Navigate Health Care in Buenos Aires

Learn about the health system in Buenos Aires: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Buenos Aires.
|-Navigate Health Care in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, Argentina has both public and private healthcare systems. The public healthcare system is called the National Health System (Sistema Nacional de Salud) and is available to all citizens and legal residents of Argentina. It is not available to foreigners, however, expats and digital nomads are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Argentina.

Argentina’s Healthcare System

The public healthcare system in Argentina is free for citizens and legal residents, and is funded by the government. It is generally considered to be of good quality, although it can be overcrowded and underfunded in some areas. Public hospitals in Buenos Aires are generally recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, although the wait times can be long. Private hospitals are also available, and are generally preferred by expats and digital nomads for more specialized medical care and surgeries. Private hospitals in Buenos Aires are typically well-equipped and offer a higher level of service than public hospitals.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Buenos Aires

  • Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires: Private hospital located in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires.
  • Clinica de la Mujer: Private clinic located in the Belgrano neighborhood of Buenos Aires, specializing in women’s health.
  • Hospital Aleman: Private hospital located in the Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires.
  • Hospital Britanico: Private hospital located in the Belgrano neighborhood of Buenos Aires.

Emergency Services in Buenos Aires

Ambulance services are available in Buenos Aires, and can be called by dialing 107. Ambulances typically arrive quickly, although there can be delays in some areas.

Health Insurance Companies in Buenos Aires

The most popular private health insurers in Buenos Aires are OSDE, Swiss Medical, and Galeno. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although there are also specialized expat health insurance providers available.

Insider Tips from Expats in Buenos Aires : Health Care

“I’ve been living in Buenos Aires for a while now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, you can maintain a good quality of life.First, let’s talk about housing. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like Palermo, Recoleta, and Belgrano, might be a bit out of your budget if you want to live in a luxury apartment. However, you can still find nice, modern apartments in these areas for a reasonable price if you’re willing to compromise on size or certain amenities. If you’re looking for more affordable neighborhoods, consider areas like Almagro, Caballito, or Villa Crespo. These neighborhoods are still safe and have good public transportation options, but the cost of living is generally lower.When it comes to dining out and entertainment, Buenos Aires has a wide range of options for all budgets. You might not be able to eat at the fanciest restaurants every night, but there are plenty of affordable and delicious local eateries to choose from. The same goes for entertainment – there are always free or low-cost events happening around the city, so you won’t have to break the bank to have a good time.One sacrifice you might have to make is in terms of transportation. While public transportation is affordable and relatively efficient, it might not be as comfortable or reliable as you’re used to. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available, but they can add up if you use them frequently. To save money, consider using public transportation or even biking around the city.Finally, keep in mind that imported goods can be quite expensive in Argentina due to high import taxes. This means that certain products, like electronics or specific brands of clothing, might be more expensive than you’re used to. To make your budget work, you might have to prioritize your spending and opt for local or regional brands instead.Overall, living in Buenos Aires on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with modern amenities. Just be prepared to make some adjustments and prioritize your spending in certain areas,” commented an expat living in Buenos Aires .

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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