Argentina will require medical insurance for travelers entering the country
Argentina has implemented a new entry requirement for foreign travelers: mandatory travel health insurance or travel assistance . This officially announced measure aims to regulate not only the stay of foreigners in the country , but also their access to healthcare services during their stay.
On May 29 , the Argentine Government published Decree 366/2025 , a regulation that modifies the current immigration regime and establishes that any foreign person wishing to enter Argentina must have medical coverage .
This insurance can be traditional health insurance or travel assistance insurance , but it must be valid internationally and, most importantly, have coverage in Argentine territory .
The main objective of this reform is clear: to ensure that all travelers have adequate medical care during their stay, preventing the public health system from being overburdened by care for tourists without coverage.
Argentina will also require a sworn statement
One of the key points of the decree is that foreigners must complete a sworn statement upon entering the country.
In this document, you must declare the purpose of your visit , as well as proof of valid health insurance to cover your medical needs. This is established in Article 34 of the new decree , which explicitly states that it is a mandatory condition for immigration admission under any of the current categories.
This change will apply to all travelers, without exception . That is, both tourists and people entering for work, academic, or other reasons must comply with this new requirement.
When will health insurance be mandatory?
Although the decree has been published and is legally valid, it has not yet been regulated or implemented at border crossings . This was confirmed by Rosana Fustagno , Vice President of Land Tourism, in statements to La Nación/Nación Media . However, it is already considered a mandatory requirement for tourist entry .
As he explained, " the decree exists and will be applied, that's indisputable, but it hasn't been regulated yet ." Various reports in Argentina indicate that traveler inspections will begin on July 1st .
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Currently, no Argentine immigration control officially requires insurance , but tour operators are in constant contact with border authorities awaiting its formal implementation.
Fustagno also explained that " travel agents always recommend having travel assistance , and in many cases it's even included in the tour package." However, he acknowledged that this requirement could represent an additional cost for those traveling on regular airlines, and that its implementation will require detailed logistical planning.
Guarantees of urgent healthcare in Argentina
Despite the tightening of immigration requirements, Decree 366/2025 also includes a key human rights guarantee : no one will be left without medical care in case of emergency .
Article 8 of the decree is clear on this point: “ Access to social assistance or health care may not be denied or restricted to any foreigner who requires it , regardless of their immigration status .”
This point is crucial to reassure those who might be worried about not having their paperwork in order or about facing unforeseen events without insurance. While medical coverage will be required for entry, emergency healthcare will remain a guaranteed right .
What types of insurance are valid?
Both traditional health insurance and travel assistance insurance will be accepted , provided they have coverage abroad, particularly in Argentina , and are valid throughout the tourist's stay.
In Chile, for example, there are several insurance companies that offer medical coverage abroad , and prices vary depending on the age of the traveler, the duration of the trip, and the type of protection contracted.
Experts recommend carefully reading the plan's terms and conditions before signing up, making sure it includes medical emergencies, hospitalization, medication, repatriation, and legal assistance , among other benefits.
With Universal Assistance , you can travel protected to Argentina with medical assistance , remote assistance , advice and compensation for delays and/or lost luggage , access to VIP lounges in case of flight delays , and other benefits. Additionally, you can complement your trip with the new Any Reason cancellation insurance , offering up to a 75% refund , for an extra cost. Passengers can cancel their trip up to 48 hours in advance for any reason .
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