Starting August 11, foreigners who do not reside in Argentina can no longer receive free healthcare services in the country for non-emergency cases. This decision by the government of Javier Milei was published in the 'National State of Emergency Decree,' which amended the Migration Law.
The new rule once again emphasizes the importance of obtaining travel insurance before visiting Argentina, which is already standard practice upon entry into the country. It is necessary to understand exactly what has changed (and what remains the same) for travelers.
Any medical care considered routine ceases to be free for foreigners unable to prove their residency in Argentina, including tourists. This means that health issues not requiring urgent intervention must now be paid for by the user themselves, rather than by the state.
In practice, to receive medical assistance in Argentina as a foreigner without a medical emergency, one must choose one of two available options.
The Argentine government's decree clearly states that 'assistance in emergency cases will be guaranteed to all people, regardless of their migration status.' Thus, in truly serious situations, the situation remains unchanged: it is possible to go to a hospital or medical facility without additional payment, even without insurance.
This generally applies to situations where there is a real threat to life. The Ministry of Health of Argentina has listed such cases as stroke (CVA), heart attack, obstetric emergencies, as well as severe injuries or burns, which continue to receive medical care free of charge.
The new rules for providing assistance to foreigners are established by the National State of Emergency Decree, a mechanism similar to temporary measures in Brazil: it is a document issued directly by the Executive Branch, having the force of law, but which can be overturned by Congress if there is political will.
Currently, there are no guarantees that Milei's decree will remain in force or will not be changed; a majority vote in the Chamber and Senate is sufficient to alter the situation. Therefore, it is recommended to follow news from Argentina in the coming weeks and months to confirm the current situation during your trip. Until then, it is wise to have insurance to cover unforeseen health problems.