Is Panama's healthcare really good? What are the actual costs for expats?
Yes, Panama's healthcare is genuinely excellent, and it's become a major draw for expats and retirees. Here's the real story based on actual expat experiences and 2026 data:
Healthcare Quality - The Reality
Panama's top hospitals are internationally accredited and many doctors are US-trained. This isn't "good for Latin America" - it's good by global standards.
Top Hospitals in Panama City:
Hospital Punta Pacifica (Johns Hopkins Affiliate):
- Only Johns Hopkins-affiliated hospital in Latin America
- International accreditation
- State-of-the-art equipment
- Many US-trained, English-speaking doctors
- Most expensive but still 40-60% cheaper than US
Hospital San Fernando:
- Very popular with expats
- Modern facilities, excellent reputation
- Good English proficiency
- Comprehensive services
Hospital Nacional:
- Large public-private hospital
- High quality at lower cost
- Mix of local and expat patients
Centro Médico Paitilla:
- Established hospital, well-respected
- Good specialists available
- Reasonable pricing
Doctor Quality
Many specialists in Panama:
- Trained in US (Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, etc.)
- Speak fluent English
- Board certified in US and Panama
- Maintain international standards
- Friendly, thorough bedside manner
Wait times to see specialists: Days or weeks, not months like some countries.
Actual Healthcare Costs (2026 Prices)
Without Insurance:
| Service | Panama | USA | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| General doctor visit | $20-50 | $150-250 | 75-85% |
| Specialist consultation | $40-75 | $200-400 | 75-85% |
| Emergency room visit | $100-200 | $1,500-3,000 | 85-90% |
| Hospital stay (per day) | $100-200 | $2,000-4,000 | 90% |
| CT scan | $200-350 | $1,000-3,000 | 75-85% |
| MRI | $250-400 | $1,200-3,000 | 70-85% |
| Blood work (comprehensive) | $50-100 | $200-500 | 70-80% |
| Colonoscopy | $400-600 | $2,500-4,000 | 75-85% |
| Knee replacement | $10,000-15,000 | $30,000-50,000 | 65-70% |
| Cataract surgery (per eye) | $1,500-2,500 | $4,000-6,000 | 60-70% |
| Heart bypass surgery | $20,000-30,000 | $70,000-200,000 | 70-85% |
Dental Care:
| Service | Panama | USA | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | $40-60 | $100-200 | 60-70% |
| Filling | $50-100 | $150-300 | 60-70% |
| Crown | $350-500 | $1,200-2,000 | 65-75% |
| Implant | $1,000-1,500 | $3,000-5,000 | 65-70% |
| Veneers (per tooth) | $400-600 | $1,200-2,000 | 65-70% |
Health Insurance Options
Local Private Insurance:
Best for: Permanent residents planning to stay in Panama
Recommended Companies:
- ASSA - Very popular with expats
- Mapfre - Good coverage, reasonable rates
- Oceánica de Seguros - Competitive pricing
Costs (approximate for couple):
| Ages | Monthly Premium | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 50-59 | $200-300/couple | Good local coverage |
| 60-69 | $300-500/couple | Good local coverage |
| 70+ | $400-600+/couple | Limited or excluded |
Important notes:
- Must apply before age 64-70 (varies by company)
- Pre-existing conditions may be excluded
- Covers care in Panama only
- Deductibles typically $500-2,000
- Co-insurance common (you pay 20% after deductible)
International Insurance:
Best for: Those who want coverage in multiple countries or frequent travelers
Companies:
- Cigna Global
- Allianz Care
- GeoBlue Xplorer
Costs:
- $300-500/month per person (ages 60-70)
- Higher coverage limits
- Worldwide coverage (often including US)
- More expensive but more flexibility
No Insurance Approach:
Many healthy expats in Panama skip insurance and self-insure:
Why it works:
- Healthcare is affordable enough to pay cash
- $500-1,000/month healthcare budget covers most needs
- Build emergency fund for major procedures
- Procedures still 50-75% cheaper than insured costs in US
Recommended if:
- You're in good health
- You have $20,000+ emergency fund for medical
- You're OK with risk of major expense
Not recommended if:
- You have chronic conditions requiring regular care
- You're over 70
- You want peace of mind
Pensionado Visa Healthcare Benefits
If you have the Pensionado visa ($1,000/month pension requirement):
- 20% off medical consultations
- 15% off hospital bills
- 10% off prescription medications
- 20% off dental services
- 25% off prescriptions at select pharmacies
Example: $400 hospital bill becomes $340. Over time, significant savings.
Prescriptions
- Most medications available without prescription
- Costs 30-70% less than US
- Major pharmacy chains: Farmacias Arrocha, Metro Plus
- Many US brands available
- Generic options very affordable
Real Expat Experiences
Sarah, 68, Boquete:
"I had knee replacement at Hospital Punta Pacifica for $12,000 total. In California it would have been $45,000+ with my insurance. The surgeon was US-trained, the facility was beautiful, and recovery went perfectly."
Mike & Linda, 62 & 60, Panama City:
"We have local ASSA insurance ($280/month for both). In three years, we've had several specialist visits, my wife had gallbladder surgery, and routine care. Everything has been excellent and affordable. Our doctor calls my wife's cell phone personally with test results."
Tom, 71, Coronado:
"I don't have insurance - just pay cash. My cardiologist visit is $50, my medications are $60/month, and annual physicals run $200-300. I set aside $500/month for healthcare and usually spend less. After age 70, insurance got too expensive anyway."
Medical Tourism
Panama is popular for medical tourism:
- Dental work (especially implants, crowns, veneers)
- Cosmetic surgery
- Orthopedic procedures
- Eye surgery (LASIK, cataract)
Quality is excellent, costs 40-70% less than US/Canada, and you can recover in a beautiful setting.
Negatives/Challenges
Age limits on insurance: Hard to get after 64-70
Language: Outside major hospitals, Spanish helpful
Coverage area: Local insurance only covers Panama
Specialists: Limited options outside Panama City
Chronic care: Need to establish relationships and routines
Bottom Line
Panama's healthcare is legitimately excellent - not just good for the region. Between high-quality care, very affordable costs, English-speaking doctors, and insurance options, it's a major advantage for expats and retirees.
For many retirees, healthcare savings alone justify the move to Panama.
Immigration Information Disclaimer
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.