Health insurance in Panama
Remember to take out insurance to live or travel in Panama.
Moving to Panama offers many advantages, whether for expatriation or study. The country boasts a pleasant tropical climate, an affordable cost of living, and a high quality of life with competitively priced housing. Panama offers attractive visa programs, a growing economy, opportunities in various economic sectors, and a favorable tax regime. Its political stability and security further enhance its appeal to expatriates seeking a serene and prosperous living environment. If you’re planning a trip to Panama, don’t forget your expatriate health insurance Panama!
Student Insurance Panama
Insurance to cover your studies in Panama.
From
27€
- Worldwide coverage
- Maximum age: 35
- Covers emergencies and accidents
- Covers hospitalization and routine medical care
- Up to €250,000 per year
- Standard dental and optical expenses up to €550
- Contraception coverage + vaccines
- Maternity care
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Repatriation assistance
- Civil liability
- Individual protection
Expatriate insurance Panama
Health insurance to cover your expatriation to Panama.
From
93€
- Worldwide coverage
- Minimum age: 14
- Maximum age: 65
- Covers hospitalization and routine medical care
- Up to €1,500,000 per year
- Maternity coverage up to €4,000
- Coverage of assisted reproduction up to €1,500
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Coverage of pharmaceutical costs up to €370
- Optional dental and optical care
- Maternity plus option
- Prevention and well-being as an option
- Optional repatriation assistance
- Optional third-party liability
Travel insurance Panama
International health insurance to cover your trip to Panama.
From
34€
- Worldwide coverage
- Maximum age: 85
- Covers emergencies and accidents
- Up to €500,000 per trip
- Covers loss, theft or destruction of baggage
- Repatriation assistance
- Travel assistance
- Civil liability
Any questions? Need advice?
Information about health insurance in Panama
Political system: Presidential Republic.
Capital: Panama City.
Surface area: 75,417 km².
Population: 4.3 million.
Languages spoken: Spanish, English (commonly used in business).
Currency: Panamanian Balboa (PAB) and US dollar (USD).
How does Panama's healthcare system work?
Panama’s healthcare system combines public and private services. The public sector, managed mainly by the Caja de Seguro Social (CSS) and the Ministry of Health (MINSA), offers free or low-cost care, although often with longer waiting times and limited resources, especially in rural areas. In contrast, the private sector offers high-quality care with rapid access, but at higher costs. This is why foreigners living in Panama generally opt for expatriate health insurance.
Panama is investing in improving its healthcare infrastructure, but challenges remain, particularly in terms of regional disparities and access to care. Pharmacies are widely available, and medicines are often cheaper than in many Western countries. Overall, Panama’s healthcare system strives to meet the needs of its population, despite inequalities between public and private services.
What health challenges do we face in Panama?
Living in Panama has many advantages, but there are also health challenges that it’s important to be prepared for. Because of its tropical climate, Panama is prone to certain infectious diseases that can affect residents and expatriates alike. Common medical conditions include gastrointestinal diseases, tuberculosis, dengue fever, typhoid fever, intestinal parasites…
One of the major challenges is the presence of malaria, endemic in certain regions of Panama. Expatriates and residents alike must take anti-malarial medication to protect themselves. Local environmental conditions, such as dust, high humidity, insects and pathogenic micro-organisms, can also aggravate certain health problems, notably skin and respiratory infections.
Panama’s medical infrastructure, although improving, is not always up to Western standards, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare can be limited. Expatriates and visitors often have to turn to the private sector for better-quality care, which can entail high costs. Thus, purchasing expatriate insurance in Panama is crucial to ensuring access to necessary care without breaking the bank.
What vaccinations should I have before leaving for Panama?
Before leaving for Panama, don’t forget to get vaccinated against several diseases to ensure your health and safety. Here are the recommended vaccines:
- Hepatitis A: Transmitted by contaminated food and water.
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for people likely to come into contact with blood or body fluids.
- Typhoid: Recommended for travelers staying in rural areas or eating local food.
- Yellow fever: Recommended if you plan to visit Colombia or areas close to the border. A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required if you are traveling from a country where yellow fever is present.
- Rabies: Recommended for travelers exposed to animals (aid workers, researchers, etc.), particularly in rural areas.
- COVID-19: Make sure you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, in view of current regulations and health risks.
This advice is based on WHO recommendations.
How much does healthcare cost in Panama?
The cost of health care in Panama can vary considerably depending on the services and facilities:
- Public sector: Public healthcare is often very affordable or even free for citizens and residents, but quality can vary, especially outside major cities like Panama City. Waiting times can be long and facilities may be limited.
- Private sector: Private hospitals offer a better quality of care, but they are expensive. Patients often have to pay in advance or provide proof of health insurance before being admitted. For example, specialized treatments can cost several thousand dollars.
As a foreigner, don’t go to Panama without health insurance, regardless of the purpose of your stay. Get a free quote and discover all theinsurance optionsfor expatriates in Panama, students and travelers.
Why do I need health insurance for Panama?
Purchasing health insurance for Panama is essential due to the variable quality of public healthcare and the high cost of private care. As you can see, Panama’s public healthcare system can have inadequate infrastructure, limited equipment and long waiting times, particularly outside the major cities such as Panama City.
Private hospitals, on the other hand, offer better quality care. They often require advance payment or proof of health insurance, which can lead to significant costs for medical treatment and hospitalization. When you take out expatriate health insurance with Mondassur, you benefit from comprehensive coverage not only in Panama, but also worldwide for business trips and travel.
Which health insurance for Panama?
Everyone can benefit from expatriate health insurance, and international coverage is more advantageous for any type of profile wishing to expatriate to Panama.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a nomadic worker, an employee, a retiree or a student, Mondassur has an expatriate health insurance plan to suit your profile. Each plan offers comprehensive, personalized coverage, guaranteeing your peace of mind wherever you are in the world.
For students traveling to Panama, consider taking out international student health insurance. Get a free quote for your student insurance in Panama to discover the best options available. For short term stays, Mondassur can provide comprehensivetravel insurance solutionsin Panama. These insurances offer protection for the duration of your trip, covering a wide range of situations to ensure your safety and peace of mind.
