Compare travel insurance for Argentina

Do I need travel insurance for Argentina?

Although it’s not compulsory, if you’re travelling to any part of Argentina, you should look to make sure that you have good travel insurance in place for peace of mind.

While Argentina has a good state-run health system with free emergency cover, it’s busy and delays are common. Private healthcare is typically good, but it can be expensive. Having good travel cover that includes medical treatment is essential. Argentina has also been classified as having a risk of Zika virus transmission by UK health authorities.

Although Argentina is generally safe, tourists can be the target of pickpockets and bag snatchers, so a travel insurance policy that includes cover for your luggage is recommended.

Related articles

• Travel insurance
• Single-trip travel insurance
• Compare travel insurance for backpackers
• Sports travel insurance

What will Argentina travel insurance cover?

Typically travel insurance for Argentina should cover:

• Accidents and incidents – though fortunately rare, they can happen. If they happen to you, you’ll be glad you have cover in place to cover medical treatment.

• Medical care – the right policy could offer you protection if you were to fall ill and need expensive care. Travel insurance could also cover repatriation, to get you back home to the UK in a medical emergency.

• Flight cancellations and delays – if you’re travelling around, there’s always the chance of mishaps, which could impact on the next stage of your journey. Travel insurance could cover you if your flight is delayed or cancelled due to events out of the airline’s control.

• Personal liability – your travel insurance could also cover you if your actions accidently cause injury to others.

• Damage, loss or theft of your luggage – your travel insurance should cover you for replacing clothes, medicine, gadgets and toiletries if your luggage is damaged, lost or stolen. Remember to take note of any excesses that apply on your policy, as well as the overall possessions and single item limits.
• Holiday cancellation cover – travel insurance may cover the costs you’ve paid up front for accommodation, flights, tours and excursions if you need to cancel your holiday for an unforeseen reason. Different insurance providers will cover different reasons for cancellation, so pay particular attention to these.

What else should I consider when I choose my travel insurance for Argentina?

Think about what sort of trip you’re planning and what types of activities you intend to do before you start comparing travel insurance for Argentina. You might want to look at:

• Adventurous activities cover – if you’re thinking of doing something adventurous, check that you’re covered. Pay particular attention to the altitude of the places you’re visiting. You may not be covered for activities such as hiking over a particular elevation.
• Sports cover – if you’re including sporting activities in your trip, having this included in your insurance is a must. Make sure you read the policy information closely before buying, rather than buying whichever policy looks cheapest.

Any other tips for travel to Argentina?

Here are a few more travel facts to help you on your way:

• Health care - it’s a good idea to visit your doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for visiting certain regions.
• Tap water - this is generally safe to drink, although many travellers prefer to stick with the bottled variety just in case, particularly outside the major cities.
• Altitude sickness - if you’re travelling into the Andes mountains, you should beware of the elevation. Take time to acclimatise before setting out on any adventurous climbs and take it easy, particularly at first.
• Heat stroke - you might not be heading to Argentina for a holiday in the sun but beware, it can get seriously hot in some regions. So, sun screen and a hat are recommended.
• Money - Argentina uses the peso. Be aware that paying for small items with large notes won’t win you friends. And don’t be surprised if you don’t get exact change – local coins are relatively rare in circulation. US dollars are accepted in big-city stores and supermarkets, and at hotels and restaurants.
• Political protests - political demonstrations, marches and protests are quite common in Argentina. Protesting is very much a part of Argentinian culture, but it’s important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
• Getting around -  travelling by bus is a cost-effective way to travel around Argentina, but although long distance buses can be very comfortable (and often come with reclining seats), bear in mind that journeys can be very long – it’s around 2,220 miles from Argentina’s tropical north to the gateway to the Antarctic down in Tierra del Fuego.
• Vegetarians beware - Argentina is a meat lover’s paradise, known for steaks, ‘carne asado’ (grilled meat) and ‘parrilla’ (barbecue). Although vegetarians may be reasonably well catered for in the larger cities, your options may be limited in more rural areas.