Panama Healthcare Guide
Everything you need to know about healthcare as an expat in Panama.
Healthcare System Overview
Panama's private healthcare system offers quality comparable to the United States at **25-75% lower costs**, with many physicians trained in the U.S. or Europe and fluent in English. The country has emerged as a medical tourism destination, with Hospital Punta PacĂfica serving as the only **Johns Hopkins-affiliated facility in Central America**. Multiple JCI-accredited hospitals provide world-class care in Panama City, while regional options exist in David and other cities.
Public Healthcare
Panama's public healthcare system (CSS - Caja de Seguro Social) serves primarily Panamanian citizens and legal residents who contribute through employment. Quality is adequate for basic care but facilities are often crowded with long wait times. Most expats avoid the public system in favor of affordable private care. Pensionado visa holders and other legal residents can access CSS services.
Private Healthcare
**Hospital Punta PacĂfica (PacĂfica Salud)** - Johns Hopkins-affiliated, JCI accredited, 250+ doctors, robotic surgery systems. Second location opened in Costa del Este (2022). As of April 2025, accepts certain Medicare Advantage plans for direct billing. **Hospital Nacional** - Affiliated with University of Nebraska Medical Center, 1:10 nurse-to-patient ratio, excellent reputation. **Hospital San Fernando** - First JCI gold-star rating in Panama, offers senior health insurance with **no age restrictions** (premiums $143-232/month for ages 60-90+), satellite clinics in Coronado and other locations. **Regional options**: David has two private hospitals providing good care for western Panama. Bocas del Toro and rural areas have only basic clinics—serious care requires travel.
Healthcare for Expats
Access & Eligibility
Expats have full access to private healthcare regardless of visa status—simply pay out of pocket or through insurance. Quality doctors speak English, especially in Panama City. No referral system; you can see specialists directly. Pensionado visa holders receive 20% discount on medical services. Some Medicare Advantage plans now accepted at Hospital Punta PacĂfica.
Recommended Approach
Most expats use **private healthcare** due to quality, English availability, and reasonable costs. Recommended approach: 1. **Establish primary care** with English-speaking doctor in Panama City or your area 2. **Consider local insurance** (ASSA, MAPFRE) if under 55-65 age limits 3. **MiniMed membership** ($20/month) for unlimited doctor visits and basic coverage 4. **International insurance** (Cigna, Allianz) for comprehensive coverage and evacuation 5. **Hospital San Fernando insurance** for seniors with no age restrictions 6. **Keep U.S. coverage** if needing to return for complex procedures
Typical Costs
| Service | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Dental | undefined - |
| Doctor Visits | undefined - |
| Prescriptions | undefined - 50-90% less than U.S. prices for most medications. Many drugs available OTC that require prescription in U.S. Farmacias Arrocha is largest chain; hospital pharmacies have best selection. |
| Us Comparison | undefined - |
Health Insurance
Requirements
No mandatory health insurance requirement for residency visas (unlike some countries). However, insurance is strongly recommended. Digital nomad visa requires health insurance as part of application. Some visa processes may request health certificate but not ongoing insurance proof.
Recommended Insurance Providers
- MiniMed ($20/month) - exceptional value for expats, unlimited doctor visits, 50+ lab tests, no age limits
- ASSA/MAPFRE local plans ($70-175/month) - good coverage with age limits typically 55-65
- Hospital San Fernando senior insurance ($143-232/month) - no age restrictions, ideal for older expats
- Cigna Global/Allianz International ($2,800-5,700/year) - comprehensive coverage, drops significantly excluding U.S.
- IMG international plans - good mid-range option
Medical Tourism
Panama has emerged as a significant **medical tourism destination**. Hospital Punta PacĂfica's Johns Hopkins affiliation attracts international patients. Dental tourism is particularly popular with savings of 50-80% on major procedures. Many U.S. patients combine vacation with medical care. English-speaking staff, modern facilities, and dramatically lower costs drive the industry.
Popular Procedures
Recommended PartnerDon't skip health insurance
Cost estimates are great for budgeting, but real coverage protects you when something goes wrong.
A portion of affiliate revenue is donated to UNHCR
Compare Healthcare Systems
See how Panama's healthcare compares to other countries.