Argentina – Health Issues

What are the most common health issues and diseases in Argentina?

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for the greatest share of deaths in Argentina, representing 63.2% of all mortality as of 2020. This pattern broadly mirrors what is observed in high-income countries, where conditions driven by lifestyle choices have largely displaced infectious disease as the dominant cause of death. Notably, however, Argentina’s NCD burden is compounded by substantial poverty and economic inequality, which intensify underlying risk factors across large segments of the population.

Among the most frequently diagnosed chronic illnesses are hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolaemia — all of which contribute heavily to the overall burden of chronic disease and are strongly tied to a relatively small set of modifiable risk factors. Cardiovascular disease stands as Argentina’s foremost cause of death, responsible for roughly 34% of all fatalities, with high blood pressure, obesity, and excessive alcohol and tobacco use all playing significant roles.

Beyond cardiovascular conditions, cancer accounts for approximately 21.2% of deaths, while chronic respiratory diseases make up a further substantial share. These three disease categories together drive the overwhelming majority of premature and potentially avoidable deaths across the country.

Among adults aged 18 and older, the recorded prevalence of arterial hypertension stood at 22.6% as of 2015 — a reduction of six percentage points from the figure recorded in 2000. Diabetes mellitus prevalence rose from 8.2% in 2000 to 9.7% by 2014, reflecting both an ageing population and persistently elevated rates of obesity and physical inactivity. Geographic disparities are pronounced: cities, and Buenos Aires in particular, tend to offer superior screening and treatment access, whereas remote northern provinces and rural communities face considerably larger gaps in healthcare provision.

Is Argentina considered a healthy country? How do health outcomes compare internationally?

Life expectancy at birth reached 77.5 years in 2024, surpassing the average for the Region of the Americas and representing a gain of 3.6 years compared to 2000, when the figure stood at 73.9 years. Argentina’s life expectancy of around 77.7 years sits comfortably above the global average of approximately 73.7 years, placing the country ahead of most middle-income nations on this key indicator. As a point of comparison, Argentina’s figures are broadly similar to those of certain Eastern European countries, while remaining several years behind Western Europe’s top performers.

In 2019, Argentina’s adjusted rate of potentially preventable premature mortality was 203 deaths per 100,000 population — a decline of 27.1% from 2000 — and sat 10.5% below the regional average for the Americas as a whole. This indicates that, despite ongoing challenges, Argentina has achieved meaningful reductions in avoidable deaths over the past two decades.

Premature mortality attributable to NCDs edged downward from 20.8% in 2015 to 19.7% in 2020, reflecting incremental progress in the management of long-term conditions. That said, NCDs continue to weigh most heavily on the least affluent, since the lifestyle behaviours that drive these conditions are profoundly shaped by social and economic circumstances — including poverty, limited educational attainment, restricted access to nutritious food, and a lack of safe spaces for exercise. Expats settling in prosperous urban centres, especially Buenos Aires, will generally have access to a considerably higher standard of healthcare than those living in remote or underdeveloped parts of the country.

For the most up-to-date statistics, readers are encouraged to consult the WHO Argentina country data page or the national statistics agency, INDEC, for the latest population health figures.

What infectious diseases or environmental health risks should expats be aware of in Argentina?

The infectious disease landscape in Argentina varies considerably across its enormous territory. Vector-borne illnesses — including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus — are well established in the country’s northern regions and can extend as far south as Buenos Aires. Expats moving to northern or central provinces should regard mosquito bite prevention as a sustained health priority rather than a one-time travel precaution.

The 2024 dengue epidemic — transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito — was the largest such outbreak in Argentina’s recorded history, driven in part by climate change and population movement across neighbouring countries. Over 581,000 confirmed cases were reported in 2024, with the figure dropping to over 17,000 cases in 2025. Affected provinces include Catamarca, Chaco, Córdoba, Corrientes, Entre Ríos, Formosa, Jujuy, Misiones, Salta, Santa Fe, Santiago del Estero, and Tucumán, as well as the province of Buenos Aires itself.

