Do you need travel insurance for Argentina?
Whether or not to buy a travel insurance policy is a question that normally comes up a lot in relation to traveling to Argentina.
Argentina has public healthcare and anyone who is in the country can seek emergency treatment at public facilities. But with the pandemic things have changed and insurance that specifically covers Covid is required for those arriving on a tourist visa.
The once laudable public health care in Argentina has declined from the good old days and the new requirements are a preventative measure meant to prevent foreigners from clogging up the already overburdened public health services.
Since Argentina reopened its borders, travel insurance that covers Covid is required for all foreign travelers to Argentina.
-Argentine Health Ministry
Argentina Travel & COVID update:
As of April 4 2022 Argentines borders are open to everyone, even the unvaccinated.
Argentina Entry Requirements: Travelers to Argentina no longer need to proof of vaccination against Covid 19 nor a negative COVID-19 PCR.
Visitors only need to fill out a Declaración Jurada (Sworn Statement) found here 48 hours before their trip. Note that those over 70 years old are not required to fill out the declaration online.
Travelers are still required to have travel insurance against Covid. Check out our Travel Insurance page to learn about inexpensive insurance options.
Argentina’s Current Covid situation: After a peak of the contagious Omicron variant earlier in the year, the number of new cases and related deaths have fallen sharply so the government decided to open borders completely — they can use tourism dollars and the dollar is strong.
Seventy-five percent of the country is fully vaccinated and 90% have had at least one dose and 81% two doses. Boosters are now being administered to more vulnerable populations.
Schools, restaurants, bars and some activities such as tango shows and Buenos Aires city tours and are operating, although masks are required while moving through enclosed spaces.
Stadiums are operating at full capacity again for soccer games.
Vaccinations
Anyone in Argentina who is still not vaccinated can head to any local vaccination center to get a jab for free. Those who qualify can also get a booster.
While both public and private healthcare professionals in Argentina tend to be excellent, public hospitals are overwhelmed and not really places where you want to spend a lot of time. Often the facilities are dilapidated, stray animals hang out in the hallways and cigarette smoke bellows from offices (believe it or not!).
Any prescription medicine, or medical devices such as crutches or an arm sling will cost money if you are uninsured. Public hospitals do not provide things such as sheets and towels for patients.
That being said, 76% of the population is fully vaccinated in Argentina. Cases have been rising steeply in December, meaning the CDC upgraded Argentina to a Level 3 travel risk. At the end of 2021 the mortality rate remained low, with the number of deaths in the double digits since late October. In January 2022 the daily mortality rate reached triple digits again.
Short-term Travel Insurance
World Nomads is a well-established travel insurance company and the one many veteran wanderers recommend for short term travel insurance.
They have 24-hour emergency assistance and cover residents from 150 countries. You can purchase, extend your policy and make claims, even while traveling. Their plans also cover lost, stolen or damaged baggage.
You can be assured all this, because that comes straight from their website!
Get a Quote with World Nomads
Loss of Property Insurance
Even with the pandemic, it is more likely that vaccinated visitors will lose bags, be a victim of theft or incur some other material loss on a trip to Argentina than have a health emergency.
That is when vacation insurance protection against theft or lost baggage can be a godsend.
Check out this viral video from a few years ago — a Canadian tourist on a bike tour through La Boca (not on one of Wander Argentina’s tours, we are happy to report!) got held up at gun point while wearing a GoPro camera.
This shouldn’t scare you — it’s important to note that this happened because the visitor had expensive gadgets on full display in an area known for this type of crime.
In this case it’s not inconceivable that the clueless Canuck didn’t want to give up his equipment because he didn’t have travel insurance that covered his belongings.
No material belongings are worth your life, so give up the goods in this situation and rely on travel insurance against theft to give you peace of mind.
Travel insurance or not, even locals don’t recommend carrying anything expensive or shiny in La Boca.
Although it has a cute tourist area, La Boca is probably the most dangerous neighborhood you will visit while in the country.
We recommend that you stay on the beaten path here, in and around Caminito, or taking a guided tour (with a responsible company), as we know which streets are fine and which areas to avoid.
Digital Nomad/Remote Worker Travel Insurance
Safetywing is another insurance option aimed toward remote workers, digital nomads, or those traveling for longer periods than a few weeks.
Their basic plan averages $42 a month for those under 39, with a $250 deductible and a $250 000 max limit for those between the ages of 18-39. Their plans also cover Covid19.