Argentina Health Insurance

Stretching over 3,600 kilometers top to bottom, with sub-tropical climes in the north, vast deserts and grasslands in the central regions, and unspoiled tundra in the south, all flanked by the Andes Mountains along its western border with Chile, and Atlantic Ocean to its east, the Argentine Republic is a land of beauty and diversity. Having gained independence from Spain over 200 years ago, Argentina is now a mixture of several European and indigenous cultures, famous for food, wine, art, music, festivals, sport, and architecture, it offers all the delights of a European vacation for a fraction of the price. In the last ten years, strong efforts to raise the country out of a deep economic depression have eased the financial pains of many, and the stable government and strong international trade ties along with booming tourism have helped to seat Argentina as one of the fastest growing economies in the Latin world. With a fairly reasonable spread of wealth amongst the approximately 40.1 million population, only eight percent of which live below the poverty line, Argentina is considered to have one of the highest standards of living in the developing world.

Argentina’s Healthcare System and Insurance

One area of great improvement in recent times for Argentina is access to quality health care. The current universal system in place in Argentina guarantees medical care to all its citizens regardless of age, income, or physical condition and is available throughout the country. The public healthcare system is highly decentralized, with most care being offered through a massive network of clinics and hospitals overseen by provincial offices who fall under the oversight of the Ministry of Health and Social Action or MSAS. This organization ensures minimum standards of care are met and that all in need of necessary treatment are able to access it through the various insurance and social assistance programs offered. As a result of their efforts, public health care in Argentina is very good, even when compared to many more developed countries. Visitors and expatriates need not worry over the conditions of the treatment facilities in Argentina as they are, unlike some countries in South America, modern and well equipped. It is worthwhile to remember that public hospitals and clinics in Argentina are part of a socialized medical network, and while care is excellent, some luxuries such as televisions or private patient rooms may not be available or will incur extra costs to the patient. Further, treatment is not first-come, first-served but rather will be attended to according to severity of condition and sometimes this results in longer than anticipated wait times. The general health of Argentinians speaks for the success of the medical system and average life expectancy is very high at 72 years for men and 80 for women. One of the biggest threats to Argentina's health is smoking, which accounts for 40,000 deaths a year and eats up about one sixth of the health care budget treating tobacco-related diseases.

Private medical centers and clinics are very common as well and, while somewhat costlier, are preferred by many. All the same treatments are usually available, and referrals from smaller facilities to larger are the norm, though the partnership networks for private care centers are smaller than that of the public system. The private sector is largely self regulated, and as a result, there exist several options for the type and level of care and luxury you would require while receiving treatment. This is normal for countries that enjoy relatively low cost health care across the board, as it tends to attract a large number of medical tourists every year who want to combine a vacation with some type of necessary or elective treatment. Argentina is thus world-renowned for its plastic surgeons and augmentation and re-constructive procedures which are performed with great regularity.

In general, doctors and medical staff are well educated and experienced, both in public and private health care outlets, and all speak fluent Spanish and frequently English as well. All procedures, common and specialized, are available in Argentina therefore there is little risk to health for the average traveler or expat in the country due to lack of availability of care. In total there are approximately 1,600 hospitals serving Argentina along with several thousand clinics, and basic care is reasonably available even in many remote parts of the country. Indeed, one aspect of care that is uncommon to most foreigners is the prevalence of visiting doctors, which is a welcome option for those who wish to pay a small fee to avoid traveling to the clinic while ill, assuming their condition is not critical. This feature is offered in both public and private care.

Argentina Medical Insurance Concerns

Funding for this unusually effective health care system is possible through a broad diversification of insurance provision methods. Argentinian health insurance for public and government employees is through the state-backed Obras Sociales and is also offered to private companies and employees at about the same rates, in total covering about half the population. Unemployed, uninsured or disadvantaged persons may technically have no coverage, but this results in free health care at public facilities paid for by the government and becomes a coverage plan unto itself. Finally, private third party medical insurance is available from one of the many local or international insurance companies honored in Argentina and covers approximately 10 percent of the population, either as their complete carrier or an additional service to supplement their nationalized coverage.

Through strict price controls, the state government has been able to keep average costs for insurance attainable for the majority of the population. Competition between public and private sector providers has remained strong enough to keep prices competitive and avoid monopolizing of the market. As a result, all government employees have compulsory public health insurance and private employers are bound by law to devise their own system of coverage for their employees either buying public health insurance or opting for private medical coverage. In both cases, a contribution by way of taxation is required of the employee and the employer. By ensuring that all workers pay for their own coverage, the government only provides free care for the poorest portion of society and in some cases for those who are in need of very specialized or expensive procedures. While Argentina's health insurance system is not perfect, it has proven better than many and provides care to all in one form or another. It should be noted that non-residents do not qualify for public care and must purchase private medical insurance coverage or pay for treatment out of pocket.

Argentina Travel Insurance Information

One area that tourists, travelers and expatriates should be aware of is that there is yet some room for improvement in sanitary sewerage services and potable water. While great improvements have been made in the last 20 years, with urban areas typically seeing water services above 95 percent, rural areas are not as well served and some areas only have water services at public standpipes. Sanitary sewer services in cities is around 90 percent, but outlying areas again see only sporadic coverage and some estimates state that only about 45 percent of homes have flush toilets.

Vaccination and preventative treatment programs have drastically reduced communicable disease in Argentina, but there is still the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, particularly in the warm northern regions. Vaccination for yellow fever should be considered for persons visiting the areas along the borders of Brazil and Paraguay. Additionally, a few cases of dengue fever have been reported in the north and in Buenos Aires. The biggest risk to travelers is petty crime, all should practice caution when in public areas and traveling alone in some parts of the major cities is not recommended after dark.

Argentina Expat Medical Insurance

Places like Argentina, with such rich diversity and a burgeoning economy, have a natural draw for foreigners looking to take in the sights and be a part of the country's exciting new growth. Expat Medical Insurance provides the needed protection to ensure that your plans are not spoiled by an unforeseen illness or injury by offering comprehensive Argentina Health Insurance and International Medical Insurance packages for travelers, tourists, and expatriates. Call today for a free international health insurance quote today.