The Best Health Insurance for Expats in Panama
If you’re considering moving to Panama, health insurance is one of the many things to research. Panama has a decent public healthcare system, ranking 95th out of 191 countries worldwide. It’s also extremely affordable.
However, it has some major drawbacks for foreigners, who are often better off visiting Panama’s excellent private hospitals for care. These services are significantly more expensive, although still less costly than healthcare in the United States. For this reason, we recommend that foreigners use health insurance in Panama.
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- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Panamanian Medical Insurance Options for Foreigners
Panama’s state health insurance program, administered through CSS, is available to foreigners who pay into the program and hold the correct visa. This is basically government-run insurance, which you can be covered by if you have a work permit in Panama.
MINSA’s public clinics are available to all, and you can pay as you go. A visit to a general practitioner may cost as little as $10, while a specialist visit typically ranges from $50 to $75. These clinics can be critical to expats who choose to live in rural areas, where private hospitals are often scarce.
Some local health insurance options in Panama include hospital coverage and HMOs. These programs allow you to pay a monthly or annual fee, either to have 70% of your expenses covered or to receive discounts on your out-of-pocket care. You can also purchase plans once you are in the country.
However, these plans tend to be a gamble if you have any pre-existing conditions or aren’t generally in good health. If you opt for the local route, go directly to the insurance company rather than through a local broker, as brokers often charge exorbitant fees.
The best option for expats is international health insurance, which can be purchased before departure. With an international health insurance plan, you won’t have to worry about language barriers, excessive government paperwork, or massive fees from local providers.
You can design and select a plan that works especially for your needs, and that provides you with the same quality of care you are accustomed to.
Since private hospitals in Panama are high-quality and have many English-speaking healthcare workers, you’ll find your transition to care in Panama nearly seamless.
The Cost of Health Insurance in Panama for Foreigners
The CSS
If you are traveling to Panama on a work permit and will be paying into the CSS, your employer will be required to enroll you in CSS, Panama’s national health insurance and retirement plan.
Again, being covered by the public system is beneficial, and the public medical facilities are adequate; however, you may experience long wait times for non-emergency care and a lack of privacy and amenities to which you’re accustomed.
The two largest private insurers in Panama are MAPFRE and Family Medical. The cost of coverage ranges from approximately $50 to $125 per month, depending on your age.
These kinds of plans could work for you if you just want to keep insurance for potential emergencies and are in general good health.
But you can’t count on good health forever, and local policies will only cover you in Panama, not in your home country or any third country you visit.
Most local options don’t cover pre-existing conditions, make you wait years for outpatient surgery, and have a low maximum coverage.
Cost of Global Medical Plans for Expats in Panama
For more robust coverage, international health insurance is your best bet. The cost varies depending on your needs and the level of flexibility required; however, the average range for a global health insurance plan in Panama is $2,800 to $5,700 per year.
Such plans will cover you in Panama, in your home country, and in any other country you visit. You’ll have access to top-flight private hospitals with English-speaking doctors and affiliations with renowned U.S. institutions, including Johns Hopkins and the Cleveland Clinic.
You’ll be able to choose a plan that suits your particular age, conditions, and needs. And you won’t experience any coverage gap if you purchase a plan before you leave your home country.
Can an American Get Health Insurance in Panama?
US citizens living in Panama can purchase the BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier plan, which offers comprehensive worldwide coverage. It also provides access to the Blue Cross Blue Shield network of doctors and hospitals in the USA.
The plan offers excellent customer service, up to 9 months of coverage in the USA, and fast claims processing, so you can rest assured you will be well taken care of.
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.
Best Panama Health Insurance for Non-Residents
If you’re moving to Panama from another country, we recommend Cigna Global Health Insurance. Cigna offers international health insurance coverage in nearly every country, allowing you to customize your plan to suit your specific needs.
Ask us about the different modules you can choose from to enhance your plan.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
Plans for Students at Panamanian Colleges and Universities
International students enrolled in colleges and universities or studying abroad in Panama need a quality plan at an affordable price. The following plans are designed specifically for international students.
Most of the benefits of both plans are the same, but one offers more comprehensive coverage in some areas (e.g., mental health).
Similarly, one of them offers less comprehensive coverage in other areas (i.e., medical limits) to keep its cost lower.
Here are a couple of good private health insurance plans in Panama for international students.
