Jennifer Mendoza
Research expert covering health, pharma and medtech
Healthcare in Argentina - Statistics & Facts
Argentina has the highest hospital bed density in Latin America and the Caribbean. The South American nation hosts approximately 5.2 hospital beds per 1,000 population, while also holding one of the highest physician rates in the region. These figures are in line with the country’s relative spending on health. It was calculated that in 2020 Argentina’s current health expenditure was equivalent to 10 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP). That year, Cuba was the only Latin American country investing an even higher share of its GDP on health, with an estimated 11 percent of the total.
Within social security programs, the national social security scheme is the most common, with over half of the beneficiaries. Meanwhile, around a quarter of the people insured were part of provincial social security programs, and close to 20 percent were covered by a national scheme conceived for retirees and pensioners.
While Argentinian healthcare is among the better financed and equipped healthcare systems in Latin America, it still faces significant challenges when it comes to access and equity. Waiting times, affordability, and lack of resources are among the main concerns that require attention.
Argentina’s three main healthcare programs
The healthcare system in Argentina consists of three main schemes: public healthcare, social security programs, and private healthcare. As of 2021, around ten percent of Argentinians were part of more than one scheme. In that year, nearly four in every ten beneficiaries were covered by public healthcare programs. These programs provide services to people who are not part of any other type of health insurance, and include national and regional institutions. Social security plans, known as “Obras Sociales”, cover formal workers and their families, while accounting for more than 60 percent of healthcare beneficiaries. Private schemes, paid out of pocket, account for less than two in ten people.Within social security programs, the national social security scheme is the most common, with over half of the beneficiaries. Meanwhile, around a quarter of the people insured were part of provincial social security programs, and close to 20 percent were covered by a national scheme conceived for retirees and pensioners.
Public opinion
According to an online survey carried out in 2023, public opinion of the healthcare system in Argentina is positive when compared to other Latin American countries. Among respondents, 50 percent stated that the quality of the Argentinian healthcare system is either good or very good. In Colombia, Chile, and Mexico, this figure amounted to around 30 to 40 percent. According to the same study, over half of interviewees declared they trusted their country’s healthcare system to provide the best health treatment. However, seven in every ten respondents pointed out that waiting times to get an appointment with doctors are too long. Additionally, eight in every ten believed that many people in Argentina cannot afford good healthcare.While Argentinian healthcare is among the better financed and equipped healthcare systems in Latin America, it still faces significant challenges when it comes to access and equity. Waiting times, affordability, and lack of resources are among the main concerns that require attention.
