Healthcare in Panama for Expats and Retirees: Hospitals, Insurance, and Lower Costs

Introduction: Why Healthcare Quality Drives Relocation Decisions

From all the factors that drive expats and retirees to choose one specific jurisdiction, healthcare is certainly key. Besides a stable political and economic system, having reliable medical care at the reach of the hand is non-negotiable for the average expat, whether it's a retiree or a person with an active working life.

As Panama is a popular relocation hub, we analyze several of its aspects, like the possibility of obtaining Panama health insurance for retirees, public and private clinics, or the average cost of seeing a doctor in the country of the canal.

Panama's Two-Tier System: Public and Private in Plain Terms

Residents can get treatment in any of the country's hospitals. Both systems (private and public) are known for their excellent care, reliable procedures, and a range of dedicated professionals who are committed to patient care. 

The public system is much more affordable, running in parallel to the Social Security healthcare network, which is only for employers and employees who support the said system with contributions deducted from their paychecks.

Even though they have their limitations, public hospitals are just as strong as the private facilities, which, for obvious reasons, can afford more complex technology and a personalized service.

In a Panamanian private clinic, you’ll find advanced facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and faster, more direct attention. 

The Private Hospital Network

Across the country and especially in Panama City, there are several high-end hospitals and private clinics where the expat can access excellent medical services in various areas, starting from simple dental checkups to complex surgery.

Punta Pacifica (Johns Hopkins Affiliate): Flagship Care

Being one of the most prestigious clinics in Panama, Pacífica Salud has its headquarters in Punta Pacífica and Costa del Este. These are two key locations in Panama: one in the heart of the city, the other in one of the most active neighborhoods. Thus, they are both in populated and easy-to-reach districts. 

Its motto is "the most valuable is you," and to honor that motto, they provide outstanding medical care through all their specialties. Besides, they have advanced radiology systems, their own laboratory, an emergency wing, and a robotic division. 

With this kind of technology, they can perform minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery, as well as complex procedures like brain and spine surgery. In this sense, Pacífica Salud is a pioneer in Latin America, being the only LATAM hospital to have the Hugo RAS system.

Hospital Nacional, San Fernando, and Other Accredited Centers

Hospital Nacional

In downtown Panama City, Hospital Nacional is easily accessible from Avenida Balboa, Calle España, and Parque Urracá. With over 50 years of existence, this private medical center offers exceptional human care while applying the most advanced technology and counting on best-in-class physicians. 

Moreover, their expansion projects are promising, since they are planning to open a branch in Costa Verde. The new clinic’s location (in Panama Oeste, close to La Chorrera and Playa Veracruz) positions Hospital Nacional outside Panama City and closer to those who live in the provinces or metropolitan areas. 

More information about Panama

San Fernando

Those already living in Panama have probably heard of Hospital San Fernando because it’s usually used for giving directions. This is also a prestigious clinic and a reliable medical center. Their doctors specialize in ambulatory surgery and a variety of practices. 

As for the hospital itself, it boasts an advanced radiology and imaging department, an emergency room, and a clinical lab. More specific departments are its sleep clinic, a cardiovascular center, and an allergy and pulmonology institute. To make the stay more comfortable, they offer private rooms and suites, a parking lot, and a café.

Panama Clinic

Also in Punta Pacífica, right off the Corredor Sur — a fast highway that takes you across town to the city center and up to Costa del Este and the Tocumen International Airport — stands the Panama Clinic. This hospital offers emergency, maternity, and radiology services, as well as an advanced lab. 

An interesting fact is that the Panama Clinic has established an alliance with the Panamanian Federation of Football, thanks to which it has become the main sponsor for the female and male national teams. 

They offer medical backup for the teams during competitions, and players enjoy open access to the facilities. 

Hospital Santo Tomás

Santo Tomás is a public hospital committed to the highest medical standards for both expats and Panamanians. It dates back to the year 1703, when letters from the colonial times mentioned a place where they took care of the sick and homeless. 

The most iconic of its buildings was erected in 1924 and was heavily criticized for being excessively large. The opposition in those days argued that such a huge construction was disproportionate, considering how small the country was back then. Little did they know that, 20 years later, the population in Panama would be tripled and that the original building wouldn’t be able to cope with the increasing demand. 

In the 2000s, the buildings were renovated according to modern needs; however, they maintained the facade and the gardens, which are considered to be historic national monuments.

Today, Santo Tomás is a teaching hospital and offers outstanding care in a variety of specialties like general surgery, plastic surgery, gastroenterology, radiology, cardiovascular surgery, urology, infectiology, gynecology, ophthalmology, psychiatry, and others.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general knowledge purposes only. Mundo doesn't recommend any of these clinics specifically, nor any of their professionals. The reader is responsible for conducting the necessary research and choosing the clinic or doctor he or she considers best.

English-Speaking Doctors: Availability and Booking

Panama's cosmopolitan environment and its solid position as an international business and banking hub make it an expat-friendly ambiance. Most people want to learn English either for work or for easier communication with foreigners in Panama and abroad. Even though its official language is Spanish, the country has had a long-shared history with the United States, since the northern nation administered the canal until recently.

Moreover, English is taught as a second language at schools, and many institutions are downright bilingual or English-based. These are international schools in which classes are taught solely in English and that provide a solid, close-to-native base for the country’s future workforce.

