Travel Insurance for an Argentina Vacation (2026)

An Argentine vacation is likely to be packed with adventures and excursions to places such as Patagonia and Iguazu Falls. Or you may find yourself drawn to bustling nightlife in cities such as Buenos Aires and Mendoza. Whatever your travel plans, we recommend having a good travel insurance policy in place.

Travel insurance is not required for entry into Argentina, but getting a comprehensive travel insurance plan can be a good idea. Traveling uninsured could leave you paying for any medical expenses should an emergency occur. You can also use travel insurance to claim reimbursement should you need to cancel your trip or if your trip gets interrupted. Natural disasters such as earthquakes are uncommon, but having a safety net if a natural disaster happens will give you comfort that you won’t lose your money from a trip cut short.

If you didn’t purchase any nonrefundable tickets or travel reservations, you likely don’t need comprehensive travel insurance. In that case, travel medical insurance should be sufficient since it will protect you if there are any medical emergencies. Additionally, before purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, check to see if you already have travel insurance benefits with your credit card such as trip cancellation and interruption coverage, rental car coverage or travel medical insurance.

The following sections will provide an overview of the different insurance coverage you might want to consider for your Argentinian trip.

Cancel-for-Any-Reason Coverage

Most insurance companies provide cancellation insurance that’s subject to certain exclusions. You will typically be reimbursed for reasons such as:

• Unforeseen injury and illness
• Natural disasters impacting travel
• Death of a family member or travel companion
• Judicial and military service

If you have concerns about your cancellation coverage, you can choose cancel-for-any-reason coverage. CFAR coverage gives travelers flexibility in the run-up to their departure. Should something happen to prevent you from going abroad, you can cancel your trip and be reimbursed for any nonrefundable payments. There will likely be a cut-off point for this cancellation, such as 48 hours before departure, so check with your insurance provider for details.

Gear Theft Protection

Pickpocketing and theft are common crimes in Argentina. This may discourage travelers from bringing expensive equipment with them on their journey, but gear theft protection can help with that. Your travel insurance will reimburse you for any valuables you take on your trip, which could include expensive hiking boots, cameras and tech accessories.

You will only be covered up to a certain amount, which can be as low as $500 on some plans. Buy insurance with more coverage if you plan to take a lot of gear with you. However, any gear you bought with a credit card may already have some coverage from your credit card company. Check with your credit card company to see if this applies.

Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation

Accidents happen, and they can happen on vacations, too. Should you need to access healthcare in Argentina, you will want adequate medical coverage.

Travel health insurance covers the cost of medical treatment and emergency services should you get sick or have an accident on your trip. Check if any exclusions apply to your medical coverage before you make a claim. You will also have coverage for emergency medical evacuation should you need it. That includes medical repatriation to your home country to receive medical care.

If you engage in any high-risk activities, such as trekking in the Andes, medical coverage is a must. It will keep you from paying medical expenses out of your pocket and ensure you get home safely.

Rental Car Protection

There’s no way around it: driving can be dangerous in Argentina, especially in cities. Visitors should obey local traffic laws and take extra precautions when driving. Regardless, having insurance that covers collisions and other accidents is a worthwhile expense.

If you plan to rent a car on your trip to Argentina, consider having rental car protection in your travel insurance plan. Buying it directly from your insurance provider is often cheaper and gives you more coverage than you would get if you were to buy it from your rental car company.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip cancellation coverage will reimburse you for nonrefundable deposits you made. Most insurers will give 100% reimbursement, and premium plans may offer more. Check your policy for the list of valid reasons to cancel your trip and still have insurance coverage.

To shop for travel insurance, compare quotes from different insurance providers to see what coverage you are eligible for. Some providers specialize in affordability. Others offer more premium packages. Consider what activities you will be taking part in and what coverage suits your trip. Once you get three or more quotes, consider adding optional coverages, such as CFAR or extra personal effects coverage. Then, compare overall coverages and prices.

The price of travel insurance varies by provider and depends on who is traveling, their ages and the total trip cost. We requested quotes from 10 travel insurance companies for their most affordable plan for a trip to Argentina. The below quotes are for a 30-year-old traveler from Florida who is traveling to Argentina for 10 days in August 2025, with a total trip cost of $4,000. Policies include coverage for cancellations, interruptions, delays, medical care and evacuation.

Argentina is fairly safe for travel, but you should take some precautions. The U.S. Department of State advises travelers to take normal precautions when traveling to Argentina. Most tourists shouldn’t encounter any issues, though some areas, such as Rosario, have an increased risk due to crime.

The following travel tips will give you a better understanding of what you might experience and how to stay safe.

Crime and Safety

When traveling to Argentina, theft is typically the biggest cause for concern. Be mindful of pickpockets and scams in major cities such as Buenos Aires, as thieves often target tourists. Keep your belongings close at all times and avoid suspicious activities.

Civil unrest is also a possibility and demonstrations can occur without warning. These are mostly peaceful events, but they can become violent. Travelers are advised to steer clear of protests. Checking local news reports can help you plan for any unexpected events that could impact your trip.

Day Trips, Tours and Excursions

Argentina is full of opportunities for adventure and exploration. You can find many tours and day trips to keep your vacation itinerary full. When booking excursions, make sure your tour operator is credible. Ask the front desk of your hotel for advice and help when booking trips.

If you’re planning on hiking through the Andes or Patagonia, avoid going alone and stick to established trails. The mountains can be dangerous and difficult to traverse. Having a guide to lead you is highly recommended, as they will be best suited to help in the event of an emergency or injury.

Having travel insurance for your Argentina trip can certainly be worth it. Even though it’s not required, traveling uninsured is risky. With high rates of theft in some areas and the possibility of injury, travelers to Argentina should consider a comprehensive insurance plan that provides medical coverage and personal effects reimbursement.

No travel plans are foolproof, and trip interruptions and delays can always happen. Having good travel insurance will protect your trip costs and leave you prepared in the event of an emergency.