Self-Insuring in Panama: A Real Option for Many

Why Many Expats in Panama Choose to Self-Insure – and How Affordable Health Care Makes It Possible

One of the biggest surprises for many people who move to Panama is just how affordable health care is. In fact, medical care in Panama is so affordable that many expats choose to self-insure rather than purchase traditional health insurance. Even without insurance, you can access high-quality care at a fraction of what you’d pay in the United States or Canada.

In a recent livestream, I sat down with Kelle and Jeff, a couple who made the move to Panama (sight unseen) and chose to self-insure rather than purchase traditional health insurance. They shared their firsthand experiences navigating Panama’s healthcare system and how surprisingly affordable and excellent it has been. From routine doctor visits to lab work and MRIs, they’ve paid everything out of pocket, and the total cost has been significantly less than what they used to pay for monthly insurance premiums back in the U.S.

Kelle and Jeff emphasized that they’ve had excellent care, and they love the freedom of not dealing with co-pays, deductibles, or insurance red tape. For them, self-insuring has been a smart financial decision, even with pre-existing conditions, thanks to Panama’s low-cost, high-quality healthcare. Their story is a great example of how moving to Panama can dramatically reduce your healthcare expenses—without sacrificing quality.

Watch the replay of their interview below. Be sure to watch to the end for an important message!

Let’s explore why health care in Panama is so affordable, why self-insuring is a real option, and what budget-friendly insurance alternatives are available—including one amazing expat health membership program in Panama City.

Self-Insuring in Panama: A Real Option for Many

In countries like the U.S., self-insuring would be financially risky because of the astronomical cost of even basic care. But in Panama, it’s a totally different story.

• Doctor visits at public hospitals typically cost just $2 to $5
• Private doctor visits are around $15 to $20.
• Lab work, x-rays, ultrasounds, and even surgeries are extremely affordable.

Because the out-of-pocket costs are so low, many expats choose to pay as they go. For healthy individuals, or those who can’t get private insurance due to pre-existing conditions, self-insuring can make perfect sense in Panama.

MiniMed Expat Health Membership – Just $220/Year

If you live in Panama City, there’s an excellent option that makes health care even more accessible: the MiniMed Expat Health Membership. This low-cost plan offers:

• Unlimited doctor visits
• Unlimited lab work
• Unlimited x-rays
• Three specialist visits per year

All for just $220 a year (or $20 per month) with no pre-existing or age exclusions.

It’s not insurance, but it provides extensive medical care at one of the most modern private clinics/hospitals in the city. For expats who want regular access to doctors without worrying about co-pays or deductibles, this is a fantastic value.

Affordable Private Insurance Options

If you prefer to have traditional insurance for extra peace of mind, Panama offers private health insurance at a fraction of U.S. prices:

• For someone aged 60 to 69, a comprehensive policy is typically around $120 per month.
• Plans usually cover hospitalization, surgeries, and some outpatient care.
• Pre-existing conditions may be excluded, so it’s wise to apply while you’re still in good health.

There are local policies as well as international insurance options that cover both Panama and other countries, depending on your lifestyle and travel needs. See several brochures and health insurance options.

Panama’s Public Healthcare: Accessible and Affordable

Panama has a public health care system that’s open to everyone—including foreigners. While services are more basic and wait times can be longer, the cost is incredibly low:

• $2 for a general doctor visit
• $5 for a specialist appointment
• Extremely low-cost medications, diagnostics, and even hospital stays

This is a great backup system, especially if you live near a public hospital or clinic. A public hospital may be the closest option. You should certainly research the nearest hospital options before moving to a new area.

Some Private Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage

Here’s another bonus for Americans: select private hospitals in Panama City and David now accept U.S. Medicare Advantage plans for urgent care and emergency visits. These hospitals collaborate with U.S.-based billing companies that manage the insurance paperwork, which can be a significant help in a stressful situation.

You’ll have zero out-of-pocket expenses for urgent care or emergencies in Panama. You may also be able to obtain medications shipped from the US to Panama at an affordable price.

Veteran Medical Benefits Accepted

Many U.S. veterans and military retirees find peace of mind in Panama thanks to TRICARE coverage. Select private hospitals accept TRICARE and CHAMPVA for eligible beneficiaries, allowing direct billing for medically necessary services like hospitalizations, outpatient visits, lab tests, and imaging. When visiting Panama, it’s essential to bring your military or dependent ID, Social Security Number or DoD Benefits ID, and Tricare documents to ensure smooth verification at admission .

Similarly, the VA’s Foreign Medical Program (FMP) supports veterans by covering care for service‑connected conditions while abroad. In Panama City and David, several private hospitals directly bill the VA under FMP, eliminating the need for upfront payment. This arrangement makes Panama a compelling option for veterans seeking affordable care overseas for service-related conditions, as many facilities now streamline their billing to work directly with the VA.

Your Health, Your Choice

Whether you decide to self-insure, join an affordable membership plan like MiniMed, or opt for full insurance coverage, Panama offers you choices. The low cost of care, high-quality private hospitals, and available insurance options make it possible to take control of your health without breaking the bank.

Many expats report that after moving to Panama, they improved their health, reduced stress, and even got off medications they had been taking for years. When health care is affordable and accessible, it’s easier to take care of yourself.

Ready to learn more about relocating to Panama?
Our Online Panama Relocation Guide includes up-to-date information on private and public healthcare, insurance providers, bilingual doctors, the MiniMed Expat Membership, and so much more. One low fee provides you with lifetime access to step-by-step guidance, making your move to Panama easy and affordable. The Online Panama Relocation Guide also includes ongoing support before, during, and even after you move to Panama.

Read what Sylvia wrote about the Online Panama Relocation Guide in this Google review:

“For months we watched videos from PRT as we considered Panama for our retirement destination. When we made the decision to visit in person, all the PRT tours were booked months out. So we bought the PRT Guide and used Jackie’s referred service providers and went on a self guided tour. Everything that we had questions about was covered in the guide.

After falling in love with Panama and began the visa process we continued to find the guide invaluable. So much great information, constant updates, and so many amazing connections come from the guide and online private group. I cannot imagine the process without assistance from Panama Relocation Tours.“