This results in 14% of the population speaking English fluently. Therefore, it’s not uncommon to find a doctor who speaks Shakespeare’s language, especially in private medical centers or clinics oriented to medical tourism.

What Treatment Actually Costs

More affordable than in the US

Pinpointing the costs of surgeries, procedures, labs, and medical studies would be beyond this article's reach. However, what we can do is offer a general comparison between Panama and the United States.

It’s no secret that healthcare in the North American nation is costly, even with insurance. This is why an American retiree finds that he/she can afford much more with their income than back home. 

Depending on the specialty, a doctor's appointment can cost from $50 with insurance. Even so, it is much more appealing than what you pay in the US, where costs start at $300 or $400 depending on the state and the city.

Possibility of obtaining discounts through the retirement visa

What is the Pensionado program?

If you're a retiree and your pension income is at least $1,000 a month, you're eligible for Panama's retirement visa: Pensionado. The program is famous for being one of the most convenient for retirees, both in the region and the world. Firstly, it has set quite flexible requirements for application and visa approval, and secondly, it grants several benefits to approved candidates (residents).

These discounts encompass a variety of sectors, from healthcare and dental follow-up to theater and movie tickets, hotels, travel, technical services, utilities, restaurants, and fast-food vendors. Besides, there are tax reliefs for importing personal goods, as can be seen on the following list.

Services in which you can get a discount with the Pensionado visa in Panama:

• Medical consultation
• Eye exams
• Dental exams
• Hospitalization (only for retirees without insurance)
• Technical services
• Utility bills
• Cinema tickets
• Theater tickets
• Events' tickets
• Transportation fares, including buses and trains
• Airplane tickets
• Hotel stays
• Restaurants
• Fast food vendors
• Import household goods duty-free (with a limited total value)
• Import a new car every two years

Main advantages of obtaining the Pensionado permit

No age restriction

Even though it was mainly geared for retirees, the program is not age-restricted. Individuals aged 18 or older can apply as long as they have a qualifying pension. This consists of a lifetime pension of USD 1,000 a month from any source, whether governmental or private.

Simple path to permanent residency

With that said, it becomes clear that this is one of the most direct and cost-effective pathways to permanent residency. For applicants who qualify, it is by far the best program in Panama, even surpassing the famous Qualified Investor (see infographic above)

Allows for a work permit

Although it originally didn't allow for a work permit, this has been amended. The possibility of working in the country gives the retiree flexibility and freedom of choice. They can choose to stay active even in their retirement years.

Mundo experts' opinion: "very few programs can compete with Pensionado when it comes to affordability and benefits. I always recommend readers go for the Pensionado option if they have a lifetime pension. Nevertheless, if they have dependent children, I also recommend that children apply through another program, as with Pensionado, sons and daughters lose their residency at the age of 25".

You can apply with your closest relatives

The Pensionado visa allows you to apply with your spouse and children, adding an extra $250 for each dependent. When it comes to children, there are a few details to consider. For starters, all children over 18 years of age can be included only if they are full-time students at the university, and even so, they will lose their resident status at the age of 25.

Combination with real estate

If the applicant purchases real estate with a value of at least $100,000, the minimum pension can be reduced to $750 a month.

Upgrade your lifestyle with a discount when going out to dinner 

Through a variety of convenient discounts (see details above), retirees in Panama can stretch their retirement income further than they would in the United States, Canada, Australia, and most Western European countries. Some of these discounts are exclusive to pensionado visa holders, and others are available for all Panamanian retirees.

Disclaimer: All the information provided in this article is drawn from general research, and it might be inaccurate or outdated at the time of reading. This article doesn't constitute migration or legal advice. Before applying for residency in a foreign country, always consult with certified professionals.

Health Insurance Options for Foreign Residents

Local Insurance Plans: Coverage, Age Limits, Exclusions

Mundo's team can help you obtain Panama residency and find the perfect real estate to invest in. Providing advice about medical care or health insurance is out of our reach. 

In general, expats will have to weigh the same factors as with any insurance they would obtain at home. For obvious reasons, the widest coverage possible and the highest premium are the most comprehensive options if you can afford them. 

Perhaps, since they are based in a foreign country, retirees might consider adding international coverage or medical repatriation, but that's something that must be evaluated according to the case’s needs, preferences, and lifestyle choices.

Conclusion: Establish yourself in Panama free of concerns

When studying possible relocation jurisdictions, healthcare is one of the main concerns, and it often tops the priority list. In Panama, you'll find world-class healthcare, both in the public and private sectors, advanced technology, and even a clinic associated with Johns Hopkins International. 

When it comes to healthcare in Panama, you have nothing to worry about, so you can safely put it on your list of choices for your soon-to-be relocation.

How Mundo Experts Help You Obtain Residency

Relocation is impossible without the corresponding legal permit, and luckily, Mundo can help you. With our team of experts, our physical office in Panama City, and our in-house Panamanian lawyer, we can help you obtain the Pensionado Visa or any residency program of your choice. 

Furthermore, if you're considering adding real estate, we have a specialized team that can introduce you to the best developers and units. 

Do you see yourself retiring in Panama soon? Contact us now, and let's make it happen!

Contact our team