Argentina Health Care and Vaccinations

Health Care

Medical insurance is highly recommended as there are no reciprocal health agreements. Medical facilities are generally of a high standard in Buenos Aires, though of varying quality outside the capital. Immediate cash payment is often expected by doctors. To call an ambulance dial 107. Many medicines that require a prescription in North America and Europe can be bought over the pharmacy counter in Argentina, although they may be known under a different name here. If you require a regular medication, bring the packaging into the pharmacy with you to show the pharmacist.

Argentina is considered to have a high risk of Zika virus transmission. Pregnant women are advised to postpone non-essential travel until after pregnancy. The mosquito-borne illness can be spread from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby as well as through sexual contact. The World Health Organisation recommends travellers to Argentina protect themselves from mosquito bites and suggests wearing clothes (preferably light-coloured) that cover as much of the body as possible, sleeping under mosquito nets and using insect repellent. Women who are pregnant, at risk of getting pregnant, or planning pregnancy should seek further advice from their doctor before travelling to Brazil.

Food and Drink

Tap water is generally considered safe in main cities and towns, especially in Buenos Aires, but otherwise bottled water is recommended. If bottled water is unavailable then boil water for over a minute before drinking.

Other Risks

Dengue fever, carried by mosquitoes, is present but not common. Leishmaniasis, a skin disease spread by sandflies, is a low risk. Both can be avoided with sensible precautionary measures such as using mosquito nets and insect repellent in lowland and jungle areas. From around March to October time, Argentine haemorrhagic fever - a viral disease caused by Junin virus – can be picked up in the pampas. It is transmitted by the corn mouse, by either by breathing in dust contaminated with droppings or by contact with the creature.

Psychoanalysis therapy is incredibly popular in Argentina, especially Buenos Aires; it is said that the Argentine capital has the highest per cent of therapists of any city in the world. Argentina is also known for its affordable cosmetic surgery procedures, and a growing number of people visit for this reason. Standards are erratic, however, and it is incredibly important to make sure you conduct thorough research on medical centres and physicians, and opt for somewhere with an excellent reputation.