Argentina is updating its entry requirements as of July 1, 2025. All foreign visitors will be required to present valid health insurance or medical assistance covering the entire duration of their stay, regardless of the means of entry—air, land, or sea.
Who is concerned?
This new regulation (Decree 366/2025) applies to tourists, regardless of the length of stay, as well as to temporary or seasonal workers, international students, and individuals in an irregular migration situation. However, it is specified that in the event of an emergency, no foreigner will be denied access to medical care or social assistance, regardless of their immigration status.
Permanent residents will have access to the public healthcare system under the same conditions as Argentine citizens. For all others, access to care in public health facilities will be subject to the presentation of valid insurance or advance payment, in accordance with guidelines from the Ministry of Health.
What must the insurance cover?
The required insurance must include, at a minimum, basic healthcare and emergency coverage: medical consultations or treatment for illness or accidents, hospitalization, 24/7 telephone assistance, medical transport or evacuation, and repatriation for health reasons or in the event of death.
This measure aims to ensure that visitors are supported in the face of unforeseen events, while reducing pressure on the public healthcare system and limiting unplanned expenses for the state.
Why is this measure being introduced?
The government justifies this decision by the need to protect the resources of the public health system, which came under significant strain in 2024 due to treatment of foreign patients. The policy also seeks to curb “health tourism”—the arrival of individuals seeking free care in public hospitals.
This measure follows similar policies already implemented in provinces such as Salta, Jujuy, Santa Cruz, and Mendoza, which require visiting foreigners to carry valid health insurance. In Salta, for example, Health Minister Federico Mangione reported that the number of patients in the city of Orán dropped from 3,300 to just 60 in one month, easing the burden on local infrastructure.
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What happens in case of non-compliance?
Travelers without insurance meeting the official requirements may be denied entry by immigration authorities. If they require medical care during their stay, they will have to cover the full cost themselves, which can be significant depending on the services needed.
Tips for travelers
It is strongly recommended to purchase health insurance before departure and to ensure that it is valid for the entire duration of the trip. Be sure to carry a copy of the insurance policy, either printed or in digital form.
In a country where tourism plays a vital economic role, yet public services face structural pressure, the introduction of mandatory health insurance reflects a will to balance international appeal with social sustainability.
For travelers, this measure is not a constraint but a necessary precaution. It adds a new layer of preparation and reflects a global reality: traveling today also means taking shared responsibility for access to essential services.
Photos: Buenos Aires Tourism Board
