Health Insurance

Panama’s capital is Panama City. Panama City is the largest residential area in the country with half the country’s almost 3.9 million population living and working in the city. Other main cities and towns are Boquete, an agricultural area with a population of 20,000 and popular with expat retirees. David is the country’s third largest city. The native language is Spanish although English is also widely spoken particularly in in commercial situations.

Panama in numbers

* Nations Encyclopaedia
** Worldbank Data
*** Daily Telegraph

Panama has a very strong Spanish influence in its culture, food and architecture. The currency is the US dollar. Investment in Panama has brought the Pan-American Highway that runs the breadth of the country making travel across the country very easy. Panama also has very good communications and air and water quality.

Healthcare in Panama

Panama has a high quality health service, particularly in the cities across the country. The Punta Pacifica Hospital is one of the most technologically advanced medical facilities in Latin America. Doctors are generally trained in the US meaning the hospitals offer services equally as good as many in the US and Europe. The majority of medical staff also speaks English. Despite the high quality, healthcare across the country is still one of the most affordable in Central America.

Private Medical Insurance in Panama

Although private healthcare is affordable and there is a public healthcare system provided by the Government it is advisable for expatriates to arrange private medical insurance cover. The affordability of healthcare in Panama helps to keep private health insurance premiums low for expatriates but this cover does mean faster access to generally better quality healthcare facilities.

A variety of medical insurance plans are available, for example, some hospitals and clinics offer private health programmes for that specific facility. A monthly premium, based on age and current health condition, will generally cover examinations, tests and operations. This type of insurance cover is not insurance as such, but more discount programmes providing up to 50% to 60% off medical care.

More traditional medical plans provided by insurance companies will cover most medical costs. Most of plans will exclude medical services in the United States although it is possible to find policies – especially international private medical insurance – that include cover but this will sharply increase premiums as the US healthcare system is one of the most expensive in the world. It’s worth noting Medicare does not apply to Panama.

Important Health Information Before You Go

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

Source: Centre for Disease Control and Prevention

Prescription Drugs in Panama

Most medicines are cheap and many that would need a prescription elsewhere are available over the counter. However, the name of drugs will vary, and it is advisable to consult a doctor first to find out what the drug is called locally. Alternatively if you have an international health insurance policy, your insurer will often provide a drug translation facility on their website.

Pharmacies are called farmacia in Panama and there are many to choose from in all the main towns and cities.

Health Checks

It is generally quick and easy to get an appointment with a GP, and doctors can usually fit patients into their schedule within a few days. The costs of basic medical services in Panama are reasonable with doctor’s visits usually costing anywhere between US$20 and US$40 depending on the doctor. As an example, specialists generally charge US$40 per visit while general practitioners will be around US$20. For every day pain and ailments, paying cash for a doctor’s visit is normal in Panama.

Food Hygiene and Health in Panama

The standard of hygiene is high in Panama and tap water is safe to drink in most areas. Restaurants hotels in the cities also generally provide a high standard of food hygiene. The most common health problems that affect new residents is sunburn and mosquito bites. It can get very hot with temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celcius) . Illnesses that once ravaged the country such as yellow fever and malaria, are no longer epidemic in Panama.

Medical Emergencies

In case of an emergency situation, numbers to call include:

• Emergency – 911
• National Police – 104
• SEMM (Mobile Emergency Medical Services) Private Ambulance Service – 507 307-9142
• Red Cross – *455 (from mobiles only) / 507-315 1388
• SINAPROC (Crisis/Natural Disasters) *335 (from mobiles only)
• Transit Police 507-511-9281/511 9320

Healthcare Facilities

If a person requires emergency medical assistance dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. Possible hospitals which include:

• Punta Pacifica, 507-204-8000
• Paitilla, 507-269-5222
• San Fernando, 507-305-6301/6350
• Nacional, 507-207-8100
• Santa Fe, 507-227-4733