Healthcare in Argentina

Healthcare in Argentina is generally considered the best in all of Latin America, and expats will find its reputation is warranted. In Buenos Aires and other sizeable towns and cities, such as Córdoba or Mendoza, the clinics are excellent, and the medical staff are well trained. That said, elsewhere in the country, healthcare standards vary greatly.

Read more: Healthcare in Buenos Aires

Public healthcare in Argentina

Around half the population uses public healthcare in Argentina, and it provides care for all in- and outpatients at no or little cost. This includes hospital, medical, dental, and palliative care as well as rehab, medical transport, and prosthetics. Everyday prescriptions and chronic conditions, however, may require payment.

The medical staff is generally well trained, but nursing and aftercare services can be severely lacking. Emergency attention is free for all (including tourists), as are doctor call-outs. Inpatient care is variable, as public hospitals are frequently underfunded and the staff are overworked.

There is no universal GP system in Argentina, and general doctors are usually found in public hospitals. Otherwise, you’ll need to make appointments with specialists in private clinics. Charges vary between places, with rural areas typically being cheaper than urban centres. Public hospitals may reject non-emergency patients during busy periods, so having private insurance or clinic arrangements is wisest.

Private healthcare in Argentina

Most expats in Argentina use private services because it is assumed that private healthcare means you get better medical attention and shorter waiting times. While the former may not necessarily be true, there’s a fair argument for the latter.

Private clinics and hospitals in Argentina are well-resourced, and you can expect an excellent level of care and facilities in the major cities. That said, the standard of care may vary in smaller towns and rural areas.

Many Argentine doctors were trained overseas, and expats generally don’t struggle to find an English-speaking physician in private hospitals. Approximately 70 percent of the hospitals in the country are private.

Dental care in Argentina

The standard of dental and orthodontic healthcare in Argentina is superb, even in small towns. That said, you’re less likely to find English-speaking dentists outside the main cities. Dental costs in Argentina are considerably cheaper than in the USA and most European countries.

Pharmacies in Argentina

Pharmacies in Argentina are easy to spot by their distinctive green cross symbol and are called farmacias in Spanish. Many operate 24/7 in cities, making access convenient whenever you need it.

In Argentina, you can buy many types of medicine over the counter without a prescription. Argentine pharmacists can provide you with advice on medication for common ailments, such as stomach bugs and the flu. Female contraceptives (the pill) are available without a prescription, although they’re not free. Recent regulatory changes have expanded access to certain medications, particularly for chronic conditions.

Useful links

• ANMAT: Argentine Drug Regulatory Authority

Health insurance in Argentina

Private healthcare in Argentina is typically financed by voluntary insurance schemes. As in other countries, costs vary from provider to provider. You can receive medical coverage through a number of international health insurers; otherwise, many small, private clinics also have their own schemes.

The cost of your monthly premiums merely gives a discount on the price of care when it is needed. Private health insurance coverage is also highly localised, so if you leave town, your policy will often no longer be valid.

You can also pay premiums directly to a private clinic and bypass health insurance. If you’re doing this, you need simply present your passport when visiting the clinic; no residency visa is necessary. An obvious downside to this policy is that you’re limited in where you can receive treatment.

Social Security or Obras Sociales are obligatory insurance schemes run by the trade unions and are only applicable to Argentinians and permanent residents who are legally employed. Both employer and employee pay contributions towards inpatient and outpatient care. Medication is also covered, but if contributions are not sufficient to cover the cost of treatment, the employer or employee will have to pay the difference.

Health hazards in Argentina

Argentina experienced its worst dengue fever outbreak in 2024, and tens of thousands of cases were reported. The risk is still high in 2025, particularly during warmer months. The most effective protection against dengue fever is to avoid mosquito bites, especially during the day. Use mosquito repellents and wear long sleeves and trousers to keep them from biting you in the first place.

Argentina is a low-risk area for cholera and malaria. You can safely drink tap water in the major towns and cities, but if you’re travelling or relocating to remote areas, stick to bottled or treated water.

Pre-travel vaccinations for Argentina

No vaccinations are mandatory for entry into Argentina. However, the following are generally recommended if you’re travelling there:

• MMR (measles/mumps/rubella) – ensure you’re fully vaccinated, as measles cases are rising globally
• Yellow fever – particularly if you plan on travelling within the region to higher-risk areas. The vaccination must be given at least 10 days before departure.
• Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Other routine vaccinations – ensure these are current (diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus, poliovirus, etc.)

This list serves as a starting point only. Ensure all your routine vaccinations are current and consult with a travel medicine specialist before departure for personalised advice.

Useful links

• CDC: Travel Health Information for Argentina
• UK Government: Argentina Travel Health Advice

Emergency services in Argentina

Emergency medical services in Argentina operate efficiently in most areas through a mix of public and private providers.

In Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Tierra del Fuego, and Jujuy provinces, dial 107 for medical emergencies, which connects directly to government ambulance services. In other areas, 911 is your best option. You may want to research private ambulance services in advance, as access to public services isn’t guaranteed everywhere.