Healthcare in Buenos Aires
Updated overview of medical care options in Buenos Aires, designed for foreigners, international residents, and digital nomads seeking trusted English-speaking doctors.
Understanding the Healthcare System in Argentina
According to the Government of Buenos Aires, the city's public health network is "free and accessible to all inhabitants, regardless of nationality" (Buenos Aires Ciudad). This means that in an emergency, any person — including tourists — can receive care in the public system. However, wait times may be long, and English-speaking staff are rare.
Major Hospitals & Medical Centers
Private Hospitals:
- Hospital Alemán
- Sanatorio Otamendi y Miroli
- Hospital Británico
- Sanatorio de la Trinidad
- Hospital Italiano
Public Hospitals:
- Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín
- Hospital Rivadavia
- Hospital Ramos Mejía
24-Hour Urgent Care:
- Hospital Alemán
- Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín
- Hospital Rivadavia
Note: "Guardia" refers to urgent care or emergency department in hospitals.
Pharmacies in Buenos Aires
Farmacity is the largest pharmacy chain in the city, with branches in almost every neighborhood. Other major chains include Dr. Ahorro, Farmaplus, and numerous independent pharmacies. Staff usually do not speak English, and foreign prescriptions are not accepted — only prescriptions issued by Argentine doctors are valid. CareThere can help by issuing valid prescriptions locally and guiding you through the process.