Buenos Aires, Argentina
Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Last updated on Jan 14, 2023
Summary: Expats and global nomads in Buenos Aires , Argentina share their experiences with health insurance, healthcare in Argentina, local hospitals and specialists, quality of medical care and more.
How are healthcare services Buenos Aires?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Buenos Aires, they replied:
"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 another expat in Buenos Aires.
"Q19 I have no way of making a comparison In the UK the NHS costs nothing at the point of delivery," remarked another expat living in Buenos Aires .
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 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 healthcare and health insurance expensive 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.
Expat Health Insurance in ArgentinaWilliam 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:
"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," added another expat.
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 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.
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," mentioned another expat in Buenos Aires.
Are common prescription medications available 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," remarked another expat in Buenos Aires.
As a foreigner living in Buenos Aires, 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 expat living in Buenos Aires.
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...
"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 another expat.
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Buenos Aires?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Buenos Aires 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," explained one expat.
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:
- What do I need to know before moving to Buenos Aires?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Buenos Aires?
- What is the average cost of housing in Buenos Aires?
- How do I meet people in Buenos Aires?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Buenos Aires?
- What should I pack when moving to Buenos Aires?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Buenos Aires?
- Will I be able to find a job in Buenos Aires?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do people like (and dislike) about Buenos Aires?
- What type of social life can someone expect in Buenos Aires?
- What is the social scene like in Buenos Aires?
- What advice to expats in Buenos Aires have about housing?
- What are medical services in Buenos Aires like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Buenos Aires?
- Is the cost of living in Buenos Aires high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Buenos Aires?
- Why do people move to Buenos Aires?
