Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Buenos Aires, Argentina

How are healthcare services Buenos Aires?

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

"Healthcare services in Buenos Aires, Argentina, are a mix of public and private providers, offering a range of medical services to residents and visitors alike. The public healthcare system is accessible to all citizens and permanent residents, providing free or low-cost services, including primary care, specialized treatments, and emergency care. However, public hospitals and clinics may experience overcrowding and long waiting times, which can affect the quality of care. On the other hand, private healthcare facilities in Buenos Aires are known for their high-quality services, modern equipment, and well-trained medical professionals. Many private hospitals and clinics have affiliations with international healthcare providers, ensuring that they adhere to global standards of care. Private healthcare services can be expensive, but they offer shorter waiting times and personalized attention. In addition to hospitals and clinics, Buenos Aires has numerous pharmacies that provide prescription and over-the-counter medications. Some pharmacies are open 24 hours a day, ensuring that residents have access to medications when needed. Overall, healthcare services in Buenos Aires are comprehensive and cater to various needs, but the quality and accessibility of care can vary depending on whether one chooses public or private providers. It is essential for individuals to have adequate health insurance coverage to access the best possible care in the city," commented one expat living in Buenos Aires , 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," wrote one expat.

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What are medical services in Buenos Aires like?

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

"Medical services in Buenos Aires, Argentina, are generally of high quality, with both public and private healthcare systems available. The city is home to numerous well-equipped hospitals, clinics, and medical centers, staffed by skilled professionals. Public healthcare is free for both residents and tourists, but it can be crowded and have long waiting times. Private healthcare, on the other hand, offers faster service and more personalized care, but it can be expensive. Many doctors and medical staff in Buenos Aires speak English, making it easier for foreign patients to communicate their needs. It is recommended for visitors to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses while in Argentina," said one expat living in Buenos Aires .

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

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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.

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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.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Buenos Aires?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Buenos Aires, Argentina, can be considered relatively affordable compared to some other countries, particularly the United States. Public healthcare is available for free to residents, but the quality of care and wait times can vary. Many people opt for private healthcare, which offers better facilities and shorter wait times. Private health insurance is available at different price points, depending on the coverage and services offered. While some plans can be more expensive, there are affordable options for those seeking basic coverage. Overall, healthcare and health insurance costs in Buenos Aires are generally manageable for most residents," wrote an expat living in Buenos Aires .

"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," said an expat in Buenos Aires.

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Expat Health Insurance in Argentina

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 are emergency services like in Buenos Aires?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Buenos Aires wrote:

"Emergency services in Buenos Aires, Argentina are quite efficient and well-organized, with ambulances, police, and fire services available to respond to various emergencies. To call for an ambulance, you would need to dial the emergency number, which is 107. This number connects you to the emergency medical service (SAME), which will dispatch an ambulance to your location. It is important to provide clear information about the location and nature of the emergency to ensure a quick response," wrote an expat living in Buenos Aires .

"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," said an expat in Buenos Aires.

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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.

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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.

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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Yes, there are a good number of medical specialists in Buenos Aires, Argentina. People in Buenos Aires have access to a wide range of medical specialists, including general practitioners, specialists in internal medicine, cardiologists, neurologists, oncologists, and many more. For highly specialized medical care, people in Buenos Aires typically go to one of the city's many private hospitals, which offer a wide range of services and treatments. Additionally, the city is home to several world-renowned medical research centers, such as the Institute of Biomedical Research of Buenos Aires, which specialize in cutting-edge treatments and research," mentioned one expat in Buenos Aires .

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

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Are common prescription medications available in Buenos Aires?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The city has numerous pharmacies and drugstores where you can find a wide range of medications, including those for chronic conditions, pain relief, and antibiotics. Some medications may have different brand names or formulations, but the active ingredients are usually the same. It is essential to have a prescription from a licensed medical professional to obtain prescription medications. In some cases, you may need to visit a local doctor to get a prescription that is valid in Argentina," remarked one expat living in Buenos Aires .

"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," said one expat living in Buenos Aires.

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

"Medical facilities and medical care in Buenos Aires, Argentina are generally of a high standard. The city has a number of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that offer a wide range of services. Many of these facilities are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. In addition, there are a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized care for specific conditions. The city also has a number of pharmacies and medical supply stores that provide a wide range of medications and medical supplies. Overall, medical care in Buenos Aires is of a high quality and is accessible to all," commented one expat living in Buenos Aires , Argentina.

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

"As a foreigner living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, you will have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Argentina is available to both citizens and foreigners, offering a range of services from primary care to specialized treatments. However, it is important to note that public hospitals and clinics can be crowded, and waiting times may be long. Additionally, the quality of care and facilities may vary depending on the location. Many expats and foreigners choose to use private healthcare services, which offer a higher standard of care and shorter waiting times, but at a higher cost. It is recommended to have health insurance to cover the expenses of private healthcare," said an expat in Buenos Aires .

"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," commented one expat living in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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

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

"As an AI language model, I don't have personal experiences. However, I can provide you with a general overview of the experiences people have had with the local healthcare system in Buenos Aires during the pandemic. During the pandemic, people in Buenos Aires have faced various challenges with the local healthcare system. Some have reported long waiting times to get tested for COVID-19, while others have experienced delays in receiving their test results. The healthcare system has been overwhelmed at times, with hospitals and clinics reaching their capacity, leading to a shortage of beds and medical supplies. On the other hand, the government has implemented measures to address these issues, such as increasing the number of available hospital beds, expanding testing capacity, and implementing vaccination campaigns. Many people have appreciated the efforts of healthcare workers who have been working tirelessly to treat patients and save lives. In summary, the experiences of people in Buenos Aires during the pandemic have been a mix of challenges and appreciation for the efforts of healthcare workers and the government to address the crisis," mentioned one expat in Buenos Aires .

"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.

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