Argentina to charge non-residents for public healthcare, targets 'health tourism'

Argentina's government will begin charging non-resident foreigners for non-urgent medical care in public hospitals, a move President Javier Milei's administration says targets "health tourism." The policy, detailed in a decree published in the Official Gazette, modifies the Migration Law to require foreigners without permanent residency to either secure medical insurance or pay the full cost of non-urgent treatments.

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The attention of emergencies will not be charged nor will it be delayed with bureaucratic or administrative procedures.

Presidential spokesperson Adrián Ravier clarified that emergency care will not be delayed or charged. This includes critical situations like heart attacks, strokes, severe trauma, extensive burns, and obstetric, pediatric, or neonatal emergencies, according to the Ministry of Health. The decree also tightens requirements for residency and citizenship and expedites expulsions for those convicted of crimes.

This policy extends to national universities, which can now charge non-resident students for educational services. In Argentina, public healthcare and education have traditionally been free. Ravier stated the measure addresses "health tours" where individuals receive treatment in Argentina and then return home, though he provided no specific figures on such cases.

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health tours, where people come to the country, get treated in a public hospital and return to their place of origin.

The national executive branch's authority applies only to federal hospitals; provinces retain autonomy. Some border provinces like Jujuy, Salta, Santa Cruz, and Mendoza already charge non-residents for certain services. Political opposition criticizes the measure, arguing it lacks a solid basis. The Buenos Aires provincial health minister noted that non-resident foreigners account for only 0.4% of emergency room visits and 0.5% of hospitalizations.

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0.4% of the emergency room visits and 0.5% of hospitalizations.