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Even though medical care is super affordable in Panama, it’s a good idea to have insurance just in case of a medical emergency.
A routine doctor visit is usually less than $20. If you see a specialist, it could cost $50. These prices are without using insurance.
But if you are rushed to the emergency room and must be admitted to the hospital or need emergency surgery, it could cost thousands of dollars.
I know one man who paid $50,000 for heart surgery in Panama (with no insurance). When I was in the hospital for nine days with Covid, the bill was $15,000!
You have several choices for insurance in Panama:
OPTION 1: You can get insurance that only covers you in Panama. For a 65-year-old, it’s about $102 per month. But there’s a catch… to get this insurance, you must be fully vaccinated for Covid and have no pre-existing conditions. They will not write a new policy for those over 74 years old. This article has information about Panama health insurance options.
OPTION 2: If you live in Panama City, some hospitals offer an insurance plan covering people up to age 90. They do not require you to be vaccinated for Covid and are more lenient about pre-existing conditions. If you are overweight, the premium is a 20% increase. A 65-year-old will pay about $180 a month.
OPTION 3: You can get international health insurance that covers you worldwide. No Covid vaccines are required, but they will not insure pre-existing conditions. A 65-year-old will pay about $350 per month. The price goes up every year. If you get a higher deductible, you can reduce your monthly expenses.
We have a list of reliable health insurance brokers in the Online Complete Panama Relocation Guide. They can give you more details about your “Panama Only” health insurance options.
OPTION 4: You can use the public hospital. There is no monthly fee. It’s about $2 to see a doctor. But if you need a major surgery, like heart surgery, there is usually a long waiting list. So, it’s not a good option if you have pre-existing medical conditions.
OPTION 5: Some travel insurance companies offer an annual plan that covers up to $100,000 in emergency medical coverage in Panama. It’s about $1500 for a 65-year-old for the annual plan. This is available for people from any country. Read their fine print about pre-existing conditions. Some include medical evacuation in an emergency.
OPTION 6: If you’re a US citizen eligible for Medicare, you can convert to a Medicare Advantage plan covering Panama’s medical emergencies. If you are already paying for Medicare Part B, converting to a Medicare Advantage plan is usually no extra expense. The good news is that you are also covered in the United States. And, if you get the right Medicare Advantage plan, you can get medications shipped to Panama to save money. There are no age and pre-existing condition restrictions with a Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare Advantage is accepted at some Panama hospitals without prepaying or filing a claim. You just show your Medicare Advantage card.
Watch this Livestream about using Medicare Advantage in Panama. The video description has a link to schedule a free consultation with Jeff about your Medicare or Medicare Advantage options. (must be a US citizen to qualify)
Regardless of which insurance you select, pick one to avoid expensive surprises.
Hi Jackie, We live in Coronado, would you suggest to speak with Jeff or Gabriel for the international health insurance. We just turned 60 this yr., so not quite ready for
medicare !
Thank You
Jayne
HI Jayne, You need to contact one of the Panama health insurance agents for international health insurance. See the Online Guide for their contact info
Hi Jackie,
My wife will retire at the end of next year from the Federal Government. Who (and when) will we need to talk to in order to coordinate her FEHB (Federal Employee Health Benefit) benefits with other international plans we may need to be adequately covered. I believe the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Plan covers us anywhere in the world but there is a lot to figure out.
Thanks,
Joe
Hello Joe. you would need to contact Blue Cross Blue Shield to see if they cover all medical expenses overseas. But you should know that it is very unlikely that any Panama hospital or doctor will accept the insurance. So you will need to pay for the medical service and then file a claim with BCBS.
Hi Jacki, Can you tell me how to get in contact with Jeff? I didn’t see a link or phone number, sorry. I have Traditional Medicare now but want to consider a Medicare Advantage plan that will cover me here in Dallas and if I move to Panama (for emergencies I understand) Thanks!
HI Kelly. Jeff’s contact info is in the description of the video —
You can also reach Jeff using Whatsapp +1-916-601-7128
Hey Jackie,
Last year you recommended a medicare advantage specialist Jeff Noble, I noticed today this was different guy named Jerry. Is Jeff still on your recommend list or should I contact the new guy Jerry on Medical Advantage plans instead.
Thanks!
we recommend Jerry and Jeff. They both are very good with Medicare Advantage
I have United Health Advantage
Are there different Advantage policies. I’m hoping what I have will cover my medical expenses.
Thank you,
Rick Bergeron
[email protected]
I have United Health Advantage
Are there different Advantage policies. I’m hoping what I have will cover my medical expenses.
Thank You,
Rick, there are different Advantage plans. Most only cover urgent care or emergencies in Panama. They do not cover all medical expenses
Jackie-
Regarding Med Advantage, what constitutes an emergency?
(Trying to determine if its worth it, as I don’t want to go to US for treatments)
I assume an accident, stroke or heart attack, right?
What if you contract cancer or some other serious disease?
Are there better options (Ill be 75 12/24)?
Thanks
ER
ER A medical emergency is something that would send you to the emergency room at the hospital for immediate treatment or perhaps surgery.
Medicare Advantage does not cover pre-existing conditions in Panama. But they are covered in the US
Most Panama insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. Hospital Sante Fe Insurance in Panama City is the only option for those over 75.
https://panamarelocationtours.com/first-class-hospital-santa-fe-in-panama-city
I appreciate your honesty regarding insurance prices. I’m 65 on traditional Medicare paying for part B And a United Healthcare supplement and my costs are at nearly $400/ month but I have premium insurance, the reality is for me if I stayed with vein so well insured in Panama by time I retire, 2027 my costs would be similar. The good news for me is I have no pre-existing illness and currently am healthy. I almost feel like why wait, maybe retire sooner, go with a Medicare replacement in Panama and supplement with some sort of insurance there that is reasonable. Obviously, age stacks up against you when it comes to insurance rates.
I appreciate your honesty regarding insurance prices. I’m 65 on traditional Medicare paying for part B And a United Healthcare supplement and my costs are at nearly $400/ month but I have premium insurance, the reality is for me if I stayed with similar coverage the cost would be the same in Panama.The good news for me is I have no pre-existing illness and currently am healthy. I almost feel like why wait, maybe retire sooner, go with a Medicare replacement in Panama and supplement with some sort of insurance there that is reasonable. Obviously, age stacks up against you when it comes to insurance rates.
HI Mary Ann, You would be able to keep Medicare ADvantage and reduce your costs for it substantially when you move to Panama. Talk to the Medicare Advantage agents we recommend to reduce your monthly premium!