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Healthcare in Argentina: cost & waiting times

Mixed public / private

Three layers: free public hospitals (open to all, including foreigners), 'obras sociales' (union-linked insurance for employees), and private 'prepagas'. Public care is universal but uneven; private care in Buenos Aires is high quality.

Emergency number: 911 (or 107 ambulance)

How residents get care

  1. Public: attend a hospital or CAPS directly — Public hospitals treat anyone. Bring ID; care and often medication are free.
  2. Obra social members: use your plan's network — Employment routes a share of payroll to your obra social; you can switch plans annually.
  3. Prepaga: book directly — Private consultations are inexpensive for visitors paying cash, especially given the exchange rate.

Official waiting-time source

Public hospital waits for elective specialist care and surgery can be long; private and prepaga access is quick.

No national register ↗

MilestoneReference
Private specialist appointment3 days (~0w)
Public elective surgery (variable)120 days (~17w)

Typical private costs

Typical self-pay prices — for an exact figure use the official links above or ask a clinic for a written quote.

ItemTypical range
Private GP consultationAR$15–AR$45
Private specialist consultationAR$20–AR$60
Private MRIAR$60–AR$180

Prescriptions

Obras sociales and prepagas cover 40–70% of many drugs; PAMI covers pensioners. Public hospitals often dispense free for their patients.

Visiting Argentina?

Public hospitals provide free emergency and necessary care to everyone, including tourists.

Emergencies Call 107 (SAME ambulance in Buenos Aires) or 911. Public hospital ER care is free; private clinics bill you.

Official links

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