International health insurance in Panama
Health insurance for expats & foreigners
Access any clinic
Skip wait times, get the best care.
Visa-compliant coverage
Documents available instantly.
Top rated: 4.8/5
On 2500+ reviews.
Why get private health insurance in Panama?
Panama has world-class private hospitals, but paying out of pocket adds up fast: a private GP visit runs about $60+ (€52), and a hospital night costs $350+ (€300), or $1,000+ (€860) at a top hospital like Punta Pacifica.
Moreover, the public system isn't built for expats. It's split between the Ministry of Health (open to anyone, but underfunded) and the social security fund (CSS), which is for employees only. Retirees, nomads, and investors can't access it.
Plus, the Digital Nomad visa legally requires private insurance.
How does the healthcare system work in Panama?
The public system: MINSA & CSS
Panama runs two public systems: The Ministry of Health (MINSA) operates clinics open to anyone for $1–3 a visit, while the social security fund (CSS) is a separate, payroll-funded network for employed workers and their dependents. Most visa holders, including Pensionado, Friendly Nations, Investor, and Digital Nomad visas, cannot get into CSS.
Panamanian pharmacies & medication
Pharmacies are everywhere in Panama City, David, Boquete, and Coronado. The main chains are Farmacias Arrocha, Metro Plus, and El Javillo, with 24-hour service in Panama City. Prescription rules are looser than in the US or EU, so many antibiotics are sold over the counter. And if you're on a Pensionado visa, you get 10% off prescriptions.
Emergency services in Panama
Dial 911 for police, fire, or an ambulance. Public ambulances are free but slow (30–90 minutes in Panama City) and often unavailable in rural areas such as Chiriquí, Coclé, and Bocas del Toro. Most expats use a private emergency service such as SEMM or Pacifica Salud, which can arrive within 15–30 minutes. An air ambulance costs $9,000+ (€7,740).
What expats need health insurance?
Digital nomads
The Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers is the one Panamanian visa for which private international cover is legally required. A travel policy will be refused, and you will have no access to social security.
Retirees
The Pensionado visa (for a $1,000/month pension) comes with generous discounts: 20% off consultations, 15% off hospital stays. Feather's plans cover the remaining costs.
Families
A delivery at a top hospital costs $5,500 (€4,740) depending on type, and a children's ER visit costs about $75 (€65). Feather's plans can cover the whole family, maternity included.
Gap year & job seekers
Without a Panamanian employer, you can't enroll in Social Security. The public clinics handle emergencies cheaply but offer no continuity of care. Feather's plans keep you properly covered.
Students
Universities like Universidad de Panamá and USMA require proof of private cover or enrolment in a student plan. Feather meets that from day one, with English-speaking support and instant documents.
Visa applicants
The Digital Nomad visa legally requires private international cover (travel insurance won't do); other visas just recommend it. Either way, Feather qualifies.
Get global health insurance that works in Panama
Plans from €56/month. Sign up online in minutes.
How much is health insurance in Panama?
Without cover, the bills add up fast. A private GP visit runs about $60 (€52), a specialist around $80 (€69), and a private hospital room about $350 (€300) a night, or $1,000+ (€860) at a premium hospital like Punta Pacifica.
Public healthcare in Panama
If you're employed, CSS takes 9.75% of your gross salary (your employer adds more) and deducts it automatically from your payroll. The self-employed can contribute voluntarily at around 13.5%. It won't cover dental, vision, advanced mental health, or brand-name drugs. The Ministry of Health clinics cost just $1–3 per visit, but wait times are long.
Private medical insurance
Our plans start at €56/month for Essential and €84/month for Plus. You'll get outpatient and inpatient care, plus dental, mental health, maternity, and medical evacuation, depending on your plan.
Visa & health insurance requirements for Panama
The Digital Nomad visa legally requires private international health insurance. The Pensionado, Friendly Nations, and Investor visas don't require it, but it's strongly recommended, as none of them include public health access.
Accepted for all major Panamanian visas
Both Feather plans meet the requirements for the Digital Nomad, and the recommended coverage for Pensionado, Friendly Nations, Qualified Investor, and student visas.
Documents ready when you sign up
Your proof of cover, in English and Spanish, lands in your account the moment you sign up. Accepted by Panamanian consulates.
How does Feather's international health insurance work?
Choose your plan
Compare Essential and Plus, pick your deductible, and sign up in under 5 minutes. No paperwork, no medical exams.
Get your documents instantly
Your confirmation and visa-ready proof-of-coverage documents land in your account straight away.
Visit any doctor
See any licensed doctor, specialist, or hospital. No referrals, no network restrictions, no pre-approval.
Upload your bill in the app
Already paid? Open the Feather app, snap a photo of your invoice, and submit your claim in under a minute.
Get reimbursed to your account
We review your claim and reimburse you directly to your bank account. Most claims are processed within two weeks.
Cancel anytime after year one
There's a one-year minimum term. After that, cancel whenever you want. No penalties.
Join 200,000+ expats covered with Feather
Get global medical coverage in under 5 minutes.
Why choose Feather?
200,000+ happy customers
Experience insurance crafted by expats, for expats.
100,000+ claims processed
Paid out in three weeks on average.
4.8 Star rating
On over 2,500 reviews.
English-speaking support
Our team speaks your language.
All digital
Sign up, file claims, and manage your policy in our app.
Privacy first
Your data is stored securely in Europe.
Don't take our word for it
Dajana was amazing
“She answered all our questions and provided clear and detailed responses to ensure we select the proper coverage. The whole experience was perfect! I am confident I made the right choice going with Feather!”
Mascia
I trust them. No BS.
“They don't sugar coat the insurances, if they don't provide the best option, they would help you understand what's the best one.”
Michal
Super helpful
“The representative answered my questions clearly and helped me make sure I was aware of my options! This was the perfect fit for my situation as an expat looking for a job in Spain and needing temporary coverage.”
Erin
Sorted your health insurance yet?
Takes 2 minutes. From €56 per month. 4.8/5 rated on over 2,500 reviews.