Yellow fever poses a risk in Misiones and Corrientes provinces. This potentially life-threatening mosquito-borne virus is entirely preventable through vaccination, and anyone relocating to or travelling through these areas should ensure they are vaccinated in advance. Hantavirus is widespread, with particular prevalence in northern Patagonia; transmission occurs through contact with infected rodents, and expats should steer clear of live or dead rodents, their droppings, nests, and burrows.

A number of diseases are also transmitted through contaminated food or water in Argentina, including Hepatitis A, Hepatitis E, and typhoid fever — all of which can prove fatal without appropriate treatment. Rabies is another concern: this viral illness is typically contracted through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly via a bite, scratch, or lick, with dogs being the most common source of transmission. Keeping vaccinations current — including Hepatitis A, typhoid, and pre-exposure rabies immunisation — is strongly recommended for expats, especially those residing outside major urban centres.

Before relocating, always seek guidance from your home country’s official travel health authority — such as the US CDC’s Argentina destination page, or its national equivalent — and monitor the Argentine Ministry of Health for current outbreak notifications. Vaccination recommendations are subject to change, so confirm all requirements with a travel medicine specialist well ahead of your move.

Is smoking common in Argentina, and what are the laws around it?

As of 2023, tobacco use among Argentines aged 15 and older stood at 23.3%. This rate is broadly comparable to that of several Southern European nations — France sits at approximately 25% and Germany at around 22% — and is noticeably higher than the prevalence recorded in many Northern European countries. Tobacco consumption remains a visible feature of Argentine social life, and expats arriving from environments where smoking is rare may find the cultural normalisation of cigarettes more conspicuous than they are accustomed to.

Argentina enacted major national tobacco control legislation in 2011 through Law 26.687, which prohibits smoking in all enclosed public spaces, workplaces, and public transport across the country. This brought Argentina into closer alignment with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The legislation applies to restaurants, bars, hospitals, schools, offices, and other indoor settings. Enforcement, however, tends to vary by province, and outdoor café and restaurant terraces frequently remain areas where smoking is permitted.

Among more vulnerable population groups, tobacco use fell from 33% to 24.2% between 2015 and 2022, demonstrating that public health interventions have produced measurable results — though rates remain elevated relative to global targets. Vaping and e-cigarettes occupy something of a regulatory grey area in Argentina: their sale is not formally authorised under national health regulations, yet products circulate informally. Expats should note that rules in this area may be subject to change; the Ministry of Health website is the most reliable source for current guidance.

Is obesity or poor diet a significant health concern in Argentina?

As of 2022, 68.4% of Argentines aged 15 and older were classified as overweight or obese — a figure that exceeds the OECD average of around 60% and reflects the combined influence of dietary habits, sedentary behaviour, and socioeconomic inequality. The problem is further compounded by physical inactivity: as of 2016, 41.6% of the population reported insufficient levels of exercise, amplifying the health consequences of an already challenging nutritional landscape.

Argentina’s culinary identity is closely bound up with its love of beef and protein-rich foods. The traditional asado (barbecue) occupies a central place in the country’s social culture, and processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and high-sodium products are consumed widely. One encouraging trend has been a significant decline in excessive sodium consumption among more vulnerable groups — falling from 29% to 19.9% between 2015 and 2022 — suggesting some degree of dietary improvement at the population level, even if broader challenges persist.

The Argentine government, with support from the World Bank, has implemented targeted NCD prevention initiatives — including the PROTEGER programme — designed to reduce lifestyle risk factors in disadvantaged communities. This project sought to enhance the capacity of Argentina’s public health facilities to deliver improved NCD services to vulnerable groups while protecting them against the most prevalent risk factors. Access to fresh produce and nutritious food is generally reasonable in major cities, but can be more restricted in economically disadvantaged areas. Expats committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle will find that Argentina’s cities are well furnished with gyms, cycling infrastructure, and markets offering a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables.

What are the mental health attitudes and services like in Argentina?

Argentina enjoys a worldwide reputation for its unusually high engagement with psychotherapy and mental health care. Buenos Aires in particular boasts one of the densest concentrations of psychologists per capita anywhere on the planet, and therapy — especially of a psychoanalytic orientation — is deeply woven into the fabric of urban middle-class culture. Seeking psychological support carries far less social stigma in Argentina than in the majority of other countries, and it is frequently discussed with the same openness as any other aspect of personal wellbeing.

