Health & Insurance.

Medical care

Medical care in Panama City is very good — with international clinics and English-speaking doctors at Western standards. Well-known hospitals such as Hospital Punta Pacífica (Johns Hopkins affiliate) and Centro Médico Paitilla offer internationally standardised care.

Boquete has basic medical care. For major procedures or specialists, you travel to David (30 minutes) or Panama City. In remote regions, care is limited — this must be considered when choosing a region.

Health insurance

International health insurance is essential for expats in Panama. The Panamanian state health insurance (CSS) is only accessible to foreigners under specific conditions.

Important: Take out insurance before you leave — depending on age and pre-existing conditions, this can become more difficult. Several international providers offer specialised expat policies.

Vetted insurance recommendations and contacts to specialists are available in the members area.