Health Insurance in Argentina, America

Information expatriation

Capital City: Buenos Aires
Total area: 2,780,400 km2
Population: 41,000,000 (2007)
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +54 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Argentina

Health Product:   Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk :World Health Map
BLOG: Expat Health insurance Information

Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:

·      Argentina has a universal healthcare system administered at national, provincial and municipal levels. It guarantees public access to health services.

·      Public hospitals and clinics provide primary, secondary and tertiary care. Services are free or subsidized depending on income level.

·      Around 70-80% of the population utilizes the public system, while the rest have private health insurance or pay out-of-pocket.

·      Private healthcare facilities supplement public options and some provide better access/amenities.

·      Healthcare spending is around 4.5% of GDP, lower than other Latin American countries.

·      There is a mix of nonprofit and for-profit providers, with quality varying significantly between regions.

·      Shortages can occur in medicines, equipment and specialists outside major cities.

·      Leading health issues include obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, dengue fever and HIV/AIDS.

·      Universal healthcare efforts aim to improve access and quality of care, especially in rural areas.

·      Digitalization, preventative care and primary care networks are priorities under healthcare reform.

Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:

·      Purchase comprehensive international medical insurance before arrival as the public system has limitations.

·      Register for temporary or permanent residency which allows access to public hospitals for emergencies.

·      Consider private healthcare coverage for faster specialty access and elective care.

·      Bring needed prescription medications as some may not be locally available.

·      Have all recommended vaccinations up to date especially for hepatitis A, dengue, yellow fever.

·      Drink only bottled or purified water and thoroughly cook all foods to prevent illness.

·      Monitor impacts of changes to diet, climate and lifestyle on physical and mental health.

·      Rural regions have less infrastructure, so consider proximity to major hospitals.

·      Register address with home embassy in case evacuation assistance is needed abroad.

·      Learn basic medical Spanish terminology to communicate effectively with doctors.

·      Join an international medical evacuation program for urgent transportation if critically ill.