A survey conducted in August 2024 found that mental health was identified as the foremost healthcare concern in Argentina, cited by approximately 49% of respondents, while stress and drug use ranked second and third among the leading health worries. Within a selection of 31 countries examined, Argentina was among those with the highest proportion of people considering mental health one of the most pressing health issues facing their society.

Argentina’s National Mental Health Law (Law 26.657, enacted in 2010) was widely regarded as a landmark piece of legislation, placing emphasis on community-based care and deinstitutionalisation — an approach broadly comparable to Italy’s psychiatric reforms following its landmark 1978 law. In recent years, however, mental health services have been disproportionately affected by budget reductions, a trajectory that runs counter to the WHO’s strategic priorities of rights-based governance, community care, and workforce development.

Mental health funding was reduced from 1.82% of the health budget in 2024 to 1.68% in 2025. Between December 2023 and December 2024, extensive budget cuts led to the closure of HIV/AIDS, sexual health, and epidemiology departments, while severe reductions in funding for public hospitals created shortages of essential medicines and supplies. Expats dependent on the public system for mental health support should be mindful of these pressures. Private psychological and psychiatric services, by contrast, remain plentiful and generally of a high standard — particularly in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Rosario. Practitioners in these cities frequently have experience treating international patients.

Are there any health risks specific to expats living in Argentina?

Argentina encompasses an extraordinary range of environments, from tropical rainforest in the north and high Andean terrain in the west, to temperate Pampas in the centre and sub-Antarctic Patagonia in the south. Expats moving to elevated cities such as Salta or Jujuy should be ready for altitude sickness — locally referred to as “apunamiento” or “soroche” — which manifests as headaches, fatigue, and nausea during the adjustment period. Symptoms typically resolve within a few days, but individuals with pre-existing heart or respiratory conditions should seek medical guidance before relocating to elevations above 2,500 metres.

Mosquito-borne disease represents an ongoing and significant risk for those residing in northern and central provinces. Dengue outbreaks can occur at any time of year and have been recorded as far south as Buenos Aires, particularly during periods when warm weather coincides with heavy rainfall; severe outbreaks have affected large swaths of northern and eastern Argentina in recent years. Long-term residents are advised to invest in mosquito-proofing their homes and to keep a supply of effective insect repellent on hand — this can be difficult to source during peak outbreak periods, making it prudent to bring a supply with you.

Practical measures expats can take to safeguard their health include:

1. Register with a local GP or clinic soon after arrival. Argentina’s healthcare system includes public hospitals (hospitales públicos), social security coverage (obras sociales), and private health insurance (medicina prepaga). Ensure you understand which tier you have access to.
2. Obtain comprehensive health insurance before arriving. Private medicina prepaga plans provide access to a much broader range of services than the public system alone.
3. Get a full health screening before relocation and again on arrival, especially for infectious diseases prevalent in Argentina that may not be routinely screened for in your country of origin.
4. Update vaccinations in consultation with a travel medicine specialist — Hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies pre-exposure, and yellow fever (if visiting Misiones or Corrientes) are particularly relevant.
5. Be aware of food and water safety. Tap water in Buenos Aires is treated and generally safe, but quality can vary in rural and northern areas — when in doubt, use bottled or filtered water.
6. Monitor heat and UV exposure. Summer temperatures in the north and central regions regularly exceed 35°C, and UV radiation levels are high across much of the country. Sun protection is essential.

Where can expats find reliable health information and services in Argentina?

The principal official source of health information in Argentina is the Ministerio de Salud de la Nación (National Ministry of Health), which publishes epidemiological bulletins, vaccination schedules, and public health advisories. The ministry’s website is in Spanish, so expats who have not yet developed proficiency in the language may find it helpful to use a translation tool or enlist assistance from a local contact.

For disease surveillance, outbreak alerts, and infectious disease data, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Argentina page issues regular updates and is accessible in several languages. The WHO Argentina data page offers a broader statistical overview of the country’s population health indicators.

