Health Tourism in Panama

In this article you will find answers for:

• Medical Tourism in Panama.

• Hospital Accreditation in Panama.

• Medical treatments in Panama.

• Safety in Panama.

Why Panama for Medical Tourism?

Panama has several accredited hospitals meeting the Hospital Accreditation System - Joint Commission International (JCI). The country has been working hard to attract more medical tourists by providing them with the necessary facilities. Most doctors in Panama received their training in the USA and are internationally qualified to provide services that meet a high standard of quality. The most common medical tourism service offered in Panama is Dental Implant and General Dental Services.

Panama's World-Class Healthcare Options. Get Free Treatment Support to Explore Further.

Healthcare in Panama is provided through both the government and private sector businesses. The public sector is funded through the Ministry of Health (MINSA) and the Social Security Fund (CSS), which operate separate facilities. The CSS is both a healthcare provider and a pension fund administrator, funded by contributions from employers and employees.

Rural areas can face problems with the public health care system, where a lack of funding creates a shortage of beds. The majority of doctors prefer to live in Panama City where there are higher patient loads and more economic opportunities. Panama City and David have become medical tourism destinations, especially for aesthetic and orthopedic procedures.

Private health care is also available in Panama, with many clinics and hospitals located in hubs across the country. The government of Panama continues to work towards enhancing the quality of healthcare and has implemented a universal healthcare system for permanent residents as well as citizens. Since it mainly provides basic coverage, opting for private health insurance may be the best option.

Expats, digital nomads, and global citizens should invest in a private health insurance plan before arriving in Panama. Else, they will have to pay from their pockets for all the services rendered. The equipment and doctors at clinics and hospitals across Panama are similar to what you’d find in the same facilities in the U.S. or Canada, with many expats reporting that they received more personalized care in Panama than they did back home. However, while Panama’s public system offers good physician care, its overall quality is still ranked well below most of Europe and the United States.

Visitors will find Panama’s MINSA healthcare facilities operating out of older buildings with limited beds or dated equipment. Expats report long wait times and a lack of basics like bedding and toilet paper. Public hospitals can also be short-staffed and patients often need family members to come in and bathe them.

See Medical Institutions in Panama.

The quality of healthcare in Panama is generally considered good, with many expats reporting that they received more personalized care in Panama than they did back home. However, Panama's overall healthcare system is ranked well below most of Europe and the United States. Here are some key insights from the search results:

• Quality of Healthcare: The equipment and doctors at clinics and hospitals across Panama are similar to what you’d find in the same facilities in the U.S. or Canada, with many expats reporting that they received more personalized care in Panama than they did back home. Panama has well-trained bilingual doctors and medical professionals, and the quality of healthcare in Panama hospitals equals the quality of hospitals in Canada, the U.S., and Europe.
• Public vs. Private Healthcare: Panama has three healthcare systems: two are government-run, and one is private. While the public healthcare system provides access to affordable care for nearly all of its 4.4 million residents, including visitors, the elite private facilities – some with ties to top U.S. hospitals – provide faster and more specialized care with patient comfort as a top priority.
• Cost of Healthcare: Healthcare is very affordable in Panama, with many clinics and hospitals strategically located in hubs across the country. Private health insurance available to expats living in Panama is generally much cheaper than insurance in the U.S.
• Government Initiatives: The government of Panama continues to work towards enhancing the quality of healthcare and has implemented a universal healthcare system for permanent residents as well as citizens. However, since it mainly provides basic coverage, opting for private health insurance may be the best option.

The quality of healthcare in Panama is generally considered good, with many expats reporting that they received more personalized care in Panama than they did back home. Panama has well-trained bilingual doctors and medical professionals, and the quality of healthcare in Panama hospitals equals the quality of hospitals in Canada, the U.S., and Europe. While the public healthcare system provides access to affordable care, the elite private facilities provide faster and more specialized care with patient comfort as a top priority. Health care is very affordable in Panama, and the government is working towards enhancing the quality of healthcare.

