View Full Version : Health Insurance in Argentina
FormerGaucho
04-02-05, 10:23
Jackson and fellow mongers:
I'm a long time lurker, newbie poster. I'm a former resident and still have all of my immediate family in the Baires and other parts of the country.
My retired (jublilada) mother provided the following details:
The best and most comprehensive health insurance providers are actually the two major hospitals Italiano and Britanico (Italian and British). Out of the two, Italiano, which is a Medical University as well, seems to have the best deal. For about 226 AR Pesos (U$S 75) / Mo., you get full medical, dental, Radiology and other specialists, discounted pharmacy, and other perks. They have various "out-patient" clinics throughout the city, so access and appointments are easy to set up.
She did look into Britanico, and side-by-side, Italiano was the better deal. Considering she's living like a queen on her US Social Security pension, you can appreciate the need for her to find the BEST deal! =)
Hope this helps? Please PM or email me with further questions. I'll be glad to run them through her for additional details.
Keep safe! FormerGaucho
Daddy Rulz
04-02-05, 15:51
Mi Novia has a policy at the German hosptal, for her and her son it's 200 pesos a month. As I understand it most of the private hospitals have somethig like this. It's not like in States (of course) where you pay an insurance company and then go to any hospital. You pay the hospital and I'm sure they have different plans.
FormerGaucho
04-03-05, 21:10
As it's been posted, the best way to get the process started is to contact the different hospitals individually.
From what my Mom found out, given all of the different options from the other hospitals, for her needs the "Italiano" was the best fit. She likes the idea of having knowledgeable Med Students treat her. She likes the "youth" dynamic, always checking and consulting the different medical references and having access to the latest medical treatments and drug info. However, she does so with full understanding the "newbies" are always under the ever watchful eye of a seasoned MD. Similar scenario with the Dental side of the plan...
She did say the "runner up" was the Britanico. She did not mention "Aleman".
Anyways, hope this helps.
Last week, having addressses in hand for British and Italian hospitals, I expected a long day of contorted discovery to get the details of signing up for these plans with prices. But before I left my block I decided to check out Swiss Medical Group which looms like an elephant on the corner of Arenales and Callao.
I went into the entrance on Callao and was sent to the entrance round the corner on Arenales. The receptionist sent me to a desk with two animated women who have information on the plans and can sign you up on the spot.
They have two plans: $176 pesos/mo and $260 pesos/mo. The only difference is in how large a geographical area you can receive treatment. I chose the lower one which appears to cover Buenos Aires Provincia, since I rarely travel out. You can upgrade easily if desired.
They showed me the plan coverage, photocopied my passport, gave me a double sided paper to check the usual yes or no on pre-existing conditions which you're required to sign after checking off and took $176 pesos off me for the first month. They filled in the rest of the form. One of the women wrote her office number, her cell number, her home number and her e-mail on the cover of my plan booklet and told me to call her anytime if I had questions.
Coverage begins every 1st of the month. Basic coverage begins immediately on the first. Dental begins 1 month later. There are other sophisticated services that kick in at different monthly intervals. They mail you an ID card and a large plan booklet. It looks to me like great coverage and the closest clinic she said is on Pueyreddon near Santa Fe.
I was in and out of there in 15 minutes and kissed twice. The only proviso I would make is if you don't have a handle on castellano, take along someone who can explain answers to your questions.
The painless medical plan, get one today!
Jaimito Cartero
05-24-05, 16:27
Interesting info. If anyone has more detailed info on coverages and such, I'd be interested. I see that dental is covered after one month, I'm wondering what work they would do for the monthly fee. Could you have it for a month, and then get a root canal and crown?
You also may want to check out the OSDE 510 plan. It covers just about everything and is accepted almost everywhere in BA and the provinces. The 510 plan costs around ar$280 per month for a family and I have been told that it includes one elective plastic surgery every 2 years. I have not tried it though. OSDE is kind of like Argentina's Blue Cross and Blue Shield. A big company with an extensive network.
