Volcan, PanamaHealth Care in Volcan
Summary: Learn about the health system in Volcan: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Volcan.
The healthcare system in Volcan is a blend of public and private services. The quality of care varies, with private hospitals generally offering a higher standard of care than public ones.
Panama's Healthcare System
Panama's public healthcare system, known as the Caja de Seguro Social (CSS), is available to all residents, including foreigners. However, the quality of care in public hospitals can be inconsistent, and many people do not recommend using them for serious medical emergencies or major surgeries. Public hospitals in Volcan are typically crowded and may lack certain resources. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system, but many choose to use private hospitals instead. Private hospitals in Panama, including those in Volcan, are generally well-equipped and staffed with English-speaking doctors. They are often recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Volcan
Volcan is a small town and does not have a large number of hospitals. However, there are a few clinics that are recommended for expats:
- Centro Medico Dr. Efraín A. Vega - a private clinic located in Volcan.
- Policlinica Dr. Blas Gómez Chetro - a public clinic in the nearby town of Bugaba, about a 30-minute drive from Volcan.
- Hospital Mae Lewis - a private hospital in David, about an hour's drive from Volcan. This hospital is known for its specialist care.
Emergency Services in Volcan
Emergency services in Volcan are limited. There is no dedicated ambulance service in the town. In case of an emergency, residents typically have to arrange for private transport to the nearest hospital. This can sometimes lead to delays in receiving urgent medical care.
Health Insurance Companies in Volcan
There are several popular private health insurance companies in Volcan, including Seguros Mapfre and ASSA Compañía de Seguros. These companies offer a range of health insurance plans, including coverage for treatment in private hospitals. Many expats and digital nomads in Volcan choose to use these local insurance providers, although some prefer to use international health insurance providers that specialize in coverage for expats.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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