15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Panama

" 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. ," wrote one expat.

"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," commented one expat who moved to La Chorrera.

"Care will not be as good unless you live in the city. Insurance will not cover pre existing," said one expat.

"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," remarked one expat 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. ," remarked one expat living in Coronado.

"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," wrote one expat.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Panama.

"Health insurance is not accepted by providers of care. Have Tricare which is military insurance world wide and is part of the Hopkins network so we thought the private hospital that says they are part of Hopkins would accept it. We were sadly mistaken and had the worst experience of our life. If you compare US costs and Panama cost, yes, it is less expensive. But, it is still expensive if you have to pay for surgery before any care is rendered. ," said an expat in Coronado.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Panama can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Private health insurance plans are available, but they can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Public health insurance is available, but it is limited and may not cover all medical expenses. Additionally, the cost of medical care in Panama can be higher than in other countries, so it is important to research the cost of medical care before making any decisions," commented 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 one expat.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Bocas del Toro.

"We are near the San Fernando Clinic. I have not had to go so I cannot tell you how they are. If I needed to be hospitalized I would go to Punta Pacifica hospital where they take my insurance BCBS and stay there, I have heard very positive things," mentioned one expat in Coronado.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Coronado, 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," remarked one expat living 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 person.

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

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

"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," said one expat 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," 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.

"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," mentioned one expat in David.

"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," commented one expat who moved to 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," remarked one expat living 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," said one expat.

"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," remarked one expat in Panama.