Yeah the problem is we have to come to Argentina as my husband does not have a green card for the USA, so it would be best for the kid to be in argentina, near family, familar language, etc. I definetly don't want to do public like I said, but I'm still unclear what the price straight up out of pocket to have a kid without insurance at Los Arcos is. because if nobody insures me, its OPO.
This is an interesting problem, as it has be considered from many different angles....
Problem # 1: Immigration
Problem # 2: Finances
Problem # 3: Family Support
Problem # 4: Quality of Care
Problem # 1. Your baby born in the US will have US citizenship automatically. Your baby born outside the US can qualify for US Citizenship providing you meet the qualifications. Please look those up, or you may jeopardize your baby's citizenship qualifications. I was born in Denmark, my mother is a US citizen. I applied for US Citizenship when I turned 30. It is not "automatic", the baby must qualify. You can delivery the baby in the US and still fly down to Argentina afterwards if you choose to, should immigration qualifications be a concern.
Problem # 2: My second child was born in 2021 in Texas with a Silver plan coverage. I had to pay a co-pay of $3,000 plus anesthesia out of pocket ($700). It covered only a 2 night stay. Giving birth in the US is not free either, regardless of coverage. The Gold Plan at the time did not cover free child birth either. Understand that being pregnant in the US does not qualify you for a health insurance special enrollment period. Meaning, you must enroll for healthcare during the standard enrollment period (after 1/1/2026) for your insurance to cover your childbirth (assuming your delivery date is after that). Unless you have Argentine residency or citizenship, the public facility down here has the right to bill you for your childbirth out of pocket.
Problem # 3: Both my children were born in the US where may family are. My wife did not have any family nearby to help (she is Argentinian). Her family flew in for each birth and for a short period. Despite living nearby, my family was virtually absent the entire time we lived in the US. It was a severe blow to me. My wife suffered from PPD with both children and in hindsight it was a mistake to not provide her with the social support she needed. Consider the support available to you in each country and your psychological needs as well. Will you understand his family? Will you feel comfortable with the living arrangement down here?
Problem # 4: Statistically the infant mortality rate in the US is 5.1 per 1,000 and 9 per 1,000 in Argentina. My wife, even insured with Swiss Medical, had her colonoscopy/endoscopy in a shared room at one facility. At another facility, she had a laparoscopic surgery and was provided with an excellent private recovery room and overnight stay. Each private facility has it's own standard and you will need to choose carefully.
