Blog · 2025-05-08

Obra Social in Argentina: how to get free health insurance in 2025

Obra Social is Argentina's mandatory health insurance system, giving members access to a broad range of medical services through the Programa Médico Obligatorio (PMO). It covers formally employed workers, the self-employed (monotributistas), pensioners and their families.

Who qualifies for Obra Social?

The following people are entitled to Obra Social coverage:

• Formally employed workers: the employer enrolls them automatically.
• Monotributistas: self-employed people and freelancers registered with AFIP.
• Pensioners and pension recipients: they may keep their existing plan or choose a new one.
• Family members of the insured: spouse, children up to 21 (or up to 25 if studying), and dependents.

Importantly, an Obra Social cannot deny service on the grounds of a person's health condition or for any other discriminatory reason.

What Obra Social covers: the Programa Médico Obligatorio (PMO)

The PMO is the mandatory list of medical services that every Obra Social and health insurer must provide. It includes:

• Medical consultations: general practitioners and specialists.
• Diagnostic tests: lab work, X-rays, ultrasounds and more.
• Hospitalization and surgery, including emergency care.
• Medication: essential drugs, including those needed for chronic conditions.
• Dental services: basic dentistry.
• Psychological and psychiatric care, including addiction treatment.
• Rehabilitation services: physiotherapy and other recovery treatments.

Under the law, PMO services are available from the moment coverage is arranged, with no waiting period.

How to enroll in Obra Social

1. Formally employed workers

The employer enrolls you in an Obra Social automatically when you are hired. You can select or switch your Obra Social by filing the appropriate request.

2. Monotributistas (self-employed)

Monotributistas can choose their Obra Social when registering with AFIP:

• Register with AFIP: obtain a CUIT and a Clave Fiscal.
• Choose an Obra Social from the list provided by the Superintendencia de Servicios de Salud.
• Pay contributions: monthly payments that include the Obra Social component.
• Submit documents to the chosen Obra Social to complete enrollment.

Note: an Obra Social cannot refuse to serve a monotributista.

3. Pensioners and pension recipients

Pensioners can:

• Keep their current Obra Social on retirement.
• Choose a new Obra Social when registering under the Monotributo scheme.

If an Obra Social refuses service, a pensioner has the right to take the matter to court to protect their rights.

Adding family members

Insured members can add the following to their Obra Social:

• A spouse or partner.
• Children up to 21 (or up to 25 if studying).
• Dependents: parents, grandchildren and others in their care.

To add them, you must provide documents proving the family relationship and dependency.

Costs and contributions

Contributions to Obra Social are as follows:

• Formally employed: 3% of wages.
• Monotributistas: a fixed amount included in the monthly payment.
• Additional contributions: 1.5% for each family member added to the plan.

If you lose your job, your Obra Social remains active for a further 3 months, provided you pay the contributions yourself.

Protecting members' rights

If an Obra Social denies service or violates an insured member's rights, you can:

• Contact the Superintendencia de Servicios de Salud, the body that regulates Obra Social plans.
• File a lawsuit: for serious violations, you can go to court to defend your rights.

It is important to know that an Obra Social has no right to deny service based on health condition, age or any other discriminatory reason.

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