Quick Relief for Swimmer's Ear in El Calafate

A Tourist’s Guide to Medical Care in El Calafate

Online Consultations:

Great for minor but urgent issues that don’t need a physical exam, such as swimmer’s ear or related symptoms.

With Doctorsa you can connect with an English-speaking doctor via video call in just a few minutes, get medical advice and, if appropriate, receive an e-prescription that can be used at any pharmacy. No need to worry about office hours or holidays. Clear and upfront pricing: consultations start at $20, so tourists in El Calafate needing treatment for swimmer’s ear can access affordable healthcare without surprises. Insurances accepted but not required.

Learn more about swimmer's ear treatment online.

Hospitals in El Calafate

For serious, potentially life-threatening issues that require immediate, specialized treatment, like breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, or head injuries. Non-urgent visits use up resources needed for emergency patients. ERs are for serious, life-threatening issues. Going there for something like swimmer’s ear adds to doctors’ workload and may take time away from those in critical need.

Important: The information provided here about hospitals is for general reference only. We recommend verifying current details, such as contact information, services, and hours of operation, before visiting. Please reach out directly to the hospital or consult their official website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Hospitals with Emergency Rooms in El Calafate

Hospital SAMIC El Calafate – Servicio de Emergencias
Address: Av. Jorge Newbery 453, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina
Access: Open 24/7 with a full emergency department. Ambulances (dial 107 or 112) access via a dedicated trauma entrance, while walk-in patients register at the emergency desk and are triaged. No referral required; bring ID and insurance or coverage info. The hospital handles general medicine, pediatrics, trauma, cardiology, obstetrics/gynaecology, and intensive care.

Hospital Nuevo El Calafate – Emergencia (public)
Address: Av. Jorge Newbery 453, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina
Access: Also open 24/7 as part of the public network. Walk-ins and ambulances (dial 107 or 112) are accepted via the same entrance used by SAMIC. Triage is performed at arrival; multilingual staff often available. No GP referral needed.

Clínica Los Pioneros – Guardia Privada
Address: Centro de El Calafate (check local signage)
Access: A private clinic offering urgent care services during daytime and early evenings. Walk-ins are accepted; ambulance transfer to SAMIC or Nuevo enabled if conditions are severe. Travelers often choose this clinic for faster access and language support. For after-hours emergencies, head to the public hospital ER or call 107/112.

Walk-in clinics

Best for minor conditions needing same-day, in-person specialist attention—like X-rays for sprains or cuts that may need stitches, injections, advanced diagnostics, or other invasive procedures.

Pharmacies in El Calafate, Argentina

In El Calafate, pharmacies are known as farmacias. They are marked with a green cross or signage that says “farmacia” and are located in central areas of the town. English-speaking service is commonly available, especially during the tourist season.

Antibiotic Policy in El Calafate

In El Calafate, antibiotics are only available with a valid prescription. Pharmacists cannot sell antibiotics over the counter without a doctor’s prescription.

Emergency Number in El Calafate, Argentina

In El Calafate, the main emergency number is 911. This number connects you to police, ambulance, and fire services and should be used for all life-threatening emergencies.

Calls to 911 are free of charge and available 24/7 from any phone, including mobile phones. Operators are generally able to assist in Spanish, and in tourist areas, English-speaking operators may also be available.

Please remember: 911 is strictly for emergencies only. For urgent but non-life-threatening medical concerns, consider using a telehealth service like Doctorsa to speak with a licensed English-speaking doctor quickly and affordably.