Health Insurance in Panama, America

Information expatriation

Capital City: Panama City
Total area: 75,517 km2
Population: 3,343,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +507 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Panama

Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk: World Health Map
BLOG: Expat Health insurance Information

Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:

·      Panama has a universal multi-payer healthcare system that aims to provide coverage for all residents.

·      The system is divided into contributory and non-contributory segments. The contributory segment is funded by payroll taxes and covers formal sector workers and their families.

·      The non-contributory segment is funded through general tax revenues and covers uninsured populations like children, elderly, disabled and informal workers.

·      Both segments provide access to a network of public clinics and hospitals as well as some private providers.

·      Over 70% of Panamanians are covered by the contributory funds while most of the remainder use public charity hospitals.

·      Around 15-20% have supplemental private health insurance for additional coverage and more options.

·      Healthcare spending accounts for around 8% of GDP which is fairly high for the region.

·      Challenges include maintaining infrastructure, physician shortages in remote areas and high costs.

·      Overall Panama aims to provide universal health coverage through multiple public and private insurance funds while dealing with a growing healthcare cost burden. Quality and access varies across regions.

Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:

·      Purchase comprehensive international or Panamanian private health insurance prior to arrival.

·      Consider joining an employer's contributory healthcare plan if applicable for formal workers.

·      Rural/remote regions have fewer medical resources so know your nearest well-equipped facilities.

·      Bring adequate prescription medication supplies as some may only be reliably available in major cities.

·      Mental healthcare options are limited compared to physical health services nationwide.

·      Spanish medical skills are important for interactions, especially outside urban centers.

·      Understand coverage details and any exclusions for pre-existing conditions in your plan.

·      Non-citizens are generally not covered under the non-contributory public system.

·      Register with your embassy and keep documentation like insurance cards accessible at all times.

·      Advance planning, reliable coverage and awareness of regional limitations will help expats safely navigate Panama's healthcare environment.