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. ," remarked one expat in Panama.

"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 living in Panama.

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

"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," mentioned one expat in La Chorrera.

"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," commented one expat who moved to 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," commented one expat living 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," wrote one expat.

"In the event described above my experience was at least as good as I would have gotten in the U.S. This included the Dr. spending about 45 minutes sewing up the large wound in the back of my arm, 4 return visits for him to look at it to make sure it was healing properly and there was no infection. And on the other days if I hadn't taken and picture by noon to send to him and given an update that it was ok he sent me a text message to ask what was going on. On the 7th day I returned and had the stitches removed all for a grand total of $100. Keep in mind this was an open wound torn open on the pavement that was about a 2" circle exposing the muscle and tendons, this wasn't just a simple cut with stitches. There's a scar but I was amazed at how well it turned out. Not very noticeable unless I just raise my elbow and point it out," said an expat in La Chorrera.

"Last week I decided that it was time to do something about the chest pains I have been having for several months. I chose a private medical clinic in Boquete, "Clínica Especializada Boquete S.A." because there was an empty parking space in front of it. Within five minutes I was speaking with Dr. Josimar Gómez. He speaks fluent English and spent some time discussing my symptoms before measuring my blood pressure and strongly recommending that I do something about it immediately. A routine consultation costs $15. If you show up in the middle of the night it will be $40. He prescribed blood pressure medication immediately and told me to get blood and urine tests and a chest x-ray. I went to a medical laboratory around the corner where it took about 15 minutes to provide specimens. The results were available by email before the end of the day. Cost: $45.00. I had to go to Hospital Chiriquí in David for the x-ray. Again, no appointment necessary, but I did have to wait over an hour, possibly because they forgot about me. Cost: $25.50 and results were available by email the next day. After a week on the blood pressure medication I returned to Dr. Gomez, he found that my blood pressure was down to 140/80, I was no longer experiencing chest pains, and the tests did not show any serious problems. I will continue with the blood pressure medication and talk to him again in two months. Total cost: just over $100. In the US I'm quite sure that the first doctor would have sent me to the hospital emergency room and the total bill would have run into thousands of dollars. They would have prescribed the most expensive tests they could think of, possibly including invasive procedures that are painful and risky, and I expect that I would still be waiting for a diagnosis," commented one expat 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," commented one expat who moved to 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 one expat.

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

"I need many prescriptions, we have not needed refills yet, and have some waiting for us in the US. I intend to make a list of prescriptions and show it to Dr. Levy and find out what is available here in Coronado and what I need to go elsewhere to find," remarked one expat living in Coronado.

"No the only pain Meds are Tylenol or OxyContin. Only pain specialists can prescribe. Some cardiac Meds are not available and you must mail order them (if this is part of your prescription plan.)," said one expat living in Coronado.

"Many common prescriptions are available over the counter just by talking to the pharmacist," mentioned one expat in La Chorrera.

"Medical facilities in Panama are generally well equipped with modern technology, highly trained staff, and modernized infrastructure. The quality of medical care is excellent and there are many highly skilled specialists working in both public and private hospitals throughout the country. The Panamanian government also supports preventative health care and treatment, so many health issues can be identified and managed before they become more serious. Furthermore, there is a general consensus that Panama offers a high standard of healthcare with quick access to medical care and patient-centered approach to care," mentioned one expat in 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 expat.

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

"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," remarked one expat living in Nueva Gorgona.