Healthcare System in Argentina: everything you need to know

How does the local health system work?

In Argentina, the health system is made up of three major subsectors: the public system, Social Security and private.

The public system serves 100% of the population even if they are covered by the social security or private health system. It is generally free of charge.

On the other hand, the Social Security is responsible for providing health care to those workers who are active in the labor market; payment is made on a bipartite basis, that is, by both the worker and his or her employer.

Finally, the private system focuses on providing medical care to workers who are not unionized or under a collective bargaining agreement. In Argentina there are 24 private medical companies and the level of services provided may vary among them. 

What should I know as a foreigner in Argentina?

Migration Law 25.871, specifically in the decree 616/2012 of article 8º states that: "Access to the right to health, social assistance or health care may not be denied or restricted in any case, to all foreigners who require it, regardless of their immigration status". This is based on the guidelines of international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This applies to the local public system.

If you are going to Argentina for tourism, hire a travel insurance plan for short stays, you can find the best insurance options at InternationalHealth.com.

To receive medical attention, you must always show your passport at any health center. If you want better quality care and reduced waiting times, the best option is to join a private medical provider. No visa or residency status is required to enroll in the private system, just show your ID and choose the plan that best suits your needs.  

There is a wide variety of private health plans, so it is important to review the details of each one to make sure it covers the services you may require. Some of the services covered by private plans are: surgery, hospitalization, therapy, dental care, nutritionists and even psychological help. 

What do I do if I have an emergency in Argentina?

The free line for medical emergencies is 107, which you can call from any local landline or cell phone. You can also dial 911 for other emergencies, this service will refer you to other services such as police and firefighters.

Other exclusive emergency numbers are:

Firefighters: #100
Police: #101
Federal Police for non-emergency complaints and inquiries: #131

Bringing medicines into Argentina

If you are entering the country with medicines containing narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances, you must present the legalized medical prescription. This must include the patient's name and address, name, active ingredient, concentration, pharmaceutical form, quantity and dosage of the medicine. You must present the corresponding documentation at the border control when entering the country. 

How do pharmacies operate in Argentina?

According to the Argentine government, "The purpose of the pharmaceutical industry is the research, development, production, distribution and commercialization of active ingredients and medicines for human consumption for the prevention or treatment of diseases. The pharmaceutical sector constitutes an important part of the structure of the health system due to its collaboration in the search for better health results, as well as its share in the cost structure".

Argentina is one of the main producers of medicines in the world, supplying not only the local market, but also many destinations worldwide, including the United States and Germany. Laboratories distribute drugs to pharmacies, which are responsible for their sale.

In the pharmacies you will find over-the-counter medicines and those that require a prescription, remember to bring your prescription with you to be able to buy the medicines you require. 

Requirements to enter Argentina

To enter the country you must fill out the affidavit at least 48 hours before your trip. You can complete your declaration in the following link, you do not need to fill it to leave the country. 

There are no restrictions regarding the Covid-19 pandemic at the moment.