Get that chica the new rack she always wanted.
http://www.osde.com.ar/Osde_Binario/
Thomaso276
08-29-05, 20:07
I bought coverage for my girlfriend several months ago. Overall service is excellent. This weekend she had serious stomach pains so we called the clinic / office. My diagnosis was gall bladder problem based on my personal experience. They explained that due to the late hour to go to the Italian Hospital where they have a contract. After several tests they realize it is serious and transfer her to Sanitoria Guemes (3900 Cordoba) by ambulance becasue they are full. Guemes is a first class building and staff.
Guemes rents out floors to Swiss Medical so she is in a private room, 15th Floor. Saturday afternoon time for the old appendix operation. No problems, english speaking surgeon, great nurses. Doctor explains that her appendix had moved up and behind some other stuff (accounting for my misdiagnoses of gall bladder) so the operation was a little more complicated. Arthroscopic proceedure. Recovers for 2.5 days in private room. Aunt stays each day and night in room. Waiter on the floor takes food orders! A civilian employee of Swiss Medical is in on the floor to coordinate and answer any questions. Whenever we push the button a nurse shows up in seconds.
Whenever I entered the building to visit (even after visiting hours) all I had to say was "Swiss Medical" piso and I was waived right in.
I know in the States you get sent home about 10 minutes after surgery and I understand that in public hospitals that can happen as well because they need the rooms.
I bought Swiss Medical for myself three months ago and have not been disappointed.
I looked into OSDE but they did not have international coverage for travelling back and forth to the States.
Thomaso276
08-30-05, 19:17
My coverage is about $140 (53 years old) I think the non - international coverage was about $100. Vero and daughter $100 (both dollars not pesos) Not a family plan I have two contracts. Upcoming dental work on the daughter involving operation, I hope it goes as well.
In States as a single in group plan I was $328 monthly with $20 dollar co-pays everytime I walked into an office.
Now 3 months into my plan with Swiss Medical and I've got a swell doc who I picked out of their directory 'cause he's nearby. Lucky pick. He operates out of a non showboat office on Ayacucho just of Santa Fe, basically a one bedroom apartment converted into a medical office. He's assigned me a battery of tests to get a baseline of my health and all the tests are done at Swiss Medical's battery of clinics around the corner of Pueyreddon & Santa Fe. Modern, efficient, short waits, nice staff.
But the great story for myself is the fixing of a back tooth that needed repair for months and San Francisco dentists had proposed procedures costing $5,000 and up and no guarantees they would solve the problem. Here in BsAs one dentist wanted to put in an implant. I had to wait one month after my SMG plan started to qualify for dental.
My dentist, again in a non showboat office, converted 2 bedroom apartment, had a technician pull off the crown, clean the inner channels and kill an infection and then installed a temporary crown. If all goes well, I'll get a permanent crown in 10 months. He actually made the temporary including grinding it down to fit perfectly sitting next to my dental chair while I waited. Total charges to date: 150 pesos and 200 more pesos when I get the permanent.
My point to this long tale is that they're pretty practical, no drama and approach their work like craftsmen instead of running up the bill with fancy gear and over the top fees. I was tentative at first but happy as a clam now. Chewing my Bife de chorizo on both sides.
I will be in BA for 4 weeks starting on Sunday. My travel agent in BA told me that I should go to the German Hospital about getting Health Insurance. Can anyone tell me from their past experience what type of coverage I would receive. For example, is it just for medical emergencies or does it cover Doctor visits? Appreciate all the!
Thomaso276
09-10-05, 10:07
I spoke with someone last year who was here for a couple of months and used the German hospital for coverage. I don't have the details but he was pretty happy with their service (just basic exams) If you have USA civerage it should cover you for emergencies or you can by the short term trip insurnace.
Of course, if you are here for only 4 weeks you should be spending your time at the Chica Hospital - full coverage, amount of co-pay varies!
Hi Guys,
Regarding the monthly medical premiums quoted here, were they in US dollars or Pesos?
Thanks.
