Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, where he focuses on helping people compare health plans for life abroad. He emphasizes clear information, neutral analysis, and practical decision support.
Overview
Panama has become one of the most popular retirement destinations for Americans and other expats, thanks to its famous Pensionado visa program, proximity to the US, and affordable cost of living. The country offers decent private healthcare at reasonable prices, particularly in Panama City.
Unlike many countries, Panama doesn't require expats to have health insurance. However, given the quality gap between public and private care, most expats choose private coverage or international health insurance for peace of mind.
Not Required
Insurance is optional
Good Private
Healthcare in Panama City
Retiree Hub
Popular with pensioners
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Healthcare System
Panama's healthcare system has two tiers: public social security (CSS) and private healthcare. The quality difference is significant.
Public Healthcare (CSS)
The Caja de Seguro Social (CSS) provides public healthcare to contributing members. Quality and wait times vary considerably:
- Long wait times for non-emergency care
- Basic facilities, especially outside Panama City
- Limited English-speaking staff
- Very affordable for those who qualify
Expats can contribute to CSS, but most prefer private care due to quality concerns.
Private Healthcare
Panama City has several high-quality private hospitals with modern facilities and English-speaking staff:
- Hospital Punta Pacífica: Affiliated with Johns Hopkins, top choice for expats
- Hospital Nacional: Well-equipped general hospital
- Centro Médico Paitilla: Long-established private facility
- Hospital Santa Fe: Good option with reasonable prices
Outside Panama City, private healthcare options are more limited. Expats in areas like Boquete or Bocas del Toro may need to travel to the capital for serious care.
Medical Tourism Destination
Panama attracts medical tourists from the US and other countries for procedures at 40-70% lower costs. This same infrastructure benefits resident expats with access to quality care at reasonable prices.
Visa and Insurance Requirements
Panama offers several visa options for expats, none of which strictly require health insurance:
Pensionado Visa (Retiree Visa)
Panama's famous retiree visa requires proof of $1,000/month pension income. No health insurance requirement, but the visa provides significant discounts:
- 25% off restaurant meals
- 25% off airline tickets
- 20% off medical consultations
- 15% off hospital stays
- Various other discounts on utilities, entertainment
Friendly Nations Visa
For citizens of 50 "friendly nations" (including US, UK, most EU countries), this visa requires economic ties to Panama (employment, business, or real estate) but no health insurance.
Self Economic Solvency Visa
Requires investment of $300,000+ in Panamanian real estate or bank deposit. No insurance requirement.
Insurance Strongly Recommended
While not legally required, health insurance is strongly recommended for expats in Panama. A serious medical event without coverage could be financially devastating, and evacuation to the US for complex care isn't uncommon.
Recommended Plans
For expats in Panama, international health insurance offers the best combination of local coverage and global flexibility. Given Panama's large retiree population, age-related pricing is an important consideration.
| Provider | Type | Price (Age 55) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | International | $350-550/mo | Comprehensive coverage |
| BUPA Global | International | $300-480/mo | Long-term expats |
| Allianz Care | International | $250-400/mo | Value seekers |
| IMG Global | International | $200-350/mo | Flexible options |
| GeoBlue | International | $280-450/mo | US expats |
| SafetyWing | Travel Medical | $70-120/mo | Younger nomads |
Note: Prices shown for age 55 to reflect Panama's retiree demographic. Younger expats will pay less; older expats may pay more.
For Retirees
Cigna Global, Allianz Care, and BUPA Global are popular choices for retirees in Panama. Key considerations:
- Age limits and lifetime coverage guarantees
- Pre-existing condition coverage (or exclusions)
- US coverage for visits home or medical evacuation
- Direct billing at Panama City hospitals
For Working Expats
Younger expats and digital nomads have more options. IMG Global offers flexibility, while SafetyWing provides budget-friendly travel medical coverage for those comfortable with limitations.
For US Expats
GeoBlue is particularly relevant for Americans who may return to the US for care or want seamless coverage when visiting family. The BCBS network access is valuable for US trips.
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Expected Costs
Panama offers good healthcare value compared to the US, though it's not the cheapest in Latin America. Private care costs are reasonable, especially with insurance.
| Service | Public (CSS) | Private |
|---|---|---|
| GP Visit | $5-15 | $50-80 |
| Specialist | $10-25 | $80-150 |
| Hospital (per day) | $50-100 | $300-600 |
| MRI Scan | $100-200 | $300-500 |
| Emergency Room | $20-50 | $150-300 |
Insurance Premium Ranges
For a healthy 55-year-old in Panama (typical retiree age):
- Budget (SafetyWing Remote Health): $150-200/month
- Mid-range (IMG, Allianz): $250-400/month
- Premium (Cigna, BUPA): $350-550/month
Premiums increase significantly with age. A 65-year-old may pay 50-100% more than these estimates.
Out-of-Pocket Strategy
Some expats in Panama opt for high-deductible international insurance plus out-of-pocket payment for routine care. Given Panama's reasonable private healthcare costs, this can work well for healthy individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need health insurance for a Panama visa?
No, Panama doesn't require health insurance for any of its main visa categories. However, insurance is strongly recommended—especially for retirees who may have more health needs.
Is Panama healthcare good enough that I don't need US coverage?
Panama City's private hospitals handle most medical needs well. However, for highly specialized care (certain cancers, complex surgeries), some expats prefer evacuation to the US. International insurance with US coverage provides this option.
Can I use Medicare in Panama?
No, US Medicare doesn't cover care outside the United States. American retirees in Panama need private international health insurance.
What about the Pensionado medical discounts?
Pensionado visa holders get 20% off medical consultations and 15% off hospital stays. These discounts apply even if you have insurance, potentially reducing your out-of-pocket costs.
Should I consider local Panamanian insurance?
Local insurers like ASSA and Mapfre offer policies, often at lower costs than international plans. However, they typically only cover care in Panama and may have more restrictions. For expats who travel or might need US care, international insurance is usually better.
What if I live outside Panama City?
Areas like Boquete, Coronado, and Bocas del Toro have limited healthcare infrastructure. International insurance with evacuation coverage is more important if you live in these areas, as you may need transport to Panama City for serious care.
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Disclaimer: Healthcare costs and insurance requirements can change. Verify current information with immigration authorities and insurance providers before making decisions.
