Picture this: you’re living your best life in Panama, enjoying the sunshine and the beaches, and when you need to see a doctor, you get quality care without the sky-high costs. Sounds great, right? Whether you’re planning to retire, invest, or just live a simpler life, knowing what to expect with healthcare is key.
If you’ve been dreaming about moving to Panama, one of the big questions you might have is, ‘What is the healthcare system like?’ Today, we’re taking the plunge into Panama healthcare.
Get ready, because we’re counting down the top 10 things you need to know about Panama healthcare…from hospitals to health insurance, we’ve got it covered. So grab a cup of coffee, a tropical smoothie--or your favorite glass of wine—and let’s get into it!”
#10 – Affordability
I’m not sure if this should be #10 or #1… but let’s start with the good news. Panama’s healthcare system is shockingly more affordable than what you’re used to, especially if you’re coming from the United States. Imagine going to the doctor for less than $40, or even less than $15 at some places. Yes, you heard that right! Medical services are much cheaper here, and that includes everything from routine checkups to surgeries. In fact, I had to get an EKG recently and was stunned that it only cost $60. (WHISPER: I really thought they’d made a mistake.) In the US, it would have easily been hundreds of dollars… if not more. It’s a big relief to know you don’t have to break the bank just to stay healthy.
#9 - Public vs. Private Healthcare
Like most countries, Panama has both public and private healthcare systems. Public healthcare is very affordable—sometimes ridiculously cheap—but it can come with long wait times and crowded facilities. I personally prefer private healthcare. The private hospitals here are top-notch, with modern equipment and doctors who often speak English. And the best part is, even private healthcare is WAY more affordable than what you’d pay in North America. So, if you want to avoid the wait times and get immediate care, private hospitals and clinics are the way to go.
#8 - English-Speaking Doctors
Speaking of doctors, one of the things that surprised me the most is how many of them speak English. Now, if you’re fluent in Spanish, that’s great. But if you’re like me, and your Spanish is more ‘conversational,’ it’s a huge comfort to know that you won’t have a language barrier when talking to your doctor about medical terms you can barely pronounce in English. Many Panamanian doctors are trained in the US or Europe, so they’re not only fluent in English, but they also understand Western standards of care. When it comes to discussing your health, you’ll feel right at home.
#7 - Health Insurance Options
Let’s talk insurance, because no one wants to be caught off guard with a hefty medical bill. The good news is, health insurance in Panama is both affordable and flexible. You can get international health insurance that covers you both in Panama as well as in other countries … or you can go with a local insurance plan that only works in Panama. A lot of my friends use a local plan, and it costs just over a hundred dollars a month. And, get this—it covers almost everything-- From doctors’ visits to hospital stays and even most prescription medications. Compared to what we’re used to paying in the US, it’s a huge savings. If you want to learn more about insurance, [POINT UP] be sure to watch this video about the BEST insurance for expats. I’ll also put the link [POINT DOWN] in the description below.
#6 - Access to Specialists
Here’s something else that impressed me: if you need to see a specialist, you won’t have to jump through hoops like you would in the US or Canada. In Panama, you don’t need a referral to see a specialist. You can call them directly and make an appointment, often within just a few days. And the cost? Usually around $50 to $100 per visit. In my experience, I’ve seen dermatologists, orthopedic surgeons, and even a cardiologist without having to wait more than a few days for an appointment. It's refreshing, especially if you're used to the long wait times back home.
#5 - Quality of Care
You might be thinking, ‘This all sounds too good to be true. What about the quality of care?’ I get it. It’s a valid concern. But let me tell you, the quality of care in Panama compares to concierge level service in the US. I’ve been to several hospitals here—don’t worry, nothing too serious—and I’ve always been impressed with how clean and modern the facilities are. Plus, what sets Panamanian doctors apart is that they truly care. After an office visit, they typically follow-up the next day with a WhatsApp, making sure everything is okay.
#4 - Prescription Medications
Have you ever walked out of a US pharmacy feeling like you’ve just paid for gold? That’s not the case here. Prescription medications in Panama are much more affordable. Many of the same drugs that cost a small fortune in the US are available at a fraction of the price. And you know what’s even better? Some medications that require a prescription in the US can be bought over-the-counter here. You can buy antibiotics, allergy meds, and even cholesterol medication without needing a doctor’s visit.