Expats are also encouraged to check the travel health resources provided by their home country both before and after relocating, as many publish Argentina-specific guidance that is updated on a regular basis. Useful examples include the US CDC’s Argentina destination page, the UK’s Fit for Travel Argentina guide, and Australia’s Smartraveller Argentina advice.

For healthcare needs specific to the expat community, private hospitals and international clinics in Buenos Aires — including the Hospital Alemán, Hospital Británico, and Hospital Italiano — have long experience treating international patients and often employ multilingual medical staff. These institutions can serve as an excellent first point of contact for expats requiring anything from routine consultations to specialist referrals. Always verify that specific figures, vaccination requirements, or health programme details remain current by checking directly with official sources, as conditions and policies in Argentina can change rapidly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Issues in Argentina

Is dengue fever a serious risk for expats living in Argentina?

Argentina has confirmed that dengue fever is classified as a high-risk health issue due to an increase in classic and haemorrhagic infections, posing a year-round health risk, especially in the Central and Northwest regions. By June 2024, Argentina had reported over 500,000 cases in its worst-ever outbreak. Expats in affected provinces should use insect repellent consistently, wear long sleeves and trousers during peak mosquito hours, and eliminate standing water around their homes. Seek medical attention promptly if dengue-like symptoms develop.

What vaccinations should I get before moving to Argentina?

Recommended vaccinations vary depending on where in Argentina you are settling. As a general guide, Hepatitis A, typhoid, and up-to-date routine vaccines (measles-mumps-rubella, tetanus, etc.) are widely recommended. Yellow fever vaccination is specifically recommended for those travelling to Corrientes and Misiones provinces. Rabies pre-exposure vaccination is worth considering for those in rural areas. Always consult a travel medicine specialist or your national health authority at least four to eight weeks before relocation, as recommendations can change.

How does obesity and lifestyle disease compare to other countries?

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Argentina was 68.4% among adults aged 15 and over as of 2022, which is higher than many OECD country averages. As of 2016, 41.6% of the population also reported insufficient physical activity. The combination of a high-fat, high-protein traditional diet and relatively low physical activity levels makes Argentina a country where lifestyle health management is particularly important for expats.

Is the tap water safe to drink in Argentina?

Tap water in Buenos Aires and most major cities is treated and is generally considered safe to drink. However, quality can vary in smaller towns and rural areas, particularly in the north of the country. If you are in any doubt — especially when first arriving or in an unfamiliar location — use bottled or filtered water until you can confirm local standards. Food and waterborne diseases such as Hepatitis A and typhoid remain a risk in areas with lower sanitation standards.

Are mental health services available to expats in Argentina?

Yes — Argentina has a strong psychotherapy culture, particularly in Buenos Aires, and private mental health services are widely available. Many psychologists and psychiatrists in major cities have experience working with international clients, and some practise in languages other than Spanish. Public mental health services exist under Argentina’s Mental Health Law (Law 26.657) but have faced budget pressures since 2023. Expats with private health insurance (medicina prepaga) will generally have much better access to consistent mental health care.

What are the main causes of death in Argentina?

Non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death in Argentina, accounting for 63.2% of all deaths as of 2020. Cardiovascular disease alone accounts for approximately 34% of deaths, followed by cancer and chronic respiratory diseases. Infectious diseases, while a concern for certain populations, are a far smaller contributor to overall mortality than lifestyle-related conditions.

Does altitude pose a health risk in Argentina?

Yes, for expats relocating to the Andean northwest — including cities such as Salta, Jujuy, Mendoza at higher elevations, and particularly crossing into high-altitude areas near the border with Bolivia and Chile. Altitude sickness can affect anyone and typically causes headaches, nausea, and fatigue. The risk is higher above 2,500 metres. Allow time to acclimatise gradually, stay well hydrated, avoid alcohol initially, and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe. People with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor before living at altitude.

Is Argentina’s public health system accessible to expats?

Argentina has a health system that provides public, private, and social security coverage options. Public hospitals are open to all, regardless of nationality or insurance status, and provide free emergency care. However, public facilities vary considerably in quality between provinces and have faced supply shortages in recent years. Most expats opt for private medicina prepaga health insurance, which gives access to a wider network of clinics and shorter waiting times. Verify your insurance coverage thoroughly before arrival and consider international health insurance as a supplement.