Healthcare in Panama
Panama's healthcare system is one of Latin America's best, with modern facilities, internationally-trained doctors, and costs that are 25-50% of US prices. This is a major draw for retirees and expats.
Healthcare Quality
Top Hospitals in Panama City:
- Johns Hopkins-affiliated Hospital Punta Pacifica - International accreditation, American-trained doctors
- Hospital San Fernando - Modern, popular with expats
- Hospital Nacional - Large public-private hospital
- Centro Médico Paitilla - Established private hospital
Doctor Quality: Many physicians trained in US, speak excellent English. Specialists readily available. Wait times typically days, not months.
Healthcare Costs (Without Insurance)
| Service | Panama Cost | US Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor consultation | $20-50 | $150-250 | 75-80% |
| Specialist visit | $40-75 | $200-400 | 75-80% |
| Emergency room | $100-200 | $1,500-3,000 | 85-90% |
| Hospital stay (per day) | $100-200 | $2,000-4,000 | 90% |
| MRI scan | $250-400 | $1,200-3,000 | 70-85% |
| Dental cleaning | $40-60 | $100-200 | 60-70% |
| Dental crown | $350-500 | $1,200-2,000 | 70% |
| LASIK (both eyes) | $1,500-2,500 | $4,000-6,000 | 60% |
Health Insurance Options
Local Private Insurance:
- Costs: $100-200/month (under age 64), $200-400 (over 65)
- Recommended Companies: ASSA, Mapfre, Oceánica de Seguros
- Coverage: Good coverage at local hospitals
- Application: Age limits vary, typically must apply before 64-70
International Insurance:
- Costs: $150-500/month depending on age and coverage
- Companies: Cigna Global, Allianz Care, GeoBlue
- Benefits: Worldwide coverage, higher medical limits
- Best for: Frequent travelers, those wanting US coverage option
No Insurance:
- Very viable option in Panama due to low costs
- Doctor visits $20-50, most procedures very affordable
- Many expats pay cash and budget $100-200/month for healthcare
- Works well for healthy individuals
For Pensionado Visa Holders
Massive discounts on healthcare:
- 15% off hospital bills
- 20% off medical consultations
- 10% off prescription medications
These benefits alone can save hundreds monthly.
Public Healthcare (CSS)
Once you're a permanent resident and working/contributing:
- Access to public healthcare system (CSS)
- Very affordable but variable quality
- Most expats prefer private healthcare
Dental & Vision Care
Dental tourism is huge in Panama:
- High-quality dental work at 40-60% US costs
- Many dentists trained in US
- Popular for major work (crowns, implants, veneers)
Vision care: Eye exams $30-50, glasses $100-200 complete.
Prescriptions
Most medications available without prescription. Costs 30-70% less than US. Farmacia Arrocha and Metro Plus are major pharmacy chains.
Medical Tourism
Panama is a growing medical tourism destination:
- Cosmetic surgery at 50% US costs
- Dental work extremely popular
- Orthopedic procedures
- Quality comparable to US at fraction of cost
Pro Tips
- •Hospital Punta Pacifica (Johns Hopkins) is top choice for serious care
- •Health insurance cheaper if applied for before age 64-70
- •Many expats pay cash for routine care - it's very affordable
- •Pensionado discounts make healthcare even cheaper
- •Dental tourism very popular - savings of 40-60%
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