Seguro medico internacional, when you're already in Argentina?

[Shpongle]

Migraciones is now patiently asking for this, hopefully to complete my application to get residence and DNI. It wasn't required when I entered Argentina, well before DNU 366, so I was never asked for it. I'm fairly healthy and haven't spent money on this for some time now. But now I need to get re-insured.

Can I buy this in Argentina? Which local insurers can provide this? Or am I stuck buying it in Paraguay -- the country I entered from and still technically have residence in (even though I basically live here now, with my wife)? Mapfre PY want $200 / mo. for cover. Or renew my old Safetywing @ $100 / mo.

The reason that I ask this is it seems like insurers generally have an exception for the country you purchase the insurance in. So if I buy in Argentina, seems I won't have Argentine coverage -- at least not if I buy online. Anyone had experience with this?

The fees seem steep. Hence I'm looking for options locally. P.S. This is the type of insurance needed.

 

[carride]

Your wife may be able to ask her health insurance company, or the person at her employer who coordinates with the insurance company in Argentina. They should give you a policy based on your relationship, married or not, regardless of having DNI or not. That was my experience 15+ years ago, and still have it today.

 

[Dim Witty]

Me (immigrant) and my citizen wife have been insured by Swiss Medical for more than 2 decades. (I don't think my being a foreigner ever mattered) We pay - I'm not sure - about U$S250/mo w/ copay. They're good, even now with the health care system experiencing very poor health.
G'Luck

 

[Shpongle]

Thanks to you both. I'm more confused than ever. Some online sources claim I need international travel insurance that even covers repatriation, because I'm on precaria. But these could just be insurance companies trying to make money off unsuspecting foreigners.

I'm inclined to think Migraciones would accept regular seguro de salud. DNU 366 does not mention details, only that some medical insurance is needed.

 

[LuckyLuke]

Assist Card was mandatory coverage for incoming visitors during the pandemic, so it's not a surprise that they are bringing back the requirement.

As I recall the policy was quite cheap at the time, $30 or less monthly. A lot of these travel policies are so riddled with exceptions that I doubt most would have a valid claim short of decapitation by falling luggage during a turbulent flight on planes no smaller than a Boeing 777.