Redpoint Destinations

Argentina

Essential Guide to Argentina Travel Insurance:

What You Need to Know

Get Protected With the Best Trip Insurance for Argentina

From glaciers, jungles, and mountains, to beaches, cities, and vast pampas plains, Argentina is a country of many landscapes. There's also so much culture to explore, with Buenos Aires in particular boasting excellent nightlife, cuisine, regional wine culture, and of course lots of tango.

With all the adventure and excitement of a trip to Argentina, travel insurance is an essential part of trip planning. Things can go wrong in any location, so it's wise to find the best Argentina travel insurance policy you can before leaving on your trip.

Health & Safety in Argentina

The most-visited country in South America, Argentina is a very popular tourist destination, and it’s generally considered safe for travelers.

Like all tourist destinations, though, it has a moderate amount of petty crime and theft, such as pickpocketing, so travelers should follow common sense safety precautions to stay safe. For travel tips and up-to-date information on security risks, consult the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory for Argentina.

While no vaccinations are required to visit Argentina, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that U.S. travelers are vaccinated for yellow fever as well as hepatitis A and B before visiting Argentina. The CDC also recommends that travelers take steps to avoid insect bites, which can transmit dengue fever and the Zika virus.

If you’re planning on high-risk travel to any of the country’s rugged landscapes — such as hiking the glaciers in Patagonia — then it’s essential to be adequately prepared for extreme weather conditions and have the appropriate gear or supplies. Always pay attention to weather forecasts, and heed all guidance and warnings from local authorities about environmental hazards. If you’ll be trekking or mountaineering, consider Redpoint’s extensive Ripcord policy, which is designed with adventure travelers in mind.

Keep in mind that Argentina does experience natural disasters, such as floods, seismic and volcanic activity, wildfires, and extreme heat, so pay close attention to local reports and conditions before you head out.

Finally, if you’re driving in Argentina, familiarize yourself with road signs and rules ahead of time. In cities, be prepared for heavy traffic and a more aggressive driving style. Lane markings are sometimes unclear, and local drivers may not always follow traffic rules strictly. Though it’s not required, carrying an International Driving Permit is recommended.

Insurance Benefits & Coverage for a Trip to Argentina

When you purchase travel insurance for Argentina, you’ll want to make sure it covers all the areas below so you’re prepared no matter what happens during your trip.

Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance: Trip cancellation insurance reimburses your non-refundable trip expenses if your trip to Argentina is canceled or cut short due to covered reasons, like illness, severe weather, or family emergencies. For even more peace of mind, you can opt to add cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance for an extra cost.
Travel medical insurance: Argentina travel health insurance covers unexpected medical expenses for injuries or illnesses incurred during your trip. Though emergency care in Argentina can sometimes be free for travelers, it’s not guaranteed, so medical travel insurance is a must to cover emergency medical expenses. Keep in mind that your medical coverage from home will not be accepted. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, consider getting a waiver added to your medical coverage.
Emergency medical evacuation insurance: Emergency evacuation coverage reimburses you for transportation to the nearest medical facility or back to the U.S. in extreme or emergency situations. If you’re doing any adventurous travel, such as trekking Patagonia, then emergency evacuation coverage is essential.
Baggage and personal belongings insurance: This covers loss, theft, or damage to your belongings should they go missing during your trip.
Travel delay insurance: Trip delay insurance compensates for additional expenses if your travel is delayed before it starts or during any connections or transfers.

For adventure travelers heading to Patagonia and beyond, Ripcord is your best bet. An extensive travel plan with high coverage limits and enhanced coverage, its benefits include up to $1 million for emergency medical evacuation from the point of injury or illness and to your home-country hospital of choice, $100,000 per person for medical expenses related to emergency accidents and sickness, and $25,000 for search and rescue.

It also covers up to 100% of the insured trip cost for trip cancellation, up to $200 per day for trip delay, 150% of the trip cost limit for interruptions, and $125,000 for political, security, or natural disaster evacuation.

Redpoint’s other policies provide comprehensive and tailored protection for a wide range of situations as well. If you’re sticking to the major cities, like Buenos Aires and Córdoba, Cavalry is particularly suited for urban travel and luxury cultural experiences, while Harbor offers robust coverage to the budget-minded leisure traveler interested in worldwide cultural exploration.

FAQs for Argentina Travel Insurance

Does Argentina require travel insurance?

While travel insurance is not mandatory to enter Argentina, it is highly recommended. It's a risk to travel anywhere without travel insurance, particularly if you face medical emergencies and unexpected medical expenses.

How much is travel insurance for Argentina?

For travel insurance to Argentina, most of Redpoint's policies range from 6% to 15% of total trip costs.

What should your travel insurance cover for a trip to Argentina?

A comprehensive travel insurance policy for Argentina should include emergency medical coverage (at least $100,000 to cover unexpected medical costs), emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption coverage, and baggage loss protection. You should also look for a policy with 24/7 assistance services — all of which Redpoint's policies offer.

Are there any COVID-19 restrictions for travelers to Argentina?

COVID-19 entry requirements for Argentina have relaxed in recent years, and travelers are no longer required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter. However, if you're worried about a COVID infection upsetting your travel plans, it may be a good idea to add cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage to your travel insurance policy.

What happens if a tourist gets sick in Argentina?

If a tourist becomes ill in Argentina, they can seek care at public hospitals, which are generally free for emergency services, or opt for private clinics, which typically offer shorter wait times but charge fees.

In either case, it's advisable to have travel insurance, as there's no guarantee you won't be charged, especially if you have a serious accident or emergency.

Are the hospitals good in Argentina?

Argentina generally has a high standard of healthcare, particularly in cities like Buenos Aires, where hospitals and clinics are modern and well-equipped. Facilities in remote or rural areas may be more limited.

If you are traveling in a remote area and have trouble accessing care or need medical evacuation, Redpoint's 24/7 assistance line can provide help and guidance at +1-415-481-0610.

What documentation is needed to visit Argentina?

U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter Argentina, with at least one blank passport page for your entry stamp. Visits of less than 90 days do not require a visa, and there are no required vaccinations.

Is Argentina safe to visit?

Argentina is generally considered a safe destination, but it's wise to take precautions against petty crime, such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded urban areas, as tourists can be targets.

If you're traveling outside of cities and exploring any of Argentina's rugged landscapes, you should heed all guidance around safety, camping, and wildlife precautions.

Is Argentina safe for female travelers?

Yes, most female travelers feel comfortable and safe in Argentina, but it's wise to stay informed of local customs and trust your instincts. Always share your travel itinerary with someone and keep them updated of any changes to your plans.

How do I contact the U.S. Embassy in Argentina?

The U.S. Embassy in Argentina is located in Buenos Aires. It can assist U.S. citizens with emergencies and passport issues. Its address and telephone number are below:

Av. Colombia 4300 (C1425GMN), Buenos Aires

Tel: +54 (11) 5777-4533

Protect Your Trip With Redpoint Travel Insurance

Redpoint is known for comprehensive and easy-to-understand policies that can suit any type of trip, from trekking in Patagonia to tangoing your way through Buenos Aires. Explore our three international travel insurance plans — Ripcord, Cavalry, and Harbor — and get a quote today.