#3 - Medical Tourism
Did you know that Panama is a hotspot for medical tourism? People from the US, Canada, and even Europe come here for affordable, high-quality medical treatments. Whether it's cosmetic surgery, dental work, stem-cell therapy, or even more complex surgeries, Panama has become a destination for those looking to save money without sacrificing care. The cost of medical procedures here is often a fraction of what it is in the US, and the care is top-tier. I’ve known people fly down for everything from dental implants to cosmetic surgery to knee replacements … and they’ve all been thrilled with the results.
#2 - Hospital Standards
If you’re worried about hospital standards, don’t be. Some of the private hospitals in Panama are affiliated with major US institutions, like Johns Hopkins, and meet international standards of care. In fact, hospitals like Punta Pacifica in Panama City have state-of-the-art facilities and technology. I’ve even sent photos to my doctor-friends in the US, who said the facilities rival the best of the best in the US. Whether you need routine care or something more serious, you can expect the same, if not better, level of care than you’d get in many Western countries.
#1 - Emergency Care
And finally, let’s talk about emergencies. No one likes to think about it, but if something goes wrong, you need to know that you can get the care you need quickly. In Panama, emergency rooms are well-equipped to handle a wide range of issues. You can go to a public or private hospital, depending on where you are. A few months ago, I had a client with a history of heart problems call me. She needed to go to the hospital, fast. We had her taken to Pacifica Salud, the Johns Hopkins affiliated hospital in Panama City. We’d called ahead so she was seen right away when she arrived. A few days later, her husband showered our team with boxes and boxes of chocolates. He said between our quick action and the immediate care his wife received at the hospital, we’d helped to save his wife’s life. It really doesn’t get any better than that.
In Conclusion:
So, there you have it—the top 10 things you need to know about healthcare in Panama. Whether you’re planning a short stay or looking to make Panama your forever home, it’s comforting to know that you can get excellent healthcare without the stress of sky-high costs.
If you enjoyed today’s episode, send it to someone else who might get value from it.
Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll see you in Panama!
If you’ve been dreaming about moving to Panama, one of the big questions you might have is, ‘What is the healthcare system like?’ Today, we’re taking the plunge into Panama healthcare.
Get ready, because we’re counting down the top 10 things you need to know about Panama healthcare…from hospitals to health insurance, we’ve got it covered. So grab a cup of coffee, a tropical smoothie--or your favorite glass of wine—and let’s get into it!”
#10 – Affordability
I’m not sure if this should be #10 or #1… but let’s start with the good news. Panama’s healthcare system is shockingly more affordable than what you’re used to, especially if you’re coming from the United States. Imagine going to the doctor for less than $40, or even less than $15 at some places. Yes, you heard that right! Medical services are much cheaper here, and that includes everything from routine checkups to surgeries. In fact, I had to get an EKG recently and was stunned that it only cost $60. (WHISPER: I really thought they’d made a mistake.) In the US, it would have easily been hundreds of dollars… if not more. It’s a big relief to know you don’t have to break the bank just to stay healthy.
#9 - Public vs. Private Healthcare
Like most countries, Panama has both public and private healthcare systems. Public healthcare is very affordable—sometimes ridiculously cheap—but it can come with long wait times and crowded facilities. I personally prefer private healthcare. The private hospitals here are top-notch, with modern equipment and doctors who often speak English. And the best part is, even private healthcare is WAY more affordable than what you’d pay in North America. So, if you want to avoid the wait times and get immediate care, private hospitals and clinics are the way to go.
#8 - English-Speaking Doctors
Speaking of doctors, one of the things that surprised me the most is how many of them speak English. Now, if you’re fluent in Spanish, that’s great. But if you’re like me, and your Spanish is more ‘conversational,’ it’s a huge comfort to know that you won’t have a language barrier when talking to your doctor about medical terms you can barely pronounce in English. Many Panamanian doctors are trained in the US or Europe, so they’re not only fluent in English, but they also understand Western standards of care. When it comes to discussing your health, you’ll feel right at home.
