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An Expat Talks about What is Was Like Having a Baby in Santiago, Panama

Share Your Experiences Having a Baby Abroad

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Santiago

How recently did you give birth in the country that you are reporting on?

2 births already, 1 more in Nov 2010

Describe your experience giving birth there. What type of facility did you go to? What (if any) type of pain management did you use? How long did you stay in the hospital? Was it a positive experience? Etc...

Private clinic in Santiago - Jesus de Nazareno. Top quality from the doctors and nurses. My wife was attended by the Gyn or Pediatrician from the moment she went into labor until the baby was born. The doctors stayed in the same room as us THE ENTIRE TIME and gave us THEIR FULL ATTENTION! Total cost for 2 nights in the hospital, epidural, and circumcision= $1200. Dr. Villaba is great, very kind and patient.

Expat Health Insurance in Panama

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

How did you choose your doctor, midwife or other type of medical professional?

Dr. Villaba (ObGyn) is very well respected in Santiago and was recommended by another doctor. The pediatrician, Dr. Villalaz, is very good with kids and has taken care of my oldest 2. He offices with Villaba.

If you were to have another child in this country, would you do anything differently in terms of preparation and/or the delivery?

The setup was ideal. The only thing I could have done to make it better - bring a fluffier pillow from home.

If a friend of yours living in the same country were expecting, what advice would you give her?

The care you will receive here is unlike the US. THe doctors are very hands on - not afraid to touch you. They have very good bedside manner and are not in a hurry. The Ob yo start with will be with you until the baby is born.

International Health Insurance

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Healthcare in Panama

Expats have differing opinions about healthcare in Panama. Many advice against public hospitals and healthcare, but some recount good experiences. This article covers public vs private healthcare, cost of healthcare, obtaining prescription medications and much more.

16 Expats Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Panama

Expats living in Panama talk about their own experiences with healthcare, hospital visits, emergencies, finding a doctor, buying health insurance in Panama and more.

8 Important Tips about Healthcare and Health Insurance in Panama

Expats in Panama offer 8 important tips about healthcare and health insurance in Panama. While the quality of healthcare varies, there are world class doctors and facilities throughout Panama. Health insurance is much less expensive in Panama. Doctors visits (with and without insurance) are very affordable. The one negative seems to be that medications can be more expensive that in the U.S. Despite these pros and cons, many expats mentioned that people have healthier lifestyles in Panama - cleaner air, cleaner water, fresh produce and less stress.

Hospitals in Panama City, Panama

Knowing which hospital you would go to should a medical emergency arise while living in Panama is important. This information is provided (but not endorsed) by expats and the US Embassy in Panama.

Panama Healthcare FAQ

Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about healthcare and health insurance for expats in Panama.

Expats Report about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Panama

Read recent healthcare reports submitted for: Bocas del Toro, La Chorrera and Nueva Gorgona.

Answer Questions about Healthcare in Panama

Help others moving to Panama by answering a set of questions about health insurance, public healthcare in Panama, prescription medicine, quality of medical care and emergency services.

Expats Talk about What it's Like Having a Baby in Panama

Read recent baby reports submitted for Santiago and David.

If you're an expat parent who had a baby abroad, write a report about your childbirth experiences to help other expecting expat parents.

Talk with Expats in Panama

If you're not involved in our Panama Forum, it's a great place to meet others in your area, get answers to questions about moving to Panama or offer advice to a newcomer.

More about Panama

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Expat Survey: 85% of Expats in Panama Love Living There

Our survey to find the Best Places to Live in 2022 revealed that 85% of expats in Panama report that they are happy with the expatriate experience there.

Our survey to find the Best Places to Live in 2022 revealed that 85% of expats in Panama report that they are happy with the expatriate experience there....

Living in Panama Guide

Our Guide to Living in Panama is a perfect primer for readers interested in Panama. Covers healthcare, cost of living, best places to live, residency, visas, real estate, moving tips and the pros and cons of living in Panama.

Expat Survey: Panama Remains Popular With Expats

Expats remain attracted to Panama for its cost of living, excellent climate and the variety of options available for places to live. Read about how Panama ranked relative to other expat destinations and specific comments from expats themselves.

10 Tips for Living in Panama

Expats, global nomads and retirees are drawn to Panama's ease of residency, low taxes (Panama does not tax on worldwide income), friendly Panamanians who always put family first, inexpensive healthcare and laid back lifestyle. Like any country, life in Panama does come with a few challenges. This articles covers all of these topics and more.

Panama Visas & Residency

This article covers the ins and outs of the most common tourist and residency visas that expats and global nomads obtain when moving to and living in Panama. How long you can stay in Panama without a visa (or on a tourist visa depending upon your citizenship)? What are the advantages of becoming a legal resident of Panama? Would I qualify for the Friendly Nations Visa? How old do I have to be to qualify for the Pensionado Visa? How do I apply for a work permit in Panama? It also addresses how and why some expats choose to become citizens of Panama.