Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Panama?
When we asked expats in Panama if healthcare and health insurance are expensive in Panama, they wrote...
"Last week I decided that it was time to do something about the chest pains I have been having for several months. I chose a private medical clinic in Boquete, "Clínica Especializada Boquete S.A." because there was an empty parking space in front of it. Within five minutes I was speaking with Dr. Josimar Gómez. He speaks fluent English and spent some time discussing my symptoms before measuring my blood pressure and strongly recommending that I do something about it immediately. A routine consultation costs $15. If you show up in the middle of the night it will be $40. He prescribed blood pressure medication immediately and told me to get blood and urine tests and a chest x-ray. I went to a medical laboratory around the corner where it took about 15 minutes to provide specimens. The results were available by email before the end of the day. Cost: $45.00. I had to go to Hospital Chiriquí in David for the x-ray. Again, no appointment necessary, but I did have to wait over an hour, possibly because they forgot about me. Cost: $25.50 and results were available by email the next day. After a week on the blood pressure medication I returned to Dr. Gomez, he found that my blood pressure was down to 140/80, I was no longer experiencing chest pains, and the tests did not show any serious problems. I will continue with the blood pressure medication and talk to him again in two months. Total cost: just over $100. In the US I'm quite sure that the first doctor would have sent me to the hospital emergency room and the total bill would have run into thousands of dollars. They would have prescribed the most expensive tests they could think of, possibly including invasive procedures that are painful and risky, and I expect that I would still be waiting for a diagnosis," explained one expat living in Panama.
AGS Worldwide MoversGet Quote
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
AGS Worldwide MoversRelocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote
"The best option for expats is international health insurance, purchased before you depart. With an international health insurance plan, you won't have to worry about language barriers, excessive government paperwork or massive fees from local providers. Since private hospitals in Panama are high quality and have many English-speaking healthcare workers, you'll find your transition to care in Panama nearly seamless. Local coverage in Panama is provided by private insurers in HMO-style or hospital-based plans. Basic coverage can cost as little at $30/month or up to $200/month for advanced cover. Of course, premiums will vary based on age and pre-existing conditions," wrote Business Panama from Business Panama Group.
The Business Panama Group (“BusinessPanama”) is a well-established group of companies, professionals and alliance partners promoting and facilitating business, investments, real estate, immigration and tourism in Panama by providing information, business, legal and investment services to individual and corporate investors.
Click connect to have our partner, Business, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
The Business Panama Group (“BusinessPanama”) is a well-established group of companies, professionals and alliance partners promoting and facilitating business, investments, real estate, immigration and tourism in Panama by providing information, business, legal and investment services to individual and corporate investors.
Click connect to have our partner, Business, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Please login to continue reading this article.
Not a member? Join Today (it's free).
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Panama?
- How do I meet people in Panama?
- What is life like in Panama?
- Is there a lot of crime in Panama?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Panama accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Panama like?
- Is the cost of living in Panama high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Panama?
- What are healthcare services like in Panama?
- Is the cost of living in Panama high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Panama?
- What is the weather like in Panama?
- Are there good restaurants in Panama?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Panama?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Panama?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Panama?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Panama?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Panama?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Panama?
If you live in Panama, newcomers to Panama would love to hear your answer to this question:
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
