HomeExpat health insurance
Expats · Retirees · Digital nomads
Health insurance for expats in Panama.
Moving here or already settled? I'll help you choose between local and international coverage, in plain English, and I'll be the one you call when you need to use it.
- Local plans and international major medical
- Honest answers on age limits and pre-existing conditions
- Coverage that meets visa requirements
- A local broker who answers in English
The questions that matter
Five things to know before you apply.
Your age
Many local insurers only accept new applicants up to a certain age, often around 64 or 65. After that, options narrow to international plans with stricter underwriting. The earlier you apply, the more choice you have.
Pre-existing conditions
Local plans usually exclude them. International plans assess them case by case: they may be covered, covered after a waiting period, carry an extra premium, or be excluded. Full disclosure on the application protects your future claims.
Your visa
The Pensionado (retiree) visa doesn't require health insurance, but going without it means paying private hospitals out of pocket. The remote worker (digital nomad) visa does require health coverage valid in Panama, and travel insurance usually doesn't qualify. Always confirm with your immigration lawyer.
Coverage in the US
Adding US coverage to an international plan can nearly double the premium. Many expats choose worldwide coverage excluding the US, plus travel medical insurance for their trips home.
Hospitals
Networks usually include the main private hospitals in Panama City, such as Hospital Punta Pacífica, Centro Médico Paitilla, Hospital San Fernando and Hospital Nacional. I'll confirm the network for the plan you choose.
Where you live
In Coronado, Boquete or the interior, access to in-network clinics and emergency transport matters as much as the premium. We'll factor it in.
Ask about my areaSide by side
Local plan or international plan?
General differences. Each carrier and plan has its own terms, which I'll give you in writing.
| Feature | Local plan | International major medical |
|---|---|---|
| Where you're covered | Panama, with emergency coverage abroad up to a sub-limit | Worldwide, with or without the US |
| Premium | Lower | Higher, especially with US coverage |
| Annual maximum | Moderate | High, often $1,000,000 or more |
| Choice of doctors | Local provider network | Freedom to choose any provider |
| Entry age | Often limited to around 64–65 | Usually higher, with underwriting |
| Pre-existing conditions | Usually excluded | Assessed case by case |
| Best for | Residents who get care in Panama | Frequent travelers, retirees wanting a top network, visa holders |
FAQ
What expats ask me.
Can I get insured if I'm over 65?
It's harder, but not always impossible. Most local plans stop accepting new applicants around that age, so international plans are usually the route, with medical underwriting. If you're approaching 60, it's worth applying now rather than waiting.
Does Medicare cover me in Panama?
As a general rule, Medicare doesn't cover care received outside the United States, so most US retirees in Panama buy a local or international plan here.
Do I need to be a resident to buy a plan?
Requirements vary by carrier. Some local plans ask for residency or a local ID; international plans are more flexible. Tell me your situation and I'll point you to plans you actually qualify for.
Will you help me with claims in English?
Yes. I handle the paperwork and follow up with the carrier on your behalf, and I explain everything in English.
Let's talk
Tell me what you need. I'll get back to you today.
No endless forms. Send me a message, we talk for fifteen minutes, and I'll tell you what your options are and what they cost.