Suerte,
Stowe
Signed up today with Swiss Medical. Walked in to the entrance on Arenales as advised in an earlier post. In and out in less than an hour. 244p a month for a plan that has a 10p copay. They also offered a plan with zero copay for just over 300p a month. Based on my age of 53. Seeing as how I couldn't decipher all the castellano describing pre existing conditions- I now have none. Covers Argentina, and there is a way to use the coverage if you go to the states. Apparently you pay before you leave. I didn't get the details as I hope not to be going back often. When I do I'll get the skinny then.
Member #1164
02-21-06, 17:39
I have health insurance with OSDE not sure how much it is a month cause company pays for it but can pretty much go to any hospital and from what I am told its one of the best insurances.
David Ross
02-21-06, 23:38
I also have OSDE and the monthly premium is $AR399. It covers everything, incluiding dental, glasses, and no copay. If I leave the country I am covered in that country during the time spent outside of Argentina. I am allowed to pick the physician and hospital in case of illness or routine exams. It appears to have some of the same coverage as Blue Cross / Blue Shield of the USA.
I have the all-inclusive, zerodeductible plan with Docthos/SwissMedical for p269/month. I do have to pay for only one thing which is for a doctor to come to my house. That costs 5 pesos per visit.
I think my invoice says the plan is for a 25-45yo male. You go to just about any hospital or doctor (the network is enormous) and just flash your card. I find Hospital Italiano and the SwissMed Center to be excellent. If I have a flu or something I go to the guardia area there and rarely wait more than 15 minutes. Did I mention that many female Argentine doctors are quite young and sexy as hell? My optometrist was a knockout. And even my contact lenses were 100% covered.
Regarding international coverage, you call them and say you're leaving the country and they "activate" your plan globally for 1 year at no extra charge. So you could just call once per year and you're always covered. I will believe this when and if I actually see it work abroad though. Thats why I still carry a major US plan (US$50/mo) with a 10k deductible just in case I get run over by a truck in Germany or Cleveland:p or something. Medical disasters are one of the leading causes of bankruptcy for Americans you know. I'd hate to have a 2million dollar bill running up while lying in a coma in a Cleveland hospital, "assuming" that Docthos is gonna pick up the tab.
Thats why I still carry a major US plan (US$50/ mo) with a 10k deductible just in case I get run over by a truck in Germany or Cleveland:p or something. Medical disasters are one of the leading causes of bankruptcy for Americans you know. Id hate to have a 2million dollar bill running up while lying in a coma in a Cleveland hospital, "assuming" that Docthos is gonna pick up the tab.Assuming such a stay results in you getting back to normal (doubtful) you need do only a little planning with your estate lawyer to avoid the hospital picking you clean after you wake up. And if you don't wake up, who cares what they take?
Keep in mind a lot of U.S. major medical plans have a maximum, oftentimes $1,000,000.00.
Also, if you don't want to spend your last days or weeks hooked up to a ventilator or other machine, you need to get that estate planning lawyer to prepare some other documents for you as well (varies depending on state), and have those in the possession of your next of kin (NOT in your private papers or safe deposit box - who's going to get them for you?) whose judgment you trust.
Accuvues cost about the same here as in USA (about US$50 for a 6 pair). I did pay for them out-of-pocket. The contact lenses and a rare dentist appointment were the only things I ever recall having to go out-of-pocket for (the dentist is 100% covered by the same Docthos plan although dentistry is a separate administration/sector here as in other countries). Note - vision is not separate here, unlike USA. I was promptly reimbursed 100% in both cases. One other thing I do pay for is an occasional prescription but the plan discount is 50% off of already rockbottom prices.
US$50 is 2 sessions at SF1707, and I mean actual fucking not whacking, except the last part when I whack all over them.
Rock Harders
02-22-06, 23:42
Moore-
I cannot say that I have ever payed a visit to Santa Fe 1707, or any other private apartments, so I honestly could not say if I would be able to pull a discount off the "book rate". It seems to me that private apartments work out best for guys who adhere, more or less, to a US time schedule in that they go to sleep and wake up at hours comparable to US standards. I, however, am definetly a night guy in that I go to bed very late (sometimes 8am) and sleep well into the afternoon, and the only activities I can fit in before the Buenos Aires night comes calling are eating several times and going to Megatlon. My sleep and social schedule usually only permits me to to "go mongering" at the very late night spots.
