15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Argentina

"As a newcomer, one of the first things you should do is buy international heath insurance that can be used at any private facility in the country. They are options for private insurance that can be bought from an individual private hospital but then if they do not have the equipment needed you will have to pay out of pocket to go to another facility. So with an international health policy you can be treated anywhere you choose. This is the type of policy I have. It also covers me anywhere else in the world and I have chosen to have the US option as well. The insurance is affordable and COMPREHENSIVE. If you have a medical condition, bring your doctors notes and copies of your prescriptions," remarked one expat living in Buenos Aires.

"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 expat living in Argentina.

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

"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," said one expat living 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," wrote one expat.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Buenos Aires.

"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 expat.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Argentina.

"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," remarked one expat living in Buenos Aires.

"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 expat living in Argentina.

"Yes including many over the counter that are not available without a prescription in the USA, e.g. penicillin. I would say the Argentine prescriptions are about the same in price," said one expat living in Mendoza.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Argentina. Most medications are available over the counter at pharmacies, although some require a prescription from a doctor. The medications available in Argentina are generally the same as those available in other countries, although some may be sold under different brand names. In addition, some medications may not be available in Argentina, so it is important to check with a doctor or pharmacist before travelling," mentioned one expat in Argentina.

"Most items are not prescription so it makes getting med pretty easy. Only controlled substances require prescriptions. There are many pharmacies to choose from and you will find a substantial saving from the US. There are also many generic options to choose from," commented one expat who moved to Buenos Aires, 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 expat living in Mendoza.

"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 expat.

"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," commented one expat living in Argentina.

"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," wrote one expat.

"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," mentioned one expat in Argentina.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Buenos Aires , Argentina.