Top 10 International Health Insurance Providers in Panama for Expats
Securing international health insurance in Panama is essential for expats who want access to quality private healthcare and financial protection against unexpected medical costs. The top 10 insurance companies offering expat-friendly plans in Panama are Allianz, AXA, Best Doctors Insurance, Bupa, Cigna, DavidShield, GBG, GeoBlue, IMG, and VUMI. These providers offer a mix of flexible coverage, extensive medical networks, and global benefits tailored to the needs of foreigners living abroad.
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Choosing the right international health insurance in Panama can feel overwhelming, especially with so many providers offering different levels of coverage. It’s important to ensure that the health insurance plan you select includes the essential benefits expats typically need, such as emergency care, outpatient services, and global support.
This Pacific Prime article has compiled a list of the top 10 insurance companies in Panama for expats. For each insurance company, we have also provided you with an overview of their benefits and coverage as well as the options for plan selection so you can better make informed decisions.
Overview: Best Insurance Providers for Expats in Panama
The top insurance companies such as Allianz and AXA have a lot to offer in their international health insurance plans– medical evacuation coverage, prescription drug coverage, telehealth services, emergency medical treatments, and comprehensive core inpatient and outpatient coverage.
The top 10 insurance companies in Panama for expats are:
Allianz: Comprehensive Global Coverage with Digital Services For Expats in Panama
Allianz is a world-leading health insurance provider with an extensive network of over 1.9 million medical providers. The international health insurance plan has three tiers of coverage, namely Allianz Care, Care Plus, and Care Pro. The plan offers a maximum plan limit of US $5,000,000.
Here are some common examples of benefits and coverage provided by Allianz Care plans:
- Inpatient care
- Oncology
- Medical evacuation
- Nursing at home
- MyHealth Digital services
- Second medical opinion service
- Rehabilitation treatment
- Emergency out-patient treatment
- Expat assistance program
- Travel Security services
High-tier plans typically offer enhanced coverage and benefits to policyholders. To give you an overview of what you can expect from the premiums you pay, here is a concise comparison of the international health insurance plans provided by Allianz.
|
Allianz Care Expat Health Insurance Plans Comparison |
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|
Benefits Coverage |
Care Plan | Care Plus Plan |
Care Pro Plan |
| Maximum Plan Limit | US $2,500,000 | US $4,000,000 | US $5,000,000 |
| Type of Room |
Semi-Private |
Private |
Private |
| Inpatient / Day-Care |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Oncology |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Medical Evacuation |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Preventive Surgery |
✗ |
✗ |
US $40,500 |
| Laser Eye Treatment |
✗ |
✗ |
US $1,350 |
| Emergency Out-Patient Treatment | US $338 | US $1,015 | US $1,015 |
AXA: Flexible Health Plans with Wide-Ranging Benefits For Expats in Panama
AXA has over 50 years of experience offering insurance solutions to more than 95 million clients in 50 countries which makes AXA a great choice for expats looking for wide coverage and flexibility in their insurance policies.
AXA’s international insurance plans are the Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus. The annual plan limits range from USD $160,000 to $8,000,000. The key features of their international health insurance plans are:
- Experienced 24/7 personal support
- Evacuation and repatriation coverage
- Ambulance transport
- Telehealth service
- CT, PET, and MRI scans
- Rapid claims repay
- Second medical opinion
- Cancer Treatments
- Mind Health Support
- Inpatient hospital charges and surgeries
The following list compares the benefits of the five AXA plans to better illustrate the core differences between these plans:
- Foundation: The objective of the plan is to provide basic insurance coverage for cancer treatments and emergency care. Outpatient treatments such as tests and drugs are optional with top-up insurance. The annual benefit limit is US $160,000.
- Standard: The Standard plan is a step up from the Foundation plan, to provide extra dental care (with a waiting period) and a higher annual benefit limit of US $1,600,000.
