Thinking about moving to Panama? One of the biggest concerns on your mind is probably--What happens in an emergency? Don’t worry, we've got you covered! Panama’s healthcare system is reliable, accessible, and surprisingly affordable. In this episode, we’re breaking down the Top 10 things you absolutely need to know about emergency care in Panama. Normally, I love a good countdown, but this topic is too important to save the best for last—so we’re tackling it in order of importance, giving you exactly what you need, right when you need it. Whether you’re planning a visit or making the big move, be sure to save this episode—because when an emergency strikes, you’ll want to be prepared. Let’s get you emergency-ready!
#1 - Emergency Numbers
Panama has a universal emergency number, 911, which connects you to police, fire, and medical assistance. You can also dial 104 for the Police and 103 for a Fire related emergency. It’s important to note that you must have a Panama phone number for these emergency numbers to work. Many phones will allow you to have a second SIM or eSIM from Panama. When you get this, be sure to get voice service activated as well as data, to make sure your emergency call will go through. If you don’t have a Panama number, many hospitals and clinics have their own direct emergency lines. For example, the Johns Hopkins affiliated hospital in Panama City, Pacifica Salud, has its own emergency number, which is country code 507-204-8184. Make sure and put these emergency numbers in your cell phone BEFORE you arrive in Panama…or as soon you get here.
#2 - Public vs. Private Hospitals
Panama offers both public and private healthcare options. Public hospitals are incredibly affordable but can have longer wait times. Private hospitals, on the other hand, offer world-class care with shorter wait times and English-speaking staff. Knowing which hospital is best for emergencies can make all the difference. Spend a few minutes to find the best public or private hospital near where you’ll be staying and plug in the hospital’s name, location and emergency phone number into your phone. This way, you’ll have it handy in case of emergency. For a list of hospitals in Panama’s main expat areas, go to ChoosePanama.com/emergency.
#3 - Cost of Emergency Care
One of the biggest perks of living in Panama is the cost of medical care. Emergency visits to public hospitals can be as low as $10 to $20. Private hospitals charge more but they are still at a fraction of what you'd pay in the U.S. Many expats who live in Panama or visit regularly choose to carry Panama health insurance to cover unexpected costs. If you have health insurance from another country, contact your hospital of choice to make sure your insurance will be honored in case of emergency. For more information about insurance, watch this interview next.
#4 - Ambulance Services
In an emergency, you can call an ambulance through 911, but depending on where you are, private ambulance services may provide a faster response time. Some hospitals have their own ambulance fleets. There are also private ambulance services, like SEMM, that provide memberships for regular healthcare access.
#5 Evacuation Services
In the event of a serious medical emergency, evacuation services can be a lifesaver—literally. Whether you need to be transported to a higher-level facility within Panama or even flown to the U.S. for specialized care, having access to an evacuation service ensures you receive the treatment you need, when you need it. Some companies, like MASA, offer memberships that cover emergency airlifts and ground transportation. Others, are pay as you go. Either way, knowing your options ahead of time will give you peace of mind in critical situations.
After living in Panama a dozen years, I only know one person who has used evacuation services. My client was in the US and his son was in Panama with kidney failure during Covid. My client spent 33 thousand dollars for a direct flight with Horizon Air Ambulance from Panama City to Chicago. It included 2 certified nurses and a slew of medical equipment.
When he booked this, there were less expensive options. For example, if he had agreed to 1 stop instead of a direct flight, then it would have been eight thousand dollars cheaper. If he had flown to Houston or Miami, it would have been as low as $15,000. And if he hadn’t needed a medical ambulance, just a regular emergency transport, it would have been significantly cheaper.
So if there is ever a time when you need emergency evacuation, know that there are multiple services and price points available. Again, you can find out more on our website at ChoosePanama.com/emergency.
