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Healthcare Guide for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers in Argentina | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Mendoza, Argentina

Healthcare & Health Insurance in Argentina

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Summary: Digital Nomads in Argentina share their experiences with health insurance, healthcare in Argentina, local hospitals and specialists, quality of medical care and more.

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What are healthcare services like in Argentina?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Argentina, they replied:

"Remember, Argentina does not offer its Government Medical Insurance if you are a senior," explained one digital nomad living in Mendoza, Argentina.

"Healthcare services in Argentina are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of good quality. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay a fee. Expats in Argentina typically use the public healthcare system, as it is often more affordable than private healthcare. However, some expats may opt for private healthcare if they are able to afford it," said one member in Argentina.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What is the quality of medical care in Argentina like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Argentina, they replied:

"Argentina has a well-developed healthcare system, with both public and private hospitals and clinics providing a range of medical services. The public system is free for all citizens, while private services are available for those who can afford them. The quality of care in both public and private facilities is generally good, with a wide range of specialists and modern equipment. In addition, Argentina has a number of specialized medical centers, such as cancer treatment centers, that provide advanced care," explained one person living in Argentina.

"Q19 I have no way of making a comparison In the UK the NHS costs nothing at the point of delivery," wrote one digital nomad living in Buenos Aires , Argentina.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Argentina?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Argentina can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Private health insurance plans are available, but they can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Public health insurance is available, but it is limited and may not cover all medical costs. Additionally, many medical services are not covered by public health insurance, and patients must pay out of pocket for these services," said one member in Argentina.

"We have had wonderful experience with the private healthcare in Buenos Aires. My husband had a tumor and was seen right away - within hours. We have international health insurance which means we can choose to go to ANY PRIVATE HOSPITAL WE CHOOSE. The coverage is very comprehensive and affordable for us. If you need info, please contact me," explained one expat in Buenos Aires.

What are emergency services like in Argentina?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Argentina wrote:

"Emergency services in Argentina are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial 107, which is the national emergency number. Ambulances are typically staffed with trained medical personnel and are equipped with the necessary medical supplies. In addition, the ambulance service is free of charge," said a member in Argentina.

"In Buenos Aires, the emergency services are very convenient. Most of the private hospitals have excellent service with long waits are weeks to see a doctor. This is one of the main benefits to going private. If you go with the public system be prepared to wait. You call "107" for an ambulance or medical services. The better hospitals in Buenos Aires are Hospital Britanico, Hospital Aleman, Hospital Italiano. They are all located close to one other. generally in the Recoleta Area of the city," explained one person living in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

"Have had good experiences with Clinica de Cuyo in downtown. There are lots of hospitals but I have no experience with them. Had experience with private doctors who inspired total confidence, even though they do not have all their records automated and in many cases, simply took notes on a little pad with a pencil. I find it impossible to give overall ratings such as that requested above--"same," "better, etc" so disregard what I put above," wrote one digital nomad living in Mendoza, Argentina.

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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Most people do not return to the US because the distance is very far. The care within Argentina at the private facilities usually is the best option. Another interesting bit of info...many people travel here for cosmetic surgeries," wrote one digital nomad living in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

"The cities of Buenos Aires and Córdoba are widely regarded as having among the best selection of medical specialists in Argentina due to the availability of highly trained and experienced doctors and world-class hospitals. In addition, the provinces of Mendoza, Tucumán, and Santa Fe also have strong offerings of excellent medical care and specialists," said one foreigner in Argentina.

Are common prescription medications available in Argentina?

"Common Rx may not be available all the time. The government restricts imports severely, and there are times when certain prescriptions are simply not in the pharmacies. This has happened repeatedly and affects, for example, heart and cancer medications. Cost is about the same as in the U.S. I know an Argentine cancer patient who at one point had to go all over town to numerous pharmacies in search of a medication and could not get it for weeks," remarked one member in Mendoza.

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William RussellWilliam Russell
Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Argentina?

"Overall, medical facilities in Argentina are modern and provide quality care. Doctors specialize in a variety of areas, and are well-trained in evidence-based practices. The country has a well-developed public health system and access to health services are generally easy to come by, as most major cities have a plethora of hospitals and clinics. The quality of care at these facilities is generally good, though there may be some gaps in service in rural areas," wrote one digital nomad living in Argentina.

As a foreigner living in Argentina, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"As an expat, if you have residency you can enroll in the public heathcare system, but honestly most expats insist on using the private healthcare system. Enrolling the public healthcare is affordable but the quality of the facilities and services is not what most expats would consider. Private hospitals are usually the option that expats take as they are better equipped, and the doctors tend to have more credentials and often times are fluent in English. Pre-existing conditions in general are not covered but this is determined on a case-by-case basis," said one foreigner in Buenos Aires.

"Yes, foreigners living in Argentina have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Argentina is known as the Obra Social, and it provides free or low-cost healthcare services to all citizens and legal residents. The quality of care varies depending on the region, but overall it is considered to be good. The Obra Social covers a wide range of services, including primary care, hospitalization, and specialist care. It also covers some prescription medications and medical supplies," remarked one member in Argentina.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Argentina if they have access to public healthcare in Argentina. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"My step-daughter is a hospital doctor in the city and anecdotal evidence is that they are dealing with the emergency much better than many of the countries expats have come from," said one digital nomad in Buenos Aires .

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Argentina. The government has implemented a number of measures to try to contain the spread of the virus, including the closure of non-essential services, the suspension of elective surgeries, and the implementation of social distancing measures. Despite these efforts, the healthcare system has been overwhelmed by the number of cases, leading to long wait times for appointments and tests, and a shortage of medical supplies. Additionally, the pandemic has caused a financial strain on the healthcare system, with many hospitals and clinics struggling to stay afloat. Despite these challenges, the healthcare system in Argentina has been able to provide quality care to those in need," commented a person living in Argentina.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

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Mendoza, Argentina

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute to Argentina Network Contribute
Help others in Argentina by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Argentina.

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