As for "donkey slongs", come on Moore, give me a little more credit than thinking I would talk about the size of my member in order to impress or intimidate other men on a forum about scoring chicas. Only a insecure fool would do something like that.
The "Dirk Diggler Discount" is a satirical allusion to my previous posts that so infuriated you and has no proveable means of exposition, whether I believe it actually exists or not (whether I think I can score a puta for less than an older guy doesnt matter, because I can't prove it and what difference does it make anyway)
Suerte,
Dirk Diggler
To John Holmes, I mean Dirk Diggler (who had the bigger schlong?), I mean Brad Pitt, no, much studlier than that...
To God-
SF1707 is open from about 11am to at least 4am except Sundays. That fits almost anyone's schedule. If you can make it till 11am it's a good place to go if you didn't have any luck with the regular portenas that night, but that never happens to God right. Actually its a good place to go even if you were lucky that night and aren't God.
What time is it right now? Hey I got an idea.
Finally got my "international" Swiss Medical coverage squared away today. Went to the office at Pueyrredon 1441 with a friend to help translate. The international coverage is predominantly for those covered to use while traveling out of the country temporarily. They will cover you for four consecutive months, and then nada. The idea is that you will return to BA. The plan is not set up to cover globe trotting expats indefinitely. I paid 4 months of monthly premiums today plus an extra 13p a month (that added on the foreign coverage) In addition, once you "return" to BA you are expected to pay the 13p monthly for a year. That seemed a little strange, but I believe I got that right. You are given a phone number to call if you have a problem while out of BA. There is a small deductible. They also provide you with a pamphlet explaining the ins and outs. As Moore reported sometime back he used this coverage while in the states with excellent results. Seems like a great deal to me. It will cover me in Spain until I get something arranged there.
Locos and Man
07-01-09, 18:21
I was wondering if anyone had any insight into how you can go about getting health insurance, costs / recommendations, is it better to just pay by the ailment?
I was wondering if anyone had any insight into how you can go about getting health insurance, costs / recommendations, is it better to just pay by the ailment?Go to Swiss Medical. They have some of the nicest facilities and best doctors in town and the prices are ridiculously cheap compared to the Europe or the US. Bonus: you get overseas coverage too. I wouldn't go anywhere else.
If you're looking for a cheaper option, Hospital Aleman also provides good service. I don't know if they have any international options, I wasn't looking for that when I bought.
I understand that Swill Medical is a bit more expensive. I knew a US couple who paid 900 pesos a month for their coverage a year ago, total price together. Full Service. Compared to what you get in the States, it's a great deal.
I pay just a little over 500 pesos a month for the same coverage at HA. It only has one main location, where Swiss Medical has a number of them, that's true. But HA has a large number of associations with other good medical facilities all over as well, you get the same deal as if you were at the main HA place. Including pharmacies for any prescriptions covered (all of them) I know - we had to use HA for the first time living in the suburbs when we all got a sick a few weeks ago. There were a number of good choices in the area, and the place we chose was a small hospital in Pilar. Nice place. Clean, professional. They provide a book of all their locations, broken out by area. It has a little grid of options offered at the different locations, easy to see.
I've never had to wait more than 20 minutes to see a doctor when I make an appointment, and they are very professional. The place is often crowded and you may wait 45 minutes or more if you just walk in. We've used the hospital in Recoleta a number times as we lived about 4 blocks from there. Many of the staff speak some English and some of the doctors spoke reasonable English.
Swiss Medical is a good option if you don't mind the extra bucks. I've been in their offices, though never a medical facilty. The offices are nice. I'm sure their facilites are nice as well.
But we had no problems getting covered. I'm sure that will be the same with any other reputable company as well. You don't need a DNI or an offical visa, not even a CDI number. You can pay with an international credit card or debit card with no problem. It's one industry here that seems to do business very reasonably.
