Panama Travel Insurance and Safety Tips for Visitors
While Panama is one of the safest countries in Central America, it’s essential to keep a few things in mind to avoid any issues during your trip. The variety of landscapes that make the country an excellent destination for any traveler is not without risk. The country’s rainforests, beaches, volcanoes, and cosmopolitan cities all hold their own dangers. Read on to learn about travel safety and travel insurance for Panama.
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Yes, visitors should have comprehensive Panama travel insurance that offers both trip and medical coverage.
While it is not required to enter Panama, there are many reasons it’s beneficial to have it. If you experience an emergency abroad, the last thing you want to worry about is the bill.
Travel Health Insurance
Panama City has several high-quality private hospitals and clinics, though hospitals in Panama have become more limited outside the capital. The quality of care you will receive at public hospitals varies considerably based on location.
In the case of serious illness or injury, you may need a medical evacuation. Many providers will transfer you to the closest facility able to provide adequate care based on your injury.
Evacuations can be costly, and you’ll want comprehensive travel medical insurance for Panama to ensure you are covered for evacuations, hospital stays, or even repatriation to your home country if you require further treatment.
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Panama’s rainy season spans from April to December, overlapping with the hurricane season that occurs from mid-May to the end of November.
Small storms can quickly morph into severe hurricanes. Flooding from rain and damage from hurricanes can stop travel and prevent access to essential services.
Furthermore, Western Panama is an active seismic zone. Earthquakes and tsunamis can occur without warning.
If you are traveling to Panama, you will want trip cancellation insurance to protect you from last-minute changes, cancellations, or evacuations due to these natural disasters.
Best Travel Insurance for Visitors to Panama
Below are some great options for Panama travel insurance. Make sure you tell your insurer how long your trip will be, what types of activities you plan to do, and any preexisting conditions you may have.
Different travelers have different insurance needs, but it’s essential to ensure your plan covers last-minute changes, cancellations, and evacuations.
Best Travel Medical Insurance for International Visitors to Panama
Patriot Platinum Travel Insurance
Maximum limits up to $8,000,000
IMG pays 100% of medical expenses in-network
Evacuation due to Natural Disasters & Political Unrest
If you are arriving from a country with a yellow fever transmission risk (such as Colombia or Ecuador), a vaccine certificate is required under international health regulations.
When you receive the vaccine, you will also be given a certificate known as the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). You must carry this certificate with you as proof of vaccination.
As of 2016, the WHO declared the certificate to be valid indefinitely. That means even if you have an older certificate with an expiration date written on it, it is now considered valid.
While not mandatory, if you plan to travel east of the Panama Canal, the vaccine is strongly recommended due to the risk of yellow fever transmission in that part of the country.
If you plan to stay west of the canal, in the canal area itself, or in Panama City, international guidelines do not recommend the vaccine.
In addition to the potential yellow fever vaccine, Panama does not require any other vaccinations to enter the country.
However, the CDC and WHO recommend that travelers be up to date on all routine vaccines, such as the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), influenza, and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP) vaccines.
For Panama, most embassies additionally recommend hepatitis A and typhoid due to the potential of contaminated food and water consumption.
Depending on where you plan to travel in Panama, you may also want to consider taking an anti-malaria prescription medication. Speak to your doctor to help choose the best malaria medicine for your travel plans.
Lastly, while rabid dogs are common in Panama, the rabies vaccine is only recommended for those who are considered higher risk, such as animal handlers, adventure travelers, and/or those going to rural areas.
Make sure to visit your doctor at least a month before departure to receive any necessary vaccinations or medications.
How to Bring Medications to Panama
You can legally bring prescription or over-the-counter medications into Panama. However, to minimize potential issues, follow these tips.
Keep the medicine in its original packaging, make sure the name on the label matches your travel documents, and carry a copy of your doctor’s prescription with you.
If you would like more information about the legality or availability of your specific medication in Panama, it is best to contact the embassy.
You can find the contact information for your embassy in the Emergency Contact Information section below.
Visitors can visit private or public facilities for care. Most expats in Panama opt for private healthcare, although they may be eligible for the public system.
The Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud, MINSA) and the Social Security System (Caja de Seguro Social, CSS) fund the public hospitals in Panama.
If foreigners are working and paying taxes in Panama, they are entitled to medical coverage through CSS. Other visitors must pay out of pocket to be treated at CSS and MINSA facilities.
High-quality medical facilities are located in hubs around the country in areas such as Panama City, David, and Chitré.
While smaller towns and villages tend to have MINSA-operated clinics that offer basic services, capacity is often severely limited in rural settings.
Luckily, due to these medical hubs, you shouldn’t have to travel too far if you need more advanced treatments.
Local Hospitals in Panama
The best hospitals in the country are located in Panama City, where a network of private hospitals is available in exchange for direct payments. These hospitals are where most foreigners seek treatment due to the faster and better care available.
