Argentina is no longer providing free healthcare for all its foreign visitors and residents.

This means that only foreign nationals who have been granted permanent residency papers or Argentine citizenship will continue to receive medical attention free of charge in hospitals managed by the national government.

Non-permanent residents or those without citizenship will be billed directly or, if they have insurance, hospitals will charge their insurance company for the provided services.

Until now, granting universal basic services, including free healthcare, for all people regardless of their origins or legal status was a historic tradition in Argentina.

The measure does not apply to provincial or municipal medical institutions, although local governments can decide to follow suit.

Some provinces had already established similar measures, although the requirements are not necessarily the same. Medical attention is not free for foreigners in Buenos Aires City, Salta, Mendoza, Santa Cruz and Jujuy.

Here’s what you need to know.

Who does the measure apply to?

Whether you will start being charged or asked for insurance in public hospitals will depend on your situation........

© Buenos Aires Herald