There are some legal and regulatory frameworks in place to protect medical tourists in Panama, but they are limited. Here are some key insights:

• Liability: Doctors in Panama are responsible for their activities and performance under the law, but they are not required to shoulder the damages incurred. This means that medical tourists may not have the same legal protections as they would in other countries.
• Medic Sales: Medic sales are banned for foreigners in Panama, and only Panamanians are allowed to visit health facilities to offer pharmaceutical products or medical devices. This regulation is in place to protect the health and safety of medical tourists.
• Free Medical Insurance: Panama offers free medical insurance for tourists that covers hospitalization and medical expenses for up to $7,000 USD in case of an accident or illness. This insurance provides some protection for medical tourists, but it may not cover all medical expenses.
• Travel Insurance: While tourists are not legally required to have travel insurance in Panama, it is highly recommended. Travel insurance can provide additional protection for medical tourists in case of unexpected medical expenses.
• Certification of Medical Equipment: The public sector in Panama requires certification of medical equipment by the Ministry of Health and its Social Security Administration. This regulation is in place to ensure that medical equipment used in public healthcare facilities is safe and effective.

While there are some legal and regulatory frameworks in place to protect medical tourists in Panama, they are limited. Medical tourists should research and choose reputable hospitals and clinics to ensure they receive safe and effective treatment. Having comprehensive travel insurance can also provide additional protection for medical tourists in case of unexpected medical expenses.

Top Treatments in Panama

Top Medical Treatments in Panama for Medical Tourism

• Plastic Surgery: Panama is renowned for providing top-tier cosmetic surgeries, making it a sought-after destination for procedures like breast augmentation, liposuction, and facelifts.
• Orthopedic Surgery: With skilled medical professionals specializing in orthopedic surgery, including joint replacements and other orthopedic procedures, Panama offers high-quality options for patients seeking orthopedic care.
• Eye Surgery: Panama provides comprehensive eye surgery services, encompassing procedures such as cataract surgeries and other vision correction treatments.
• Transplants: Emerging as a hub for major surgeries and even transplants, Panama attracts medical tourists in search of specialized treatments.

It's worth noting that the availability of specific treatments in Panama can vary based on the medical facility and healthcare professionals' expertise.

Prices for Treatments in Panama

Below are the estimated prices for prominent treatments in Panama:

• General Practitioner Visit: A routine doctor's visit in Panama typically costs between $15 and $25 if you do not have insurance.
• Specialist Consultation: Consulting with a specialist in Panama may range from $40 to $50 without insurance.
• Dental Cleaning: Having your teeth cleaned in Panama is approximately priced at $50.
• Dental Implants: The cost of a dental implant in Panama is generally under $1,000.
• Eye Lift: For an upper and lower eye lift procedure in Panama City, the cost is approximately $2,000.

It's important to understand that these prices are approximations and can differ based on factors like the specific medical facility, location, and individual circumstances. Moreover, possessing health insurance or choosing private healthcare options might influence the overall cost of these treatments.

Is Panama Safe?

Panama doesn’t have any major security threats as such. Common caution is advised in regard to crime threats e.g. credit card fraud, rape, petty robbery, and theft. Visitors to Panama are advised to be vigilant and avoid known dangerous places such as drug areas (Panama is bound to such areas because it is so close to Colombia.) and the secluded forests.

Panama Quick Facts

• Capital: Panama City with over 2 million people
• Population: About 4 million people 
• Major infectious diseases: Traveler’s Diarrhea, Common Cold, and Flu, Dengue Fever, African Trypanosomiasis, hepatitis.
• Degree of risk: Low
• Passport validity: three months beyond the date of arrival.
• Mandatory Vaccinations: according to the Centers for Diseases Control (CDC), there are no mandatory vaccinations. However, vaccination and medication against hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Typhoid, yellow fever (mandatory for tourists entering from countries with endemic yellow fever), malaria, tetanus- Diphtheria, and measles are highly recommended.
• Currency restrictions for entry: 10,000 USD