Your Panama travel insurance provider will have recommendations for where to seek treatment, tailored to your specific needs and location.
Additionally, they are often able to help provide telehealth visits and connect you with a translator. Many doctors study abroad after completing their studies in Panama, so it isn’t challenging to find an English-speaking doctor, especially in larger cities.
Some hospitals allow you to schedule appointments through WhatsApp for non-emergencies, and many hospitals provide emergency contact numbers on their websites.
Yes, Panama serves as a secure destination for visitors. According to the 2023 Global Peace Index, it secured the 2nd position among countries in Central America and the Caribbean, following closely behind Costa Rica.
Globally, it holds the 68th rank. The United Kingdom holds 26th place, while the United States lags behind both at 161.
Regardless of a country’s rankings, you should always stay updated with travel alerts for your destination.
These warnings change frequently, and the following sources offer information about current alerts and warnings:
If you experience a medical emergency in Panama, you can dial 911 for free on any phone. You can also call 104 to reach the police, 103 for an ambulance, or 999 for the fire brigade.
However, likely, the operators will only be able to communicate in Spanish. If you don’t speak Spanish, dial 178 for a hotline specifically for tourists where English-speaking operators are available.
While they can help you receive assistance from Panamanian authorities, the number is more frequently used to get information on tourism, hotels, and visas. In Panama City, you can reach the Tourism Police at 511-9260.
Panama also has a Citizen Service Center, which can be reached at 311, in the event of complaints or suggestions regarding city services.
Embassy Phone Numbers in Panama
Below you can find contact information for your local embassy or consular services:
Embassy of Canada Torres de las Américas, Tower A, 11th Floor Punta Pacifica, Panama City, Panama Phone: (507) 294-2500 Fax: (507) 294-2514 Email: panam@international.gc.ca
British Embassy Humboldt Tower, 4th Floor Calle 53, Marbella Panama City, Panama Phone: (507) 297 6550
French Embassy France Square, Conjunto Monumental de Las Bóvedas Panama City, Panama Phone: (507) 211-6200
Australia Consulate Oficina No. 8 A y B, Edificio El Colegio II, Calle José de Obaldía & Calle 8va, San Felipe Panama City, Panama. Phone: (507) 6325 3852 Email: aushonconpanama@gmail.com
New Zealand Honorary Consul Sucre, Briceño & Co., Urb. Obarrio, Avenida Samuel Lewis y Calle 58 Panama City, Panama Phone: (507) 306 1223 Fax: (507) 306 1020 Email: fsucre@sucrelaw.com
7 Tips for Safe Travel in Panama
1. Take Extreme Caution in the Darién and Mosquito Gulf Regions
These two regions have high levels of criminal activity compared to the rest of the country, including drug and human trafficking. Many countries, such as the United States and Canada, recommend avoiding these areas altogether.
If you plan to visit these areas, it is best to do so on a group tour and only to locations that are currently under police surveillance.
2. Watch Your Valuables
Petty crime is common. Remain vigilant for pickpockets in public areas such as bus stations, airports, and shopping centers.
When possible, use ATMs located inside banks and store your valuables in the hotel safe. Take caution when walking alone after dark and avoid empty streets.
3. Protect Yourself From Mosquitoes
Mosquito bites are the most common health issue that foreigners encounter. Dengue fever is a frequent problem in Panama.
If you are traveling to the jungle or tropical lowlands, bring bug spray with a high percentage of DEET. Wear lightweight, long-sleeved clothing when hiking in heavily wooded areas to protect against insect bites.
4. Take Care in the Water
Many areas of Panama have strong currents and riptides. Most beaches lack lifeguards, and they often lack signs warning people of hazardous water conditions. Drownings occur every year; to stay safer, never swim alone.
5. Prepare for Natural Disasters
Panama is home to hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity. To receive alerts if severe weather is headed your way, you can register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System.
Ensure your passport and travel documents are in a safe location. Identify local shelters and learn evacuation plans for different weather events. Follow local media sources and always heed the advice of local authorities.
6. Avoid Demonstrations
Political demonstrations occasionally occur in Panama, and they may sometimes escalate into violence. Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and stay up-to-date on the latest events by following local media.
7. Drive Defensively
Driving standards in Panama are not as regulated as you might be accustomed to in your home country.
Panama has a well-developed road system, but the lighting on roads is inadequate, and many people drive recklessly. Keep your windows up, doors locked, and be prepared for possible roadblocks.
Traveling Smart in Panama
There is something for everyone in Panama, yet many of the activities or destinations the country is famous for come with risk. While Panama is generally safe, you never know when disaster may strike.
Purchase travel insurance for Panama before you leave on your trip. You’ll be prepared for unexpected delays, health emergencies, or natural disasters.
Your trip will be infinitely better if you know you are covered in the case of an emergency.
Find the Best International Travel Insurance
Compare top-rated travel insurance providers
Get quotes for Travel Medical, Trip Cancellation, and more
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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