Member #3320
07-02-09, 02:50
Hi,
I had reviewed Hospital Aleman last year from the point of view of a Tourist and a non-Spanish speaker.
Here is the thread :-
http://www.argentinaprivate.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4961&highlight=hospital+aleman
I was wondering if anyone had any insight into how you can go about getting health insurance, costs / recommendations, is it better to just pay by the ailment?If you don't have any bad health problems I would say pay as you go. I have been here on and off for 7 years. Including almost cutting off a finger my total expenditures have been under 500 pesos. Thats what most people are paying monthly. Maybe the Swiss and German plan have nicer offices and are a little faster but for the huge differance in price, I go for pay as you go.
Member #3320
12-28-10, 22:13
Finally got my "international" Swiss Medical coverage squared away today. Went to the office at Pueyrredon 1441 with a friend to help translate. The international coverage is predominantly for those covered to use while traveling out of the country temporarily. They will cover you for four consecutive months, and then nada. The idea is that you will return to BA. The plan is not set up to cover globe trotting expats indefinitely. I paid 4 months of monthly premiums today plus an extra 13p a month (that added on the foreign coverage) In addition, once you "return" to BA you are expected to pay the 13p monthly for a year. That seemed a little strange, but I believe I got that right. You are given a phone number to call if you have a problem while out of BA. There is a small deductible. They also provide you with a pamphlet explaining the ins and outs. As Moore reported sometime back he used this coverage while in the states with excellent results. Seems like a great deal to me. It will cover me in Spain until I get something arranged there.@Doggyboy, Are you still continuing with this? How did it go over the years?
@Doggyboy, Are you still continuing with this? How did it go over the years?No complaints. The monthly rates have gone up alot in five years but I still pay under $200US for the top rated plan. Being self employed I'd have to knock over a liquor store every month in the states to afford a similar plan there.
If you are looking to go that route I'd check out OSDE as well, and there are a few others.
Member #3320
12-28-10, 23:08
No complaints. The monthly rates have gone up alot in five years but I still pay under $200US for the top rated plan. Being self employed I'd have to knock over a liquor store every month in the states to afford a similar plan there.
If you are looking to go that route I'd check out OSDE as well, and there are a few others. Lot of expats are talking about OSDE.
I was intrigued by your comment where it suggested that the plans covers short trips abroad?
I had very good experiences with Hospital Aleman. How will you compare Swiss Medical with OSDE and Aleman rate wise and service wise? If at all you have any clues?
Lot of expats are talking about OSDE.
I was intrigued by your comment where it suggested that the plans covers short trips abroad?
I had very good experiences with Hospital Aleman. How will you compare Swiss Medical with OSDE and Aleman rate wise and service wise? If at all you have any clues? If you pay about 25p or so extra a month Swiss Medical has some international coverage that lasts no longer than three months. I know nothing about how good it is as I've never used it. As far as comparing Swiss Medical to other plans, again, I've really no idea.
The way I understand the Swiss Medical plan for international coverage and most other AR plans is they reimburse you for the expenses. You pay the medical expenses in the foreign country and then file a claim with the Argentine insurance provider for reimbursement. Plus, the maximum benefit (Swiss Medical) would hardly cover bed pan service in the USA. Like to think I investigated it thoroughly, but could be wrong. My Spanish is oh so great. YMMV
Member #3320
12-29-10, 11:29
The way I understand the Swiss Medical plan for international coverage and most other AR plans is they reimburse you for the expenses. You pay the medical expenses in the foreign country and then file a claim with the Argentine insurance provider for reimbursement. Plus, the maximum benefit (Swiss Medical) would hardly cover bed pan service in the USA. Like to think I investigated it thoroughly, but could be wrong. My Spanish is oh so great. YMMVDamman, I am looking for a insurance coverage based in Argentina, for the entire continent of South America. Not interested in USA or Europe. Any tips?