#6 - Pharmacy Accessibility
Panama has a pharmacy on nearly every corner, especially in Panama City, many of which are open 24/7. Pharmacists are highly knowledgeable and can provide medications without a prescription for minor issues. In a crisis, knowing the closest pharmacy can be a lifesaver. Some of the bigger pharmacy chains include Arrocha, El Javillo, Metro Plus, and Farma Value. In addition to this, the larger supermarket chains—such as Riba Smith and Super 99—have pharmacies inside the grocery store. If you need something basic, you can get it just about anywhere. If you need a more specialized medicine, try the larger pharmacies first.
#7 - Specialist Availability
Panama is home to highly skilled medical professionals, many trained internationally. If you need a specialist in an emergency, then private hospitals in Panama City are your best bet. They have specialists on-call 24/7 for everything from cardiology to orthopedics. About a year ago, one of my clients called me and said his wife was having a medical emergency. They were Chinese and spoke very little English… and absolutely no Spanish. We helped them get emergency transportation to the Pacifica Salud hospital. We also called ahead to the hospital to make sure she would be admitted immediately … and they would have a cardiologist ready to go. When she arrived the hospital, the cardiologist saw her immediately… and ended up saving her life.
#8 - Language Barrier
While many doctors in private hospitals speak English, that’s not always the case in public hospitals. Learning a few key Spanish medical phrases or having a translation app ready can make your emergency experience smoother and less stressful. My favorite language app is Google Translate… which has gotten so much better in the last few years. Other options include SayHi and DeepL. For medical translation, DeepL is supposed to be one of the most accurate. If you have a pre-existing condition, experiment with a few different apps to see which one works best for you.
#9 Telemedicine Services
In the past few years, telemedicine has become increasingly popular in Panama. Many private hospitals and clinics now offer virtual consultations, allowing you to speak with a doctor without leaving your home. This is especially useful for non-urgent medical needs or getting quick advice during an emergency. Again, it’s best to have this information in your phone before traveling to Panama, so take a few minutes to investigate before your trip starts.
#10 - Overall Quality of Emergency Care
Overall, I have been thrilled with the quality of emergency care in Panama. With modern hospitals, well-trained professionals, and a healthcare system that balances affordability with quality, Panama provides excellent care when you need it most. Whether you’re in the city or a rural area, you can rest easy knowing help is available when you need it most.
CLOSING:
That wraps up our list of the top 10 things you need to know about emergency care in Panama. If you’re considering a move or just want to be prepared for your next trip, having this information can make all the difference. If you know someone who is interested in visiting, moving or investing in Panama, please share this episode with them.
Until next time,
See you in Panama!
#1 - Emergency Numbers
Panama has a universal emergency number, 911, which connects you to police, fire, and medical assistance. You can also dial 104 for the Police and 103 for a Fire related emergency. It’s important to note that you must have a Panama phone number for these emergency numbers to work. Many phones will allow you to have a second SIM or eSIM from Panama. When you get this, be sure to get voice service activated as well as data, to make sure your emergency call will go through. If you don’t have a Panama number, many hospitals and clinics have their own direct emergency lines. For example, the Johns Hopkins affiliated hospital in Panama City, Pacifica Salud, has its own emergency number, which is country code 507-204-8184. Make sure and put these emergency numbers in your cell phone BEFORE you arrive in Panama…or as soon you get here.
#2 - Public vs. Private Hospitals
Panama offers both public and private healthcare options. Public hospitals are incredibly affordable but can have longer wait times. Private hospitals, on the other hand, offer world-class care with shorter wait times and English-speaking staff. Knowing which hospital is best for emergencies can make all the difference. Spend a few minutes to find the best public or private hospital near where you’ll be staying and plug in the hospital’s name, location and emergency phone number into your phone. This way, you’ll have it handy in case of emergency. For a list of hospitals in Panama’s main expat areas, go to ChoosePanama.com/emergency.
#3 - Cost of Emergency Care
One of the biggest perks of living in Panama is the cost of medical care. Emergency visits to public hospitals can be as low as $10 to $20. Private hospitals charge more but they are still at a fraction of what you'd pay in the U.S. Many expats who live in Panama or visit regularly choose to carry Panama health insurance to cover unexpected costs. If you have health insurance from another country, contact your hospital of choice to make sure your insurance will be honored in case of emergency. For more information about insurance, watch this interview next.
