Argentina to Charge Foreigners Without Residency for State Healthcare

Argentina's government will now charge foreigners without permanent residency for healthcare services in state-run hospitals, with the exception of emergency cases. This new policy, formalized by the Ministry of Health and published in the Official Gazette, implements modifications to the Migration Law introduced by President Javier Milei's decree in May 2025.

Under the new resolution, non-residents seeking medical attention outside of emergencies must either provide proof of private health insurance or pay for the services in advance. The government has specified that emergency situations, including cardiac arrest, severe respiratory failure, strokes, heart attacks, severe trauma, massive hemorrhages, extensive burns, acute poisoning, and overdoses, will be treated without restriction, regardless of a person's migratory status.

Emergency obstetric cases, such as imminent childbirth, hemorrhages, complicated ectopic pregnancies, eclampsia, and severe pre-eclampsia, as well as pediatric and neonatal emergencies, are also included in the exceptions. However, any subsequent non-emergency treatments following an emergency intervention may be billed to the patient or their insurer.

Health Minister Mario Lugones stated that "caring for Argentines' resources also means managing them responsibly and transparently." This measure aligns with President Milei's broader migration policy, which emphasizes border control and prioritizing the rights of Argentine citizens in sectors like health and education. Similar policies had previously been adopted in provinces such as Salta, Jujuy, Santa Cruz, and Mendoza.

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caring for Argentines' resources also means managing them responsibly and transparently