#7 - Health Insurance Options
Let’s talk insurance, because no one wants to be caught off guard with a hefty medical bill. The good news is, health insurance in Panama is both affordable and flexible. You can get international health insurance that covers you both in Panama as well as in other countries … or you can go with a local insurance plan that only works in Panama. A lot of my friends use a local plan, and it costs just over a hundred dollars a month. And, get this—it covers almost everything-- From doctors’ visits to hospital stays and even most prescription medications. Compared to what we’re used to paying in the US, it’s a huge savings. If you want to learn more about insurance, [POINT UP] be sure to watch this video about the BEST insurance for expats. I’ll also put the link [POINT DOWN] in the description below.
#6 - Access to Specialists
Here’s something else that impressed me: if you need to see a specialist, you won’t have to jump through hoops like you would in the US or Canada. In Panama, you don’t need a referral to see a specialist. You can call them directly and make an appointment, often within just a few days. And the cost? Usually around $50 to $100 per visit. In my experience, I’ve seen dermatologists, orthopedic surgeons, and even a cardiologist without having to wait more than a few days for an appointment. It's refreshing, especially if you're used to the long wait times back home.
#5 - Quality of Care
You might be thinking, ‘This all sounds too good to be true. What about the quality of care?’ I get it. It’s a valid concern. But let me tell you, the quality of care in Panama compares to concierge level service in the US. I’ve been to several hospitals here—don’t worry, nothing too serious—and I’ve always been impressed with how clean and modern the facilities are. Plus, what sets Panamanian doctors apart is that they truly care. After an office visit, they typically follow-up the next day with a WhatsApp, making sure everything is okay.
#4 - Prescription Medications
Have you ever walked out of a US pharmacy feeling like you’ve just paid for gold? That’s not the case here. Prescription medications in Panama are much more affordable. Many of the same drugs that cost a small fortune in the US are available at a fraction of the price. And you know what’s even better? Some medications that require a prescription in the US can be bought over-the-counter here. You can buy antibiotics, allergy meds, and even cholesterol medication without needing a doctor’s visit.
#3 - Medical Tourism
Did you know that Panama is a hotspot for medical tourism? People from the US, Canada, and even Europe come here for affordable, high-quality medical treatments. Whether it's cosmetic surgery, dental work, stem-cell therapy, or even more complex surgeries, Panama has become a destination for those looking to save money without sacrificing care. The cost of medical procedures here is often a fraction of what it is in the US, and the care is top-tier. I’ve known people fly down for everything from dental implants to cosmetic surgery to knee replacements … and they’ve all been thrilled with the results.
#2 - Hospital Standards
If you’re worried about hospital standards, don’t be. Some of the private hospitals in Panama are affiliated with major US institutions, like Johns Hopkins, and meet international standards of care. In fact, hospitals like Punta Pacifica in Panama City have state-of-the-art facilities and technology. I’ve even sent photos to my doctor-friends in the US, who said the facilities rival the best of the best in the US. Whether you need routine care or something more serious, you can expect the same, if not better, level of care than you’d get in many Western countries.
#1 - Emergency Care
And finally, let’s talk about emergencies. No one likes to think about it, but if something goes wrong, you need to know that you can get the care you need quickly. In Panama, emergency rooms are well-equipped to handle a wide range of issues. You can go to a public or private hospital, depending on where you are. A few months ago, I had a client with a history of heart problems call me. She needed to go to the hospital, fast. We had her taken to Pacifica Salud, the Johns Hopkins affiliated hospital in Panama City. We’d called ahead so she was seen right away when she arrived. A few days later, her husband showered our team with boxes and boxes of chocolates. He said between our quick action and the immediate care his wife received at the hospital, we’d helped to save his wife’s life. It really doesn’t get any better than that.
In Conclusion:
So, there you have it—the top 10 things you need to know about healthcare in Panama. Whether you’re planning a short stay or looking to make Panama your forever home, it’s comforting to know that you can get excellent healthcare without the stress of sky-high costs.
If you enjoyed today’s episode, send it to someone else who might get value from it.
Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll see you in Panama!
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