Stay Safe and Protected During Your Adventure
Buenos Aires is Argentina’s liveliest city, famous for its nightlife, late-running restaurants and clubs, and a vibrant arts scene. The tango, the city’s most iconic cultural export, is showcased in local milongas, where dancers perform with dramatic flair.
Art and architecture shape the city’s character, from grand French and Italian-inspired palaces to colorful murals decorating neighborhood streets. Food is also central to the culture. Parrillas serve expertly grilled meats, and Argentina’s Italian heritage shines through in its pizzas and homemade pastas.
Beyond the capital, Argentina offers remarkable natural wonders. Mendoza attracts wine lovers with its world-renowned vineyards and lively evenings. In Patagonia, the immense Perito Moreno Glacier rises above Lago Argentino and is accessible via hikes or boat tours. At the northern border with Brazil, Iguazu Falls delivers a breathtaking display of hundreds of powerful cascades plunging into lush, serene pools.
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Travel Insurance Plans for Visitors to Argentina
Comprehensive travel medical insurance is essential in Argentina. You’ll have access to private hospitals, and your insurer will cover the cost of your care. We recommend the following travel plans for trips to Argentina:
Single Trip Platinum Travel Insurance
- For U.S. citizens and residents up to age 95
- Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
- 24/7/365 service and assistance
Patriot Platinum Travel Insurance
- Maximum limits up to $8,000,000
- IMG pays 100% of medical expenses in-network
- Evacuation due to Natural Disasters & Political Unrest
Atlas Travel Insurance
- Emergency medical, evacuation, and repatriation benefits
- Choose between basic or more extensive coverage
- Meets Schengen visa insurance requirements
Global Health Insurance for Expats in Argentina
Expats living in Argentina who are accustomed to a higher quality of service and care should consider purchasing individual private medical insurance.
Private expat health insurance enables you to receive treatment from high-quality, modern private hospitals and top-rated doctors.
Your private medical insurance will cover the cost of treatment for any accident or illness that occurs while in Argentina. We recommend the following medical insurance plans for expats in Argentina:
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
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.
IMG Global Medical Plan
- Affordable global coverage with flexible options
- Coverage area options based on where you live or work
- Visit any doctor or hospital worldwide
Medical Considerations When Visiting Argentina
Public Hospitals in Argentina
The public medical system in Argentina is fair and free for all citizens, including foreigners. The quality of medical services is excellent in big cities, such as Buenos Aires, but not as good in smaller towns.
The Ministry of Health in Argentina is responsible for overseeing the state-run system and regulating, evaluating, and collecting statistics.
Approximately 50% of Argentina’s citizens utilize public facilities, which the Ministry of Health funds through taxes levied. Emergency care and doctor callout services are free to everyone, including foreign visitors to the country.
Since the services are free, waiting lines are often long, and the quality of treatment by doctors is often lower than that at private hospitals.
Private Healthcare System in Argentina
Citizens who can afford it choose to purchase private travel insurance or international health insurance. Only about 5% of the population opt for private medical insurance.
The medical treatment is of a significantly higher quality, and private hospitals are generally more modern than public hospitals and clinics.
Doctors who work in private hospitals are often further trained, and many have studied abroad to learn advanced techniques.
The hospitals are also less crowded, so waiting lines are not long. Although you must pay for the full cost of medical treatment, you will receive the utmost care. Most hospitals offer their own plans, making payment more affordable.
Top Hospitals in Argentina
Hospital Italiano
Address: Pres. Tte. Gral. Juan Domingo Perón 4230, C1199ABH CABA, Argentina
Telephone: +54 11 4959-0200
Hospital Aleman
Address: Av. Pueyrredón 1640, C1118AAT CABA, Argentina
Telephone: +54 11 4827-7000
Hospital Britanico
Address: Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires is a hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Telephone: +54 11 4309-6400
Are Vaccines Required for Visiting Argentina?
Argentina does not require tourists to receive certain vaccines before entering the country. However, you should be up to date with routine vaccinations, such as Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and the Rabies shot.
There have been reports of mosquitoes carrying the Yellow Fever virus and the Dengue virus. To protect yourself, schedule an appointment with your doctor in advance to receive the necessary vaccinations.
Eating and drinking safely should not be a problem in Argentina, which is renowned for its delicious cuisine and beverages. However, to avoid food poisoning, avoid eating raw meat or unfamiliar foods.
Although tap water is generally safe to drink, filtered or bottled water is often a more reliable choice in a foreign country.
While walking around Argentina’s cities, beware of stray animals. You should refrain from petting them because they may have fleas and could be infected with rabies.
General Safety Tips
Argentina is generally considered a relatively safe country to visit; however, street crime remains common. Within the cities of Buenos Aires, Rosario, and Mendoza, muggers, pickpockets, purse-snatchers, and scam artists have been notorious for robbing tourists.
Therefore, it is advisable not to travel with valuable belongings on your person. Tourists should also avoid visiting “villas” or shantytowns due to the high crime rates there.
In larger cities, locals pull off “express kidnapping” schemes and force tourists to withdraw as much money from the ATM as possible to pay their ransom. To not fall victim to “express kidnapping,” stay on the main streets and travel in groups.
Demonstrations that block streets and highways are common in Buenos Aires and other cities. They are generally non-violent but can turn confrontational. Be sure to avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place, as you may be at risk of injury.
Travel and Transportation
You should be wary of driving conditions while traveling in Argentina, especially in cities.
There are only traffic lights on main roads and barely any stop signs or lights on small street corners. Drivers in Argentina are known to be aggressive and frequently disregard traffic regulations.
You should prepare to drive defensively, as the Argentine driver is likely to take evasive action.
If you are traveling through the countryside, be sure to fill up on gas, as gas stations are often far apart. Buses and taxis are also available for travel around Argentina, but be prepared for a bumpy ride.
Emergency Numbers
If you find yourself in any trouble while in Argentina, call these emergency numbers:
US Embassy Buenos Aires
Av Colombia 4300
(C1425GMN) Buenos Aires
Argentina
Telephone: +(45) (11) 5777-4533
Emergency Telephone After Hours: +(45) (11) 5777-4354
Police, Ambulance, and Fire: 911
Emergency Medical Care: 107
There is no guarantee that the person who answers the phone will speak English. Therefore, you should learn some key phrases:
- “¡Necesito una ambulancia!” (I need an ambulance!)
- “¡Una emergencia! ¡Ayúdenme, por favor!” (Emergency! Please help me!)
Passport and Visa Requirements
Argentina requires tourists to present a valid passport upon entry. There are no visa requirements to enter Argentina; however, if you plan to stay for more than 90 days, you should obtain a visa from the Argentine Embassy before entering the country.
For U.S. citizens embarking on a cruise ship from Argentina that includes Brazil in its itinerary, a Brazilian visa will be required before boarding.
Final Words on Traveling to Argentina
Argentina is a beautiful and lively destination full of adventures and experiences. Purchasing travel insurance when visiting Argentina will help alleviate your worries, as it provides coverage in the event of an accident.
Start packing, because food, drink, music, and dance await your arrival.
Find the Best International Travel Insurance
- Compare top-rated travel insurance providers
- Get quotes for Travel Medical, Trip Cancellation, and more
- Choose the best plan for your trip 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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