Health Insurance and Hospitals in Buenos Aires

If you’re from the US and have accepted that hospital bills can be financially devastating, I’ve got some good news for you. Buenos Aires is home to good, reliable and most importantly affordable healthcare. And, if you have insurance you can forget about deductibles and co-pays. The majority of doctor’s visits will be absolutely free.

In Argentina healthcare is considered a basic human right and is free at public hospitals to everyone, including tourists. However, the standard of care is lower at public hospitals, and you will likely have to wait for hours (or even all day) to be seen by a doctor. On top of this, it also is a little ethically dubious for foreigners from developed countries to add more burden to an already stretched public healthcare system. So, if you can afford a private hospital, I would recommend leaving the public hospitals for those who can’t.

What are the best private hospitals in Buenos Aires?

Two of the best private hospitals in Buenos Aires are Swiss Medical and Hospital Aleman. Hospital Alemán is located in Barrio Norte at Pueyrredón 1640, just a few blocks from the Pueyrredón subway station. Swiss Medical has centers in Barrio Norte (on the border of Palermo, at Av. Pueyrredón 1441, across the street from the Pueyrredón subway station) and downtown on Av. 25 de Mayo. Both of their facilities look like those in the US or Europe, and the staff offer high quality and efficient care. Most doctors speak English and many speak other languages including Portuguese, German, Italian and French.

Other reliable hospitals with obras sociales include Hospital Italiano located in Almagro by the Medrano subway station and Hospital Británico located downtown by Avenida Santa Fe and 9 de Julio. Hospital Británico has another location at Avenida Caseros and Perdriel right on the border between Constitución and Barracas, but keep in mind this isn’t the safest part of town. It may be the most convenient if you’re in San Telmo or La Boca, but is probably best avoided at night.

For a one off appointment, the initial consultation at one of the better hospitals usually costs around $60-$70 USD, with any further services, medications, or appointments adding additional costs. While the cost of one appointment is relatively inexpensive, if you end up seeing multiple doctors or needing something like an X-ray, MRI, and/or surgery it can really add up. For anyone planning on staying in Buenos Aires long term, getting on an insurance plan is a good idea.

How much does health insurance cost in Buenos Aires?

Each hospital has various obra sociales (insurance plans) that range in cost according to services offered. There are many locations in the city where you can go to meet with someone who will explain each plan and help you decide which to choose. These locations are called sucursales and can be found on the hospital’s website. With these programs you will receive a cartilla (brochure) from which you can contact any specialist yourself to arrange appointments. Most visits are free and unlimited with the exception of a few such as therapists and psychiatrists.

Swiss Medical and Hospital Aleman are both favorites among foreigners and their basic plan will cost about $75-$90 USD a month. Ladies take note that you can get birth control for about $300 pesos a month, about $4 USD.

Both organizations offer various prices and packages depending on age and include:

• Complete cartilla in hard copy and online to find doctors and offices of attention
• 40% discount on prescription medications at various pharmacies
• House calls by doctors for a small additional fee
• Free medical studies, consultations, dentistry and orthodontics
• Small co-pay to see a therapist
• 24-hour emergency hotline and ambulance service

Both care and insurance will be less expensive at a mid-range hospital. Just expect less modern facilities and a lower chance of getting a doctor that speaks English.