics, and emergency medical transport are all provided free of charge.
The only charges patients really have to worry about are prescriptions. Thankfully, these are also subsidized, though they’re not free.
Patients with chronic conditions pay 30% of their prescription costs. Those without chronic conditions pay 60% of their prescription costs.
While this level of comprehensive care sounds very appealing, there is a downside. There are long waiting lists in several specialties. As such, many patients opt to supplement their care with some private options.
The Social Security Sector
The social security (or obras sociales, OS) sector of the Argentine healthcare system provides the most common form of non-public health insurance in the country.
Formal sector workers in Argentina are obligated to participate in one of the 300 or so union-run health insurance schemes.
These are overseen by the national health insurance administration and outsourced to private providers. Fixed fee contributions from employers finance this sector.
Each OS offers differing levels of coverage. However, each one must guarantee minimum coverage levels for preventative, diagnostic, medical, dental, and maternity care.
It is the patient’s responsibility to cover the difference between the coverage level provided by the OS and the final bill for the treatment.
One of the most appealing parts of the OS system is that it cannot exclude pre-existing medical conditions. As such, many patients consider it an ideal bridge between the public and private healthcare sectors.
The Private Sector
Anyone can subscribe to the private sector in Argentina. Approximately five to nine percent of the population chooses to do so.
Private sector insurance must provide, at a minimum, the same mandatory benefits as the OS sector.
What to Consider When Choosing Insurance
One thing that many people don’t realize is that private insurance policies in Argentina are highly localized. Some policies may not even be accepted in different cities within Argentina.
The network of different insurance providers is very fragmented. An estimated 200 or more insurance organizations cover about two million people.
Tracking the impact of private insurance in these circumstances is challenging, as there is significant overlap between the public and private sectors, making it difficult to determine which system each person relies on the most.
Unless you have an intimate knowledge of the various insurance providers, it’s best to opt for an international plan that covers you in all regions.
Best Private Health Insurance in Argentina for Expats and Foreigners
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
US Citizens: Best Health Insurance for Living in Argentina
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
The Pros and Cons of Local Health Insurance
Argentinians have many frustrations with their public health insurance. In particular, waiting lists are long, and not all facilities are up to date. As such, permanent residents, such as expats, often choose to take out private medical insurance.
This ensures that they will be treated in private, comfortable facilities by multilingual staff, with waits kept to a minimum.
How Expats Can Qualify For Public Care
Qualifying for public health insurance in Argentina is a decidedly relaxed process. You do not need any special registration or documentation to make use of Argentina’s public healthcare system.
You need to carry your local identification, such as a residency permit, and any documents relevant to your treatment (such as past medical records).
For private treatments, you don’t even need that much paperwork. A piece of personal identification, like a passport, is all you need.
However, please note that most private facilities require payment up front and reimbursement through your insurance provider.
Thus, while you don’t need to present a private insurance card, you will require a credit card when it comes to accessing care!
How Routine Doctor Visits Work
Not everyone in Argentina goes to a general practitioner when they have a medical concern. It’s very common to visit an emergency room for non-urgent concerns, such as sprains and colds. However, while hospital stays can be lengthy, there is an upside.
The hospital system can also be surprisingly efficient. Hospital administration often sends patients directly to the specialist’s waiting room.
At least you don’t waste time waiting to be seen only to be redirected to the specialist you needed to see in the first place!
While many physicians in Argentina have foreign training and speak some English, you shouldn’t expect your physician to speak fluent English.
Many expats often find that their conversational Spanish is of little help when medical terminology is involved.
If you can’t bring a Spanish-speaking friend to your appointment, apps like Google Translate are popular among physicians and expats alike to help improve communication.
How To Find A Family Physician
There are a few general practitioners who work in an office setting in Argentina. Most GPs work in public hospitals and, to see them, you must contend with long waiting times.
However, there are walk-in clinics known as “guardians” in most medical centers and hospitals, and you can often make an appointment beforehand.
In most cases, those using the OS sector healthcare program will be assigned a specific doctor and clinic. However, you can change your designated provider if you wish.
Many expats opt to see a family physician in a private clinic setting. They find that doing so causes fewer hassles and significantly reduces waiting times.
Most expats rely on friends and colleagues for recommendations to find a family physician.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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