Panama embodies the term “tropical paradise,” providing a haven for expats, retirees, aspiring business owners, and more. While the warm weather, beautiful beaches and mountains, rich culture, and low cost of living may initially attract so many, when you mix in affordable yet high-quality healthcare, it’s the perfect recipe for a place to land long-term.
Panama’s healthcare quality is among the best in Latin America, with many facilities equaling that in the U.S., Canada, and Europe while being a fraction of the price. Many doctors and nurses in Panama speak English, and these medical professionals are often noted for their exceptional care and compassionate bedside manners. Panama City is a regional leader in medical tourism.
Top-rated hospitals in the region
Panama City has the best hospitals and medical services. Here, you can expect superior care provided with the latest equipment and technology.
Punta Pacifica
Punta Pacifica is the only hospital in Central America affiliated with John Hopkins Medicine International. It’s widely regarded as the most technologically advanced in Latin America, and its medical professionals stay updated through a continual education program that includes real-time video conferences and symposiums in various branches of medicine.
It was right here at Punta Pacifica where the country’s first successful heart transplant was performed, and the hospital was selected to develop investigation studies of diseases based on its high-level technology combined with the abilities and skills in the non-traditional management of medical cases. There are over 350 medical specialists here with services that include maternity, intensive care, and many surgical specialties, including cardiovascular, orthopedic, plastic, and general surgeries.
Conveniently located in the heart of the city, Punta Pacific offers packages with international insurance companies and can assist with insurance coordination, transportation arrangements, and more. Plus, most doctors, nurses, and other staff members speak English.
Panama Clinic
The newest healthcare option in Panama City is The Panama Clinic, which provides a wide range of medical services, including emergency and surgical services, hospitalization, intensive care, and rehabilitation, just to name a few. It also has a unique complimentary service through its International Health Service Department designed to provide streamlined access and individual cultural support for international patients. That includes helping to schedule medical appointments, coordinating the hospital admissions process, language support, travel and accommodation advice, and much more.
Most of its consultations and recovery rooms face the ocean, so patients can recover in what feels like a high-end hotel while enjoying their view of the Pacific Ocean.
Paitilla Hospital
Founded in 1975, Paitilla is one of Panama City’s most prestigious private hospitals. It’s renowned for its oncology unit, which includes a top group of specialists trained in the U.S., Mexico, Spain, and Brazil, and has state-of-the-art equipment. It stands out for its radiology and imaging, cardiac catheterization unity, critical care unit for newborns and adults, and cancer center, which opened over 20 years ago.
Cost of healthcare
Healthcare costs are one of the reasons many people cite for moving to Panama. It’s a fraction of the cost of healthcare in the U.S. Many medical procedures are just 25 to 50 percent of the cost of the same procedures performed there. Some are even less.
Paying Out of Pocket
Most basic healthcare is so affordable that it’s possible to pay out of pocket. But even having a baby costs significantly less in Panama than in the U.S., with some paying cash for those services. For example, a C-section (cesarean section), including the surgery, medications, and hospital stay, runs only about US$7,000.
For a visit to a general practitioner (GP), you’ll pay anywhere from $50 to $100 (US), and for a specialist, $100 to $200. Cut your foot while surfing? If you need stitches, it will run you just $1.50 at a public hospital or $50 at a private facility. A hip replacement will cost around $5,000, compared to nearly $60,000 in the US.
International Options
Healthcare in Panama is provided by both public and private facilities. Private hospitals are located in larger cities like Panama City and David, but due to Panamanian law, most private doctors rotate into both systems. Most expats, retirees, and foreign residents opt for private health insurance.
While the private system is more expensive relative to U.S. healthcare, it is affordable. It’s also much faster, and there are many doctors and nurses who speak English.
You can purchase domestic insurance that only covers medical care in Panama, but international coverage is a good choice, especially for those who travel frequently. An international policy can also be the perfect stopgap, covering the 2-year waiting period before a local policy will cover any pre-existing conditions. You’ll also have a more comprehensive network of hospitals and doctors and more coverage. An insurance policy will typically cover you worldwide with a $1 to $5 million lifetime limit and a $1,000 to $5,000 annual deductible. You’ll be able to choose any doctor or hospital in Panama, although there will be a select network of doctors and hospitals outside of the country.
While there are many international companies to consider, some of the most popular include:
- Cigna
- GeoBlue (a Blue Cross company)
- Aetna International
- Allianz Worldwide
- IMG
- BUPA Global
- Seven Corners
- Sagicor
- Seven Corners
- WorldWide Medical Assurance Corp
