15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Panama

"Not great. I read a post in response to this question where someone said we have a hospital. Not true. We have a building that is supposed to be a new clinic but it is not open and there is no telling when it will open. If you want any kind of serious health care you have to go to Coronado or Panama City," wrote one expat.

"See Dr. Levy, even if you have no insurance his office visits are only $15 and he is a very nice Dr who will send you to the appropriate specialists. Also there are a number of alternative doctor's locally who are not expensive either and are very effective if you are into that type of medicine. I have not renewed any medications since I arrived so I do not know about prescription drugs yet. But in terms of just seeing someone because you are not feeling well, Dr. Levy seems to be the place to go. And his fee is such it does not even make sense to claim insurance for the visit," commented one expat who moved to Coronado.

"Healthcare services in Panama are generally of a high quality, with both public and private options available. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is free for all Panamanian citizens. It is also available to foreign residents, although they may have to pay a fee. The public healthcare system is generally of a good quality, with a wide range of services available. Expats in Panama can use the public healthcare system, although they may have to pay a fee. Private healthcare is also available in Panama, and is generally of a higher quality than the public system. Private healthcare is more expensive than the public system, but it is often preferred by expats due to the higher quality of care," said one expat.

"Make sure you can fly back to the US for health care. You can not get health care in Panama unless you have cash. We were held at gunpoint in Panama till we came up with the CASH following my husband's surgery. Did not matter that we had retired military health insurance," remarked one expat in Coronado.

"Care will not be as good unless you live in the city. Insurance will not cover pre existing," remarked one expat living in Bocas del Toro.

"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," remarked one expat in Boca Chica.

"Panama has a well-developed healthcare system, with both public and private hospitals and clinics providing a wide range of medical services. The country has a number of highly-trained doctors and specialists, and many of the larger hospitals offer advanced medical treatments and procedures. In addition, Panama has a number of medical tourism options, with many people travelling to the country for medical treatments and procedures that may not be available in their home countries. The cost of medical services in Panama is generally lower than in other countries, making it an attractive option for those seeking medical care," remarked one expat living in Panama.

"Health care is excellent, in private hospitals, with excellent doctors, specialists, surgeons, nurses, etc....and price are cheaper than the USA. A Healthcare plan here (we are with Cigna but there are many other companies to choose from) covers us, my wife and I, in Panama and worldwide for a fraction of USA health plan cost so Healthcare is very affordable in Panama," wrote an expat living in Panama City.

"Emergency services in my area on Bocas del Toro are pretty well non existent. There is a new hospital. However is does not have much equipment. Great for small things. Cuts to be stitched. Infections, this hospital is public. If I had a choice I would go to Punta Pacifica in Panamá City," mentioned one expat in Bocas del Toro.

"Emergency services in Panama are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, you can call the national emergency number, 911, to request an ambulance. The ambulance will be dispatched to your location and will provide medical assistance. Additionally, you can also call the local fire department or police station for assistance," commented one expat who moved to Panama.

"Private hospital is one hour away and forget any ambulance services. We had an emergency (needed surgery) and we almost lost the life of my husband," remarked one expat living in Coronado.

"If I needed a specialist I would go into Panama City to Punta Pacifica hospital, which is a private hospital," mentioned one expat in Coronado.

"I was in a public hospital overnight for an open wound on the back of my arm caused by a car accident. The care, and the food, in the public hospital was subpar to standard treatment in the U.S., but as soon as I left the free public hospital and went to a private Dr. at his office, which is open 7 days a week 365 days a yea. Once at the office the Dr. came outside to the car I was riding in and looked at my elbow and said, it need some stitches here, here and here and I can fix it right up. I told him that's exactly what I'd said to the ambulance drivers the day before. So, I went inside and about 45 minutes later I was sewn back together and good to go," commented one expat who moved to La Chorrera, Panama.

"You have to go into Panama City. Care is adequate only if you have CASH in hand," remarked one expat living in Coronado.

"I need many prescriptions, we have not needed refills yet, and have some waiting for us in the US. I intend to make a list of prescriptions and show it to Dr. Levy and find out what is available here in Coronado and what I need to go elsewhere to find," remarked one expat in Coronado.

"No the only pain Meds are Tylenol or OxyContin. Only pain specialists can prescribe. Some cardiac Meds are not available and you must mail order them (if this is part of your prescription plan.)," remarked one expat living in Coronado.

"Many common prescriptions are available over the counter just by talking to the pharmacist," said one expat living in La Chorrera.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Panama. Most pharmacies in Panama carry a wide variety of medications, including both generic and brand-name drugs. Many of the medications available in Panama are the same as those available in the United States, although some may be sold under different names. Additionally, some medications may be available in Panama that are not available in the United States. It is important to note that some medications may require a prescription from a Panamanian doctor in order to be purchased," mentioned one expat in Panama.

"Public and private hospitals. I was hospitalized and my insurance coveted it. It is very cheap. The care is better in Colombia. s.A," wrote an expat living in Panama.

"There is a clinic in town where you can consult a doctor 24/7 for $2.00. If you have a real emergency they will take you by ambulance to the hospital in Las Tablas or Chitre. We have not used the hospital but have used some of the private clinics in Chitre for specific problems and that has been economical and good," said an expat in Pedasi.

"Medical facilities in Panama are generally well equipped with modern technology, highly trained staff, and modernized infrastructure. The quality of medical care is excellent and there are many highly skilled specialists working in both public and private hospitals throughout the country. The Panamanian government also supports preventative health care and treatment, so many health issues can be identified and managed before they become more serious. Furthermore, there is a general consensus that Panama offers a high standard of healthcare with quick access to medical care and patient-centered approach to care," commented one expat living in Panama.

"Today, June 16, 2021, went to Parque Miguel Cervantes de Saarveda in David, Panama for a free COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test. I go the results on paper within 20-25 minutes without any difficulty. It helps to speak Spanish there. Be sure to check the print-out they provide to make sure all of your information is accurate and that it is stamped with their agency and Negativa," wrote one expat.

"I thought the response in Panama was good though too drastic. Closing beaches I felt was a mistake and pools at condos should have been limited not closed. Five months with no outdoor exercise was hell to live through. Also though many closures, very little enforcement," mentioned one expat in Nueva Gorgona.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Panama. The government has implemented strict measures to contain the spread of the virus, including the closure of non-essential services and the suspension of elective surgeries. As a result, many healthcare facilities have been overwhelmed with the influx of patients seeking treatment for COVID-19. Despite the challenges, the healthcare system in Panama has been able to provide adequate care to those in need. The government has also implemented a number of initiatives to ensure that the most vulnerable populations have access to healthcare services, including free testing and treatment for those who cannot afford it," commented one expat who moved to Panama.