Rene Cortin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hey, fellow travelers, and welcome back to Ports and Pensions. We're tracking a very important update for anyone with a South America cruise on their calendar, especially if it includes stops in Argentina.

Here’s what we've found.

What is the New Requirement?

And to be clear, this rule isn't just for airports—it is being enforced at all points of entry, including maritime ports where cruise ships dock.

Where Is This Coming From? (The Official Source)

This isn't just a rumor or a new cruise line policy. We dug a little deeper, and this requirement is part of a new federal law in Argentina, specifically Decree 366/2025.

This decree was published in Argentina's "Boletín Oficial" (their official government gazette) and it fundamentally changes how their public healthcare system interacts with tourists. The new law allows public hospitals to charge non-residents for services. As a result, the government is now requiring visitors to have insurance to prove they can cover their own medical costs if needed.

How Does This Affect Your Cruise?

This is the most critical part for your cruise planning.

Based on the notifications being sent out, you may be asked to show proof of your insurance policy at two different points:

1. By Argentine immigration officials when you arrive in port.

2. By the cruise line before you even board at your departure port (e.g., in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, etc.).

As we've seen with MSC, the cruise lines are being tasked with verifying this documentation. The last thing anyone wants is to be surprised at the check-in counter and potentially be denied boarding for not having the required paperwork.

The "Ports and Pensions" Takeaway

We have always strongly recommended that cruisers purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy, especially one that includes robust medical and medical evacuation coverage.

Your domestic health insurance here in the U.S. (especially Medicare) typically provides zero coverage outside of the country. A medical emergency at sea or in a foreign port can be financially catastrophic.

This new requirement from Argentina simply adds a layer of official enforcement to something that has always been a smart travel practice.

So, if you have a cruise booked that visits Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn, or any other Argentine port, here is our strong recommendation:

1. Check With Your Cruise Line: Call them or your travel agent immediately and ask for their specific policy on this new Argentine rule.

2. Review Your Policy: If you already have travel insurance, pull up the documents. Make sure it clearly states you are covered for international medical emergencies, hospitalization, and evacuation.

3. Get the "Proof": Contact your insurance provider and ask them to email you a "Certificate of Coverage" or a "Visa Letter." This is a standard, one-page document that summarizes your coverage. Print a copy and keep it with your passport and cruise documents.

This is a developing situation, but it's always better to be over-prepared. We'll keep an eye on it and let you know if anything changes.

Let us know in the comments—have you been notified by your cruise line about this?

Stay safe, and happy sailing!