Emergencies in Bariloche

Good to Know

• 911 is the number to remember in Bariloche and works the same way as in the rest of Argentina — it reaches a police dispatch center that forwards you to fire or medical services as needed.
• The direct local lines (100 fire, 101 police, 103 civil defense, 106 coast guard/water emergencies, 107 hospital) can be faster than 911 if you already know which service you need, but 911 is the safest default if unsure.
• The Prefectura Naval (106) line is worth saving if you'll be doing any boating, kayaking, or lake excursions on Nahuel Huapi or nearby lakes.
• Don't assume fluent English on the other end of any of these lines — outside of the tourist police units in Argentina's biggest cities, operators may only speak Spanish, so having a local contact or accommodation host who can call on your behalf is a practical backup.
• Public hospitals in Argentina, including Bariloche's Hospital Zonal, are required to provide emergency care to visitors regardless of nationality, though wait times can be long — private clinics are faster if you have travel insurance.
• For any life-threatening emergency in Bariloche, dial 107 for the ambulance/medical emergency line or 911 for general emergencies.
• Hospital Zonal Ramón Carrillo is the public option and does not charge for emergency treatment, but expect longer waits and fewer English-speaking staff than at the private Hospital Privado Regional.
• Hospital Privado Regional is a paid private facility — nomads without Argentine health coverage or travel insurance should expect to pay directly for care there.