Worldwide Specialty
- Worldwide medical coverage built for students and faculty in the U.S. and abroad.
- Select from a range of deductibles and rates.
- Choose providers either in or out of our elite network.
StudentSecure Insurance
- Provides Medical, Dental, and Evacuation Benefits
- Keep your coverage when your studies last multiple years
- Medical providers are available in over 130 countries worldwide
Travel Health Insurance for Short-Term Visitors to Panama
If you are traveling to Panama for a short stay, such as a vacation or a work trip that lasts less than a month, consider purchasing travel insurance.
While expatriate insurance can serve as complete coverage while you are living in a foreign country, travel insurance fills in the gaps of your home coverage, so you can travel with peace of mind.
Travel insurance can provide a network of covered medical providers in case you have an emergency while traveling in Panama. It can also cover unexpected travel interruptions or cancellations, so you can recoup costs if something goes wrong.
Panama is a beautiful and varied country, but it carries some dangers that your home country might not, like hurricanes, earthquakes, mosquito-borne illnesses, and trafficking-related crime.
For more information on keeping yourself safe in Panama, see our page on Safety Advice and Travel Insurance for Panama.
Find the Best International Travel Insurance
- Compare top-rated travel insurance providers
- Get quotes for Travel Medical, Trip Cancellation, and more
- Choose the best plan for your trip and budget
Group Medical Insurance in Panama for International Employees
For international employers with employees in Panama, providing a high-quality benefits package, including insurance, is vital to their employees’ peace of mind and well-being. A group health insurance plan for Panama employees should be a top priority.
Panamanian employees will have access to their local health plan in the province where they are living. International employees in Panama may need or want a global health plan that provides coverage worldwide, including in their country of citizenship.
An international group health plan is a great option if you have two or more employees from abroad living in Panama. You can design a plan that meets their needs and fits your budget.
Our team of licensed agents is available to help you determine the coverage and benefits required to protect your most valuable assets, your employees, while they are outside of their home country.
Connect with a Global Benefits Advisor
- Experts in sourcing and implementing global insurance plans
- We’ve built steadfast partnerships with carriers worldwide
- Licensed in Health, Life, Accident, and more
Global Medical Care in Panama
Panama’s healthcare system consists of three parts. First, the government funds state healthcare through the Caja de Seguro Social (CSS) for its citizens, who pay into it through payroll deductions.
For those who aren’t covered by CSS, the Ministerio de Salud (MINSA) provides low-cost clinics nationwide.
Finally, there are excellent private sector hospitals, some of which are affiliated with respected medical institutions in the United States.
Expats are likely to access care in all of these tiers at some point. If you’re living in a rural area, private facilities are simply not available.
However, for the most part, you’ll find care in the private system to be faster, more comfortable, and of higher quality. For more information on how Panama’s healthcare system operates, please visit our page below.
How to Find a Family Physician or GP in Panama
If you or someone in your family needs non-emergency care, the best place to start is a private hospital in the capital.
Securing an appointment typically involves completing a pre-admission form, which includes fields for your insurance information.
The top hospital in Panama (and in all of Latin America) is Pacifica Salud Hospital Punta Pacifica. It’s also the only Panama hospital with an English-language website.
When you request an appointment, it is also advisable to contact your insurance company to obtain pre-authorization. Otherwise, the hospital will likely ask you to pay in advance for your scheduled care.
For a closer look at the overall healthcare system in Panama and information on accessing care, visit our Panama Healthcare System page.
How to Get Hospital Care in Panama
The process for obtaining inpatient care in Panama is similar to that for finding a doctor: visit the hospital’s website, complete the form, and then contact your insurance provider to request pre-authorization.
Private hospitals in Panama typically require you to pay out of pocket for your care and then submit the bills to your insurance company for reimbursement.
For this reason, it’s essential to obtain pre-authorization to ensure you are covered.
Hospitals in Panama Accepting Immigrants and Expatriates
Below are the best hospitals in Panama. The four listed are considered first-class hospitals, most of which are affiliated with medical centers in the United States. They are all in the capital and offer state-of-the-art facilities and high-quality care to their patients.
Keep in mind that while most hospital websites are not available in English, doctors in the country are generally 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.
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
Kamela Hutzley is a seasoned writer and editor from New Jersey, now based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She writes on health, education, travel, and cultural integration, holds an MFA in creative writing from Emerson College, and is a certified somatic therapist with her own practice.
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