Health Insurance in Buenos Aires
For the most part, Argentina is rather safe and disease-free. Here, however, are some precautions to keep in mind:
- If traveling through the northern parts of Salta and Jujuy, or in the more tropical region of Misiones or Iguazú, it is advisable to have Malaria pills (there are three options: Doxycycline, Mefloquine (Lariam), and Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone)).
- Typhoid fever also occurs in Argentina, and vaccinations are usually taken orally, but you can have it injected.
- Travelers do not need the Yellow Fever vaccination to enter into Argentina, although in the neighboring countries to the north (Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazil) there have been cases of Yellow Fever in the recent past. Therefore you may wish to get the vaccination before coming down to South America, especially if you plan on being in the areas of Argentina that border these countries.
Malaria, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever are all transmitted by mosquito bites, so it is a good idea to use bug repellent at all times, especially during the summer months and if you are going to the more tropical regions, such as Misiones.
- It is advisable to get vaccinated for rabies, as it occurs in all countries in South America.
- Dengue fever and Leishmaniasis (which is endemic in northern Argentina) do occur in Argentina, with recent cases of Dengue being reported in Buenos Aires. There are no vaccinations for these diseases, so preventing bug bites is the best way to avoid them.
- Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are also recommended, but not required. Remember that these require booster shots six months to a year after the first shot, depending on what kind of medicine you choose, so plan accordingly.
- The water is generally safe to drink in Buenos Aires, but if you travel out into the rural areas of Argentina, it is a good idea to keep a water filter or iodine tablets with you for purification purposes.
The Center for Disease Control keeps updated information regarding outbreaks or instances of any diseases in Argentina, so be sure to check it before your trip.