Damman, I am looking for a insurance coverage based in Argentina, for the entire continent of South America. Not interested in USA or Europe. Any tips?No tips, however my gut feeling is you would not have a problem in South America with any reputable insurer from Argentina. One thing I do know is Swiss Medical is first class. My girlfriend got an annual physical and was quite impressed with the extent of the tests: MRI, blood work. It was extensive and someone would be hard pressed to find something comparable in the so called first world and at no cost to her other than the premiums. Do not forget the premiums are scaled according to age and they do get expensive for us old farts.
Good luck
TejanoLibre
06-18-14, 23:03
So you boys love to waste space on Obama Care and all that shit that belongs on an American website, right?
The Lucky Ones that live in Argentina would or should dialog a little bit about what it's like to live here in Argentina with or without Health Insurance.
Is it worth it, is it good, is it cheap, et cetera, etcetera.
Are the services good? Bba, Bobbi, com?
Joking!
I just walked through a wall of un safety glass in the most expensive neighborhood in Mendoza and I almost lost both hands.
No big deal right?
If you have insurance they will reattach your hands. Right?
The first hospital was a Private hospital that could Not stop my bleeding and they wanted 25 k as a down payment to keep me alive.
Next!
I had the cash but not in my pocket so what about insurance?
None!
Public Hospital:
Emergency room surgery to reattach my right arm, ambulance, 3 awful nights in the hospital, shrinks, meds, cardiologists, hand specialists, et cetera, et cetera.
Cost:
What you can give!
I gave them 4 Fucking Pesos! Less than. 40 cents!
Results:
They saved my life but due to a medical strike they could not reattach my tendons for 2 to 6 months.
Answer:
The Hand Doc at the Public hospital has a specialized clinic in Mendoza, Private out-patient stuff.
Put me back together like Frankenstein for a Grand in his spotless and beautiful clinic!
Hope to be able to Jack Off soon!
Although you Never have to JO in Argentina!
Thanks for all of the Get Wells Boys!
TL.
So you boys love to waste space on Obama Care and all that shit that belongs on an American website, right?
The Lucky Ones that live in Argentina would or should dialog a little bit about what it's like to live here in Argentina with or without Health Insurance.
Is it worth it, is it good, is it cheap, et cetera, etcetera.
Are the services good? Bba, Bobbi, com?
Joking!
I just walked through a wall of un safety glass in the most expensive neighborhood in Mendoza and I almost lost both hands.
No big deal right?
If you have insurance they will reattach your hands. Right?
The first hospital was a Private hospital that could Not stop my bleeding and they wanted 25 k as a down payment to keep me alive.
Next!
I had the cash but not in my pocket so what about insurance?
None!
Public Hospital:
Emergency room surgery to reattach my right arm, ambulance, 3 awful nights in the hospital, shrinks, meds, cardiologists, hand specialists, et cetera, et cetera.
Cost:
What you can give!
I gave them 4 Fucking Pesos! Less than. 40 cents!
Results:
They saved my life but due to a medical strike they could not reattach my tendons for 2 to 6 months.
Answer:
The Hand Doc at the Public hospital has a specialized clinic in Mendoza, Private out-patient stuff.
Put me back together like Frankenstein for a Grand in his spotless and beautiful clinic!
Hope to be able to Jack Off soon!
Although you Never have to JO in Argentina!
Thanks for all of the Get Wells Boys!
TL.My god bro, I had no idea you went through this. I'm absolutely speechless. Please make sure you do get better, that's a hell of a thing to happen!
The outer provinces are a night mare. There was case around two years ago where a man had some kind of a problem (stroke, heart attack?) while at a function in Mendoza and entered a nightmare where no one would treat him. He had money, he had insurance, BUT! The local public hospitals were all full and would not accept him. The private hospitals would only take cash and at two in the morning the family could not get enough cash together to satisfy the hospital. Long story short was the poor guy died in the ambulance going from cash machine to cash machine trying to raise the money. Things are a little bit better in Buenos Aires but not as good as they should be with all of this governments propaganda about how great they are and all the great things they are doing for the populace!
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