15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Argentina
Last updated on Feb 06, 2023
Summary: The quality of medical care in Argentina is generally considered to be good, although it is not as advanced as the medical care available in the United States. Emergency services are generally reliable and ambulances can be called by dialing 107.
What are emergency services like in Argentina?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Argentina wrote:
"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," mentioned another expat in Mendoza.

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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.
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 another expat in Mendoza.
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Argentina?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Argentina about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:
"Make sure you get your private insurance as soon as possible. I would recommend purchasing the best coverage you can afford so that you have full coverage, as well as no deductibles or copays. Medicus and OSDE are two excellent choices," added another person living in Buenos Aires.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat 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.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Argentina?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Argentina?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Argentina?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Argentina accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Argentina like?
- Is the cost of living in Argentina high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Argentina?
- What are healthcare services like in Argentina?
- Is the cost of living in Argentina high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Argentina?
- What is the weather like in Argentina?
- Are there good restaurants in Argentina?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Argentina?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Argentina?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Argentina?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Argentina?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Argentina?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?