Hospitals in Panama for Foreigners and Visitors
When preparing for your trip to Panama and researching which waterfalls to explore or which specialty coffee to try, don’t forget to consider the healthcare system in Panama. If you experience a medical emergency while abroad, it is advisable to understand how the local healthcare system operates.
Whether you are an expat living in the country or a backpacker on a short vacation, this page will help you navigate Panama’s healthcare system and find the best hospitals in Panama for your needs.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
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Does Panama Have Good Hospitals?
Panama has good hospitals, but the vast majority of them are located in the capital. While there are regional public hospitals, they are nowhere near as comprehensive as the private hospitals in Panama City.
The quality of care you will receive at public hospitals varies considerably based on location. Especially in more rural areas, some facilities may only offer first-aid services.
In the capital, the quality of care provided at private hospitals is much more aligned with what visitors and foreigners expect from their home countries.
In fact, two hospitals in Panama City have earned accreditation from the Joint Commission International (JCI), a United States-based nonprofit organization widely recognized as the gold standard for safety and quality of care.
What Are the Best Hospitals in Panama?
Below you can find the best hospitals in Panama. The four listed are considered first-class hospitals, most of which have affiliations to medical centers in the United States.
They are all in the capital and offer their patients state-of-the-art facilities and high-quality care. Keep in mind that while most hospital websites are not available in English, doctors in the country tend to be bilingual.
Pacífica Salud Hospital Punta Pacífica
Bulevar Pacífico y Vía Punta Darién, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
Phone: (507) 204-8000
Email: info@pacificasalud.com
Considered the most technically-advanced hospital in Latin America, Hospital Punta Pacifica is a private hospital affiliated with the renowned Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. The hospital has been JCI-accredited since 2011.
Clinica Hospital San Fernando
Vía España, Panamá City, Panamá
Phone: (507) 305-6300
Founded in 1949, Clinica Hospital San Fernando was the first hospital in Panama to receive JCI accreditation in August 2011. The hospital is affiliated with multiple U.S. hospitals, including Tulane Medical Center, Baptist Health South Florida, and three additional children’s hospitals.
Hospital Paitilla (Centro Médico Paitilla)
Calle 53 Este, Panama City, Panama
Phone: (507) 265-8800
WhatsApp: (507) 6283-6321
Formally known as Centro Medico Paitilla, the center rebranded in 2019 as Hospital Paitilla after merging with the Hospiten Group, an international healthcare network. The hospital boasts a team of prestigious professionals and is affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic.
Hospital Nacional
Avenida Cuba, entre calle 38 y 39, Panamá City, Panamá
Phone: (507) 306-3300
Email: informacion@hospitalnacional.com
While best known for its gynecology, obstetrics, and pediatric services, Hospital Nacional also offers elective and emergency surgeries in all specialties.
How Can Expats and Visitors Access Hospitals in Panama?
The healthcare system in Panama is two-tiered, offering both private and public facilities. If expats work and pay taxes in Panama, they are entitled to medical coverage through the Social Security System.
If not, expats, tourists, and foreigners can still access the public sector and pay out of pocket. That being said, most foreigners opt for the private system due to its shorter wait times, more advanced medical equipment, and a wider range of specialists.
Hospitals and clinics in Panama generally expect you to settle bills immediately, so a good health insurance plan in Panama is advised.
Whether you choose to use the public or private sectors for your care, a comprehensive international health insurance plan is highly recommended.
Best Health Insurance Plan for Foreigners In Panama
The Cigna Global Medical Insurance plan is an excellent option for all international citizens moving to Panama for a year or longer.
The plan offers a variety of options through its modular plan design, allowing you to choose the level of coverage that best meets your budget.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
Best Health Insurance Plan for US Citizens Living in Panama
U.S. citizens residing in Panama have another great option. The BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier plan will provide a high level of coverage, excellent benefits, and up to 9 months of coverage in the U.S. during the policy year.
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Recommended Hospitals for Expats in Panama
Panama has medical hubs in David and Chitré, so you shouldn’t have to travel too far if you need more advanced treatments and find yourself outside Panama City.
In addition to the recommended hospitals, travelers and expats can also seek high-quality care at the following facilities.
Hospitals in David
Centro Medico Mae Lewis
Vía Interamericana, David, Chiriquí
Phone: (507) 775-4616
Email: servicioalpaciente@cmaelewis.com
Centro Medico Mae Lewis is the leading private hospital in Chiriquí Province and the largest medical center outside Panama City.
Hospital Chiriqui
Ave. 3ra. Y Calle Central, David, Chiriquí
Phone: (507) 774-0128
WhatsApp: (507) 6421-8289
Hospitals in Chitré
Clínica Hospital Dr. Venancio Villarreal
Av. Carmelo Spadafora, Chitré, Panamá
Phone: (507) 996-2360
Clinica San Juan Bautista
Av. Carmelo Spadafora, Chitré, Panamá
Phone: (507) 996-4448
WhatsApp: (507) 6781-5220
Hospitals in Coronado
Clínica San Fernando Coronado
Av. Roberto Eisenmann, Las Lajas, Panamá
Phone: (507) 240-1167
This clinic is a satellite facility of the previously mentioned JCI-accredited Clinica Hospital San Fernando in Panama City.
More Hospitals in Panama City
Hospital Pacífica Salud Costa del Este
Avenida Costa del Sol, Panama City, Panama
Phone: (507) 204-8000
Email: info@pacificasalud.com
The Panama Clinic (Public hospital)
Ramón H. Jurado, Centro Pacific Center Torre B, Panama City, Panamá
Phone: (507) 310-1111
Hospital Santa Fe
Av. Simón Bolívar, Panama City, Panamá
Phone: 360-7400
Hospital Santo Tomas (Public hospital)
Calle 37 Este, Panama City, Panamá
Phone: (507) 507-5600
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Elizabeth Baugh is a versatile freelance writer specializing in education, travel, health, and wellness. She has international experience living in multiple countries, is fluent in Spanish, and holds a license as a TEFL teacher, sharing insights on travel and relocation.
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