Healthcare
Healthcare in Panama for expats
Most expats in Panama use private hospitals and clinics, paid for with either a local Panamanian insurance plan or an international plan. Panama City has the country's largest and best-equipped private hospitals; regional cities such as David and Chitré cover most everyday needs, and complex or specialist care usually means a trip to the capital.
Public or private care?
Panama has a public system run through the Ministry of Health and the Social Security Fund (CSS), mainly used by Panamanian workers and their families. Most foreign residents use the private system instead, where appointments are faster and English is more widely spoken, especially in Panama City.
Local vs international health insurance
| Local Panamanian plan | International plan | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| Coverage area | Mainly Panama | Several countries, sometimes including the US or Canada |
| Age limits | Many plans limit new applicants by age | Often more flexible for older applicants |
| Best for | People who will receive almost all care in Panama | People who travel a lot or want the option of treatment abroad |
Pre-existing conditions and age limits vary a lot between insurers. An independent broker who works with several companies can compare plans for you at no extra cost.
Where the hospitals are
- Panama City: the largest private hospitals in the country and most specialists.
- Chiriquí (Boquete, Volcán, David): private hospitals in David, about 45 minutes from Boquete.
- Azuero (Pedasí, Las Tablas): hospitals and private clinics in Chitré and Las Tablas.
- Pacific beaches (Coronado): local clinics, with Panama City roughly an hour or more away depending on traffic.
- Bocas del Toro: basic care on the islands; serious cases are usually flown to Panama City or David.
We're adding a detailed hospital and clinic guide for each region, with what each one handles.
Pharmacies and medicines
Pharmacies are common in towns of any size, and many medicines that need a prescription at home can be bought with less paperwork, though controlled drugs still need one. Bring a supply of your regular medications and their generic names when you move.
Common questions
Do expats need health insurance in Panama?
It isn't required for every residency route, but almost all expats should have it. Private care is affordable compared with North America, but serious treatment can still be very expensive without insurance.
Is healthcare in Panama good?
Private hospitals in Panama City are modern and well equipped, and many doctors trained abroad. Care outside the capital is more limited, so complex treatment usually means travelling to Panama City.
What is the best health insurance for expats in Panama?
It depends on your age, health and travel plans. Local plans are cheaper but mainly cover Panama; international plans cost more but cover treatment abroad. An independent broker can compare both.
Planning a move? Start with the checklist.
A free, month-by-month timeline from twelve months out to your first week in Panama.