#4 - Ambulance Services
In an emergency, you can call an ambulance through 911, but depending on where you are, private ambulance services may provide a faster response time. Some hospitals have their own ambulance fleets. There are also private ambulance services, like SEMM, that provide memberships for regular healthcare access.
#5 Evacuation Services
In the event of a serious medical emergency, evacuation services can be a lifesaver—literally. Whether you need to be transported to a higher-level facility within Panama or even flown to the U.S. for specialized care, having access to an evacuation service ensures you receive the treatment you need, when you need it. Some companies, like MASA, offer memberships that cover emergency airlifts and ground transportation. Others, are pay as you go. Either way, knowing your options ahead of time will give you peace of mind in critical situations.
After living in Panama a dozen years, I only know one person who has used evacuation services. My client was in the US and his son was in Panama with kidney failure during Covid. My client spent 33 thousand dollars for a direct flight with Horizon Air Ambulance from Panama City to Chicago. It included 2 certified nurses and a slew of medical equipment.
When he booked this, there were less expensive options. For example, if he had agreed to 1 stop instead of a direct flight, then it would have been eight thousand dollars cheaper. If he had flown to Houston or Miami, it would have been as low as $15,000. And if he hadn’t needed a medical ambulance, just a regular emergency transport, it would have been significantly cheaper.
So if there is ever a time when you need emergency evacuation, know that there are multiple services and price points available. Again, you can find out more on our website at ChoosePanama.com/emergency.
#6 - Pharmacy Accessibility
Panama has a pharmacy on nearly every corner, especially in Panama City, many of which are open 24/7. Pharmacists are highly knowledgeable and can provide medications without a prescription for minor issues. In a crisis, knowing the closest pharmacy can be a lifesaver. Some of the bigger pharmacy chains include Arrocha, El Javillo, Metro Plus, and Farma Value. In addition to this, the larger supermarket chains—such as Riba Smith and Super 99—have pharmacies inside the grocery store. If you need something basic, you can get it just about anywhere. If you need a more specialized medicine, try the larger pharmacies first.
#7 - Specialist Availability
Panama is home to highly skilled medical professionals, many trained internationally. If you need a specialist in an emergency, then private hospitals in Panama City are your best bet. They have specialists on-call 24/7 for everything from cardiology to orthopedics. About a year ago, one of my clients called me and said his wife was having a medical emergency. They were Chinese and spoke very little English… and absolutely no Spanish. We helped them get emergency transportation to the Pacifica Salud hospital. We also called ahead to the hospital to make sure she would be admitted immediately … and they would have a cardiologist ready to go. When she arrived the hospital, the cardiologist saw her immediately… and ended up saving her life.
#8 - Language Barrier
While many doctors in private hospitals speak English, that’s not always the case in public hospitals. Learning a few key Spanish medical phrases or having a translation app ready can make your emergency experience smoother and less stressful. My favorite language app is Google Translate… which has gotten so much better in the last few years. Other options include SayHi and DeepL. For medical translation, DeepL is supposed to be one of the most accurate. If you have a pre-existing condition, experiment with a few different apps to see which one works best for you.
#9 Telemedicine Services
In the past few years, telemedicine has become increasingly popular in Panama. Many private hospitals and clinics now offer virtual consultations, allowing you to speak with a doctor without leaving your home. This is especially useful for non-urgent medical needs or getting quick advice during an emergency. Again, it’s best to have this information in your phone before traveling to Panama, so take a few minutes to investigate before your trip starts.
#10 - Overall Quality of Emergency Care
Overall, I have been thrilled with the quality of emergency care in Panama. With modern hospitals, well-trained professionals, and a healthcare system that balances affordability with quality, Panama provides excellent care when you need it most. Whether you’re in the city or a rural area, you can rest easy knowing help is available when you need it most.
CLOSING:
That wraps up our list of the top 10 things you need to know about emergency care in Panama. If you’re considering a move or just want to be prepared for your next trip, having this information can make all the difference. If you know someone who is interested in visiting, moving or investing in Panama, please share this episode with them.
Until next time,
See you in Panama!
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