Panama Health Insurance

Panama is a Central American country which borders with Colombia in the South, and Costa Rica to the north. Panama was part of the Spanish Empire for 300 years, between 1538-1821. This country has still not seen comparable tourism numbers compared to its Central American neighbors. With sandy beaches, forests, jungles and an array of endangered species it is just a matter of time before the tourist boom reaches this country. It has the second largest rain forest in the world outside of the Amazon Basin, and an abundance of tropical plants, animals and birds - some of which cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. On the commercial side, Panama has a vital waterway known as the ‘Panama Canal' which generates an essential source of income, and is a major reason for international business migrating to Panama.

It is worth noting that the expatriate community is maturing in Panama, due to the Panamanian Government offering tax and price incentives to foreigners. These economic incentives, and a growing real estate market, make Panama a relatively attractive location for retirement. Tourists are primarily from neighboring countries in the region, followed by North Americans. There has also been a steady growth of European visitors to Panama; tourism is accounts for nearly 10% GDP for the country.

Feeling comfortable in the knowledge that if something was to happen to a family member their medical costs will be taken care of, is important to us all. Our expert consultants can advise on the most suitable level of coverage for families, individuals, groups, travelers, and teachers expatriate health insurance.

Expatriate Health Insurance Panama

Pacific Prime is an expatriate insurance broker specializing in providing overseas medical insurance for Panama nationals living, working or holidaying abroad. If you are a non Panama national and moving to Panama we can also provide plans that meet your specific requirements.

The policies that we can provide are guaranteed renewable for life and globally portable so even if you should relocate away from the country your plan will continue to cover you. With a number of extra benefits including maternity coverage, emergency evacuation and repatriation, dental treatment, out-patient consultations, alternative medicines, complimentary therapies, and specialist consultations you can be assured that an international health insurance Panama plan will give you the coverage that you need. For more information about the products and services that we can offer, or to receive a free quote, please contact us today.

Professional Service you can trust

Pacific Prime Insurance will be with you for the duration of your policy. We offer additional customer services that include claims advice, emergency contact numbers and medical advice lines. We also maintain a comprehensive list of Panama hospitals/doctors. Most of our clients are expatriates so we maintain a Panama.

As a leading broker of medical insurance in Panama we keep up to date on the latest insurance trends and Panama Insurance News.

We can offer expatriates in Panama dedicated international health insurance plans which will provide comprehensive coverage in the East and around the world. The plans we offer have a number of benefits that a policyholder is able to tailor-make to suit their specific requirements. With cover options including out-patient, dental, maternity, and emergency evacuation, you will be assured of receiving the highest level of quality treatment anywhere in the world.

Panama Travel Tips

When traveling to various destinations overseas it is useful to observe laws and customs that can be very different to those in your home country. The Panamanian legal system differs from western countries with notable cultural differences. Panama is a beautiful Central American, country however there are a few noteworthy safety tips to be aware of before starting your journey.

Please be advised that the information contained on this page is not fully comprehensive and may be liable to change without prior warning; as such you should consult a travel expert or your local embassy prior to departing on your journey

You are advised that Panama has experienced earthquakes in recent years, the most recent of which struck on 23rd January 2010 in the west of the country at a magnitude of 5.5. A major earthquake struck the north of Panama in July 2009, measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale. Fortunately no major damage was reported.

The threat of terrorism is low in Panama. However, international governments warn all tourists and expatriates that there is a general global risk of terrorism and terrorists may target popular tourist legal issues.

Embassies and Consulates report that the majority of visitors have a trouble-free stay. However, assistance has been required from Consulates ranging from assisting with replacement passports, travel documents and legal issues.

You are advised that many flights in and out of Panama are via the USA and the United States require passengers to have a machine-readable passport or valid US non-immigration visa.

It is advised that tourists should not carry large amounts of money and valuables in public, and where possible deposit them in the hotel safe.

Be diligent when using ATM cash machines in public areas as there have been reports of people being attacked after making withdrawals.

Hot spots for pickpockets are bus stations and on buses. It is recommend you stay vigilant and keep your valuables closely guarded.

Panama City, Colon, and others, have been experiencing heightened levels of armed robberies. Panama on the whole has also seen an increase in robberies, murders and assaults.

There are areas in Panama City where extreme caution and vigilance is required. These include main shopping areas of Caledonia and Casco Viejo where mugging is known to have occurred.

There are certain areas across the country which have high unemployment, drug use and street crime, notably Panama Viejo (Panama ruins), the Madden Dam area and the city of Colon. Local police advise tourists and expatriates to be aware and vigilant when visiting these areas.

You are advised to call a reputable taxi firm for a pick up, rather than flagging one down on the street. Many street taxis are not monitored and this can lead to a safety risk.

Criminal gangs have been known to commit burglaries using ruses such as door-to-door sales to enter a victim’s property by gaining their trust. The criminal will then proceed to gather information on the resident enabling them to find out when the home will be vacated and the consequence of this is their property is broken into. If you have any doubts about visitors contact the police.

Political demonstrations occasionally occur in Panama City, with the majority in the vicinity of Panama University, known as the Transisthmica. Most of the demonstrations are peaceful but may cause traffic jams and block roads. In the past demonstrations by construction workers and students have turned violent. Monitoring the media and avoiding demonstrations is recommended.

The province of Darien is a restricted area; known for its extreme terrain, jungles, rivers and mountains making much of it impassable. Contact Embassies in advance for details regarding the Darien province and expedition companies, to ensure police protection is included in your organized tour.

Panama shares a border with Colombia in the south. This is regarded as particularly dangerous, with political and criminal violence known to spill over into Panama. Colombian guerrillas and other armed groups make regular incursions into Panama, and foreign nationals and Panamanian citizens have been victims of kidnapping, murder and violent crimes. The notable danger areas are Punta Carreto in the Comarca de San Blas area on the Atlantic coast, through to Yayiza in the eastern Darien province through to Punta Pina on the Pacific Coast .

Panama has a good road system except in Darien Province where very few roads are paved. The maintenance of roads is sporadic and drivers are warned to be cautious when driving as unseen potholes and unfinished repairs are common.

Motor insurance is not compulsory and driving is of a poor standard. Drink driving is not strictly enforced and road accidents are frequent. If involved in an accident you are required by law not to move the vehicles until the traffic police (Transito) have inspected the incident. You are required to wear a seatbelt in the front seat, and children under five must travel in the back in fitted child seats.

The Pacific and Caribbean coasts are known for their strong currents and undertows. Be careful if you are swimming in the sea as warning signs are rare and incidents of drowning occur frequently. The Bay of Panama is polluted with untreated sewage and industrial waste, therefore no bathing is permitted, or encouraged.

Involvement in drugs of any kind in Panama is dealt with strongly, even small possession can lead to imprisonment (up to 15 years). The judicial system is slow and the Panamanian prisons are harsh, compared to those in America and European countries. If traveling with someone who is arrested by police for taking or possession of drugs, it gives the police sufficient grounds to arrest you too. The time frame to see a judge from the time of your arrest may take up to 12-24 months.

Panama City and Colan have good standards of private hospitals and clinics; however outside the capital and in rural areas the facilities are limited.

You are recommended to obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance policy before traveling. You should check any exclusion and ensure that your policy covers you for all the activities you may want to undertake.

For more information about traveling to Panama and the international health insurance plans that we can provide or to receive a free quote, please contact us today.