Understanding the Health Sytem in Panama

Panama's healthcare system is composed of both public and private healthcare options. The public healthcare system is called the Caja de Seguro Social (CSS) and is available to all Panamanian citizens and legal residents. Foreigners are allowed to use the public healthcare system, however, it is not widely used by expats and digital nomads. Public hospitals are generally not recommended for serious medical emergencies or major surgery, as they are often overcrowded and lack the necessary resources. Private hospitals are typically more modern and better equipped, and are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.

Panama's Public Healthcare System

The public healthcare system in Panama is called the Caja de Seguro Social (CSS). It is available to all Panamanian citizens and legal residents, and foreigners are allowed to use the public healthcare system. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and employers, and provides access to basic medical care at a low cost. However, public hospitals are often overcrowded and lack the necessary resources, so they are not recommended for serious medical emergencies or major surgery.

Panama's Private Healthcare System

Private healthcare in Panama is widely available and is typically more modern and better equipped than public hospitals. Private hospitals are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are better equipped to handle these types of cases. Private healthcare is more expensive than public healthcare, but it is still relatively affordable.

Panama's Top Hospitals

The top hospitals in Panama include:

• Hospital Punta Pacifica (private hospital in Panama City)
• Hospital Nacional (public hospital in Panama City)
• Hospital Chiriquí (public hospital in David)
• Hospital Santo Tomás (private hospital in Panama City)
• Hospital del Niño (public hospital in Panama City)
• Hospital Punta Pacífica (private hospital in Panama City specializing in cardiology)

Health Insurance Companies in Panama

The most popular private health insurers in Panama are Assa Compañía de Seguros, Mapfre Panamá, and Seguros SURA. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

Insider Tips from Expats in Panama: How to Navigate the Health System

"The Clinic in Horconsitos is open only part time. Additional Clinic is available M-F in San Lorenzo. Otherwise a trip to Davis is required, 1:15 minutes away from home," commented one expat living in Boca Chica, Panama.

"all six pharmacies in the area have been out of my cholesterol drug for over a month," mentioned one expat living in Panama.

"Chitre is a Medical Hub in the Central Provinces of Panama. Panama has a 2 tier system, public and private. For the most part, you can get very good health care for most everything. It is not perfect, but it is within the most reasonable care you can get in the country. Naturally, for more serious types of situations you would have to go Panama City. However, generally speaking Chitre has it all in newer and cleaner hospitals both public and private," said an expat in Panama.

"15 years ago I had GBS and was in the Mae Lewis Hospital in David for four months until I recovered. They took very good care of me, I was in intensive care on a respirator for a good part of the time. I haven't been sick since then and take no medications. I am 80 years old," remarked one expat in Panama.

"Health care in Panama exemplifies that of a small, developing country. The public system is very hit-or-miss, ranging from bad to terrible. The private system is adequate, but expensive for those coming from countries with universal health care systems," said one expat living in Panama.

"Many expats get travel insurance but that is expensive. I have MAPFRE which is from Spain, covers everything I need and is beyond reasonable. I pay $31.50 per month and $3 dr. visit. The descuento jubilado here is another great savings," commented one expat who moved to Panama.

"Many doctors live in our town and the facilities are quite adequate for expat healthcare," said one expat.

"Medical services in Panama are of a high standard and can be found in both public and private sectors. The public health system is provided by the Ministry of Health and covers general ambulatory services, specialized services, and hospitalizations in both public and private institutions. Private hospitals, clinics and medical centers in Panama typically offer excellent healthcare and a wide range of specialized medical services, featuring the latest medical technologies and modern equipment. Many of the private medical hospitals and clinics also work in close association with some of the most renowned universities and medical schools," commented one member living in Panama.