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.
Customers with pre-existing medical conditions
If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. Whatever happens, tell your insurance provider the truth.
If you give false information or miss something out, your claim could be rejected.
When you declare any medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers that will cover them with no exclusions.
If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers who may be able to provide quotes over the phone. You can call them on 0800 138 7777.
How much is travel insurance for Argentina?
If you’re travelling to Argentina from the UK, you’ll need a worldwide travel insurance policy.
If this is your one big holiday of the year, a single trip policy may be the best option for you, especially if you want to tailor your policy to cover certain activities.
However, if you have annual cover in place, it may cover you for your trip to Argentina or you may be able to extend your cover. Check the policy terms to make sure it works for your travel plans.
If you’re heading to Argentina for an extended holiday or as part of a tour of South America, you’ll need a backpacker policy.
The cost of Argentina travel insurance depends:
How long you’re travelling for
Which countries you’ll be visiting on your trip
How much cover you want for your luggage, medical care and holiday cancellation
What activities and excursions you’re planning for your trip
Your age
If you have any existing health conditions
What will 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 won’t travel insurance cover?
Here are some common exclusions to watch out for that apply to most standard travel insurance policies:
Drugs or alcohol - having a few drinks on an evening out is one thing, but you typically won’t be covered for claims if, at the time, you were intoxicated to the level that your judgment was impaired.
Pre-existing medical conditions - you must declare any chronic medical conditions to your insurance provider. If you fail to disclose any health conditions, you probably won’t be covered for any treatment you need and your policy could be invalidated. Compare quotes with us and we’ll only show you policies that cover your declared medical conditions.
Natural disasters – travel insurance typically excludes cover for disruption caused by natural disasters. The north of Argentina is prone to occasional flooding and there are active volcanoes along the border with Chile. It’s a good idea to check on the conditions in these areas before you travel.
Terrorism – travel insurance doesn’t normally cover acts of terrorism. Argentina is not particularly at risk from terrorist attacks at present, but it can never be completely ruled out so it’s something to bear in mind.
Travelling against Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice - Argentina is generally considered a safe place to travel, but it’s important to check for any travel advisories on the FCDO website before you go. If you travel to a country or region against FCDO advice, your travel insurance will likely be invalidated.
What else should I consider when I choose my travel insurance?
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.
Do I need a visa for Argentina?
No. The good news is that UK citizens don’t need a visa for tourist trips to Argentina, unless you’re travelling on an Emergency Travel Document. If you have a UK passport, you’ll normally be allowed to stay for 90 days.
More details about the entry requirements for Argentina can be found on the GOV.UK website.
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.
Where can I compare travel insurance quotes?
It’s quick and easy to find and compare travel insurance for Argentina with us. Simply enter Argentina in the search box and fill in a few details and we’ll show you a range of great-value quotes to choose from in minutes.
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With more than eight years’ experience in writing and sub-editing content, Karen started her career in fashion before making the move to insurance. She now specialises in producing clear, engaging content that helps people make better financial decisions.
Karen’s areas of expertise include insurance products, such as car insurance, travel insurance and life insurance, as well as utilities such as energy comparison.
Stephen Maunder is an experienced personal finance editor, having spent more than a decade working for consumer print and online titles. He won several industry awards for his personal finance features at Which?, before becoming Deputy Editor at Compare the Market.
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