Medicare is affordable health insurance for US citizens. You must be 65 to sign up. There are no age restrictions and no pre-existing condition restrictions.
You cannot use Medicare in Panama. But you CAN use Medicare Advantage in Panama! You’ll need a “special Medicare Advantage account” that can be used for urgent care or emergencies in Panama. Best of all, there is no additional cost for this special account!
To get Medicare Advantage, you will need Medicare Part A, and you’ll need to pay for Medicare Part B, which is currently about $170 per month. Most retirees’ Medicare premium is taken directly from their Social Security payments.
This news is especially good for United States citizens who have pre-existing conditions because they may not be able to get Panama insurance or international health insurance. Currently, most Panama insurance companies will not write a new policy for many preexisting conditions, or they will exclude them.
In Panama, when you use Medicare Advantage, if you go to an approved hospital, you will NOT need to prepay and then file a claim. The hospital will do direct billing.
Of course, Medicare Advantage can also be used in the United States, and it can be used to mail prescription medications to Panama using a mail-forwarding company. You can get your medications from Amazon Pharmacy or any other pharmacy that will mail prescriptions.
Because basic medical care is so affordable in Panama, you can just pay for a routine doctor visit or lab work.
But if you have a medical emergency or need urgent care in Panama, now, you have the peace of mind to know that you will not need to prepay because the hospital will bill your insurance company.
Being able to use Medicare Advantage in Panama is a GAME-CHANGER for many would-be expats!
It costs $0 to switch to the right Medicare Advantage Plan. For most plans, the only fee you’ll pay is what you are already paying for Medicare Part B. There is no additional charge for the special Medicare Advantage Plan.
Most insurance agents, even Medicare specialists, do not know that you can use Medicare Advantage in Panama or how to find the right Medicare Advantage plan. Of course, Panama insurance agents cannot help you with Medicare.
The Online Panama Relocation Guide includes recommendations for Medicare Advantage for expat experts. These experts specialize in helping expats get the right Medicare Advantage plan so they are covered for medical emergencies and urgent care in Panama.
If you’re not a US citizen or not yet 65, the Complete Panama Relocation Guide also has other very affordable health insurance information for you too! If you’re 60-69, your insurance will cost about $102 monthly.
You really can live better for less in Panama!
Of course, the Complete Panama Relocation Guide also contains all the information you need to know to have a smooth, hassle-free move to Panama.