Healthcare in Argentina
New 2026 rules: mandatory travel insurance for entry, public hospitals now charge foreigners. Complete guide to prepaga insurance and medical care.
2026 Critical Update: New Healthcare Rules
- Mandatory Travel Insurance: Effective July 2025, all visitors must show proof of health insurance at immigration.
- Public Hospitals Charge Foreigners: The "free healthcare for all" era has ended. Non-residents now receive bills for non-emergency care.
- Higher Insurance Costs: Prepaga prices have increased 50-75% since 2023 due to inflation and expat demand.
Healthcare System Overview
Argentina has a mixed healthcare system with both public and private options. As an expat, you'll primarily use the private system, which offers excellent quality care at a fraction of what you'd pay in the US or Europe.
The private system is accessed through "prepaga" health insurance plans. These plans give you access to private hospitals, clinics, and specialists with minimal wait times and modern facilities.
- High quality, modern facilities
- Minimal wait times
- English-speaking doctors available
- Affordable compared to US/Europe
- Now charges foreigners (2025 policy change)
- Emergencies still treated
- Longer wait times
- Variable quality
Major Insurance Providers
| Provider | Type | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| OSDE | Premium | $350-800 | Widest network, best hospitals, English-speaking |
| Swiss Medical | Premium | $300-700 | Excellent service, English-speaking staff |
| Galeno | Mid-range | $180-400 | Good coverage, reasonable prices |
| Medicus | Mid-range | $140-320 | Solid coverage, widely accepted |
| Sancor Salud | Budget | $100-250 | Basic coverage, good for young/healthy |
Prices are approximate for a single person in their 30s-40s. Actual costs vary by age, coverage level, and pre-existing conditions.
Recommended Hospitals
Top-rated, English-speaking staff
Excellent reputation, research hospital
British heritage, English widely spoken
Good public option, teaching hospital
Typical Medical Costs
Costs are approximate in USD. With prepaga insurance, you'll typically pay a small copay or nothing for covered services.
Frequently Asked Questions
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