Healthcare & Health Insurance in Panama

"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," wrote one digital nomad living in Coronado, Panama.

"Being from the U.S. it's hard to say medical care is better, but the difference is it's 1/10th the cost to get the same type of medical care. Don't be afraid that you're going to get 3rd world medical care in a foreign country. Also, just as in the U.S., don't be afraid to ask questions or to give your opinion of what you think needs to be your course of treatment," said one foreigner in La Chorrera.

" We have found the quality to be better than what was available was in Oklahoma, the price is definitely less, the doctors spend a lot more time with you and actually care. ," remarked one member in Panama.

"It is not like others want you to believe. It is not up to US standards. The one private hospital wants you to believe they are part of the Johns Hopkins network and they are not. Clinics are often store fronts, crowded and dirty. Equipment is old. ," explained one expat living in Coronado, Panama.

"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," said a member in Panama.

"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," explained one person living in Boca Chica, Panama.

"If you can get health insurance before you have issues, the private insurance is affordable compared to the US. I'd say about 25 percent of the cost," said one member in Bocas del Toro.

"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," said a member in Coronado.

"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," explained one person living in Panama.

"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," wrote one digital nomad living in Bocas del Toro, Panama.

"You must go to Panama City an hour away and you must have Cash! No one will take insurance and treat you. Credit cards are not accepted nor are checks. All care even surgery must be paid for before any care is given. They will refuse care and put you on the street regardless of your condition. ," remarked one member in Coronado.

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

"You have to go into Panama City. Care is adequate only if you have CASH in hand," said one digital nomad 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 a person living in La Chorrera, Panama.

"Panama City is home to a high concentration of medical specialists and some of the best healthcare infrastructure in the country. Other cities in the Central Provinces region such as Colón, David, Chitré, Santiago, and La Chorrera also have numerous medical specialists. Additionally, areas like Boquete, Coronado, El Valle, Bocas del Toro and San Carlos also have a large selection of medical specialists. Each area specializes in specific healthcare services, so it is important to research thoroughly in order to find the best specialist for your medical needs," explained one digital nomad living in Panama.

"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," said one digital nomad in Panama.

"Many common prescriptions are available over the counter just by talking to the pharmacist," commented a person living in La Chorrera, 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," said one digital nomad in Panama.

"Yes, foreigners living in Panama have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Panama is generally considered to be of good quality, with many hospitals and clinics offering a wide range of services. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is free for all citizens and legal residents. However, foreigners may be required to pay a fee for certain services. In addition, many private healthcare providers offer services at a higher cost," explained one person 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 digital nomad living in David, Panama.

"No. You cannot enroll in public healthcare system. If you buy health Insurance in Panamá, pre existing is not included or covered There are public hospitals and cost there is much less however quality of care is not great, if you go to one of the private hospitals in Panamá city, care is very good but very expensive. My husband had a severe heart attack I. He Spent time in a David Panamá hospital where the stent cardiologist was out of town with no replacement. He also died before we could get him airlifted after 5 days to Panamá City. Cost of it all? $75,000 You move at your own risk. Care may not be as good unless you live in the city and it will not be covered by insurance," said one foreigner in Bocas del Toro.

"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," wrote one digital nomad living in Nueva Gorgona, Panama.

"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," said one foreigner in Panama.