- Comprehensive: The plan includes out-patient coverage in its core (up to a limit) and also opens up the coverage for chronic conditions and eye tests. The annual benefit limit is US $2,400,000.
- Prestige: If you are looking to do annual checkups, this could be the plan for you. AXA’s Prestige plan also covers routine pregnancy care and routine health checks up to the annual benefit limit of US $3,200,000.
- Prestige Plus: The Prestige Plus plan provides the same extent of coverage as Prestige, but with a higher annual benefit limit of US $8,000,000.
It is important to note that all of AXA’s international health plans do NOT cover pre-existing conditions, so if it is a major consideration factor for you, you might opt for other insurance companies instead.
Best Doctors Insurance: Access Elite Hospitals Across Latin America For Expats in Panama
Best Doctors Insurance has been an active leader in insurance provision in Latin America since 1989. Their insurance plans are specially designed to connect expats to the best hospitals and health centers around the world.
There are a total of 7 tiers of plans, providing annual benefit limits from US $1 million to US $10 million. All plans have worldwide coverage, with the exception of the US where limits apply. Some plans may also exclude coverage in Brazil, Guatemala, and Canada.
The benefits of securing international health insurance from Best Doctors are as follow:
- Eligibility up to age 74
- Free choice of provider outside the US
- 100% coverage for in-patient hospital charges, intensive care unit services, prescribed medications, and diagnostic services
- 100% coverage for out-patient emergency room, physicians and specialists visits, surgery, and prescribed medication
- Access to a network known as “Centers of Excellence” with some of the best hospitals in Latin America
High-tier health plans from Best Doctors insurance also offers:
- Preventive care
- Routine health checkup
- Palliative care
- Maternity treatments
- Emergency transportation
Bupa: Trusted Global Coverage with Telehealth Support For Expats in Panama
Bupa is considered one of the best insurance companies because of its long-established brand name, dedicated customer service, and 24/7 medical help through Bupa’s Global Virtual Care, a leading telehealth platform capable of offering personalized treatment through technology.
Bupa is reputed for its excellent benefit provision across all plan tiers, including:
- Extensive network of providers
- Online and in-app access to support services through MembersWorld
- Customized insurance plans
- Second medical opinions
- Direct access to specialists without referral
- Direct billing
- Lifetime renewal
- Coverage for two children under 10 at no additional cost
The table below shows the annual plan limit and the coverage of Bupa’s international health insurance for expats:
|
Bupa International Health Insurance Comparison |
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|
Benefits Coverage |
Major Medical | Select | Premier |
Elite |
| Annual Plan Limit | GBP £2,500,000 | GBP £1,250,000 | GBP £1,875,000 | GBP £3,750,000 |
| Private Hospital Room Coverage |
✓ |
✓ | ✓ |
✓ |
| Medical Repatriation |
✓ |
✗ | ✗ |
✓ |
| Medical Evacuation |
✓ |
✓ | ✓ |
✓ |
| Outpatient Prescriptions |
✗ |
✓ | ✓ |
✓ |
| Health Checks |
✗ |
✓ | ✓ |
✓ |
| Maternity |
✗ |
✗ | ✗ |
✓ |
| Dental & Optical |
✗ |
✗ | ✓ |
✓ |
Cigna: Worldwide Health Coverage with Custom Plan Options For Expats in Panama
Cigna provides expatriates from more than 200 countries and jurisdictions with global health insurance. The extensive network of hospitals and doctors, along with their 24/7 customer support, have garnered high praise from numerous expats due to the convenience and professional service they offer.
Cigna’s international health insurance plan is separated into three plan tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Here, Pacific Prime presents you with a table of benefits covered in all tiers (but to different extents).
|
Cigna Health Insurance Plans: Standard Medical Benefits |
|||
|
Benefits Coverage |
Silver | Gold |
Platinum |
| Annual Limit Amount | US $1,000,000 | US $2,000,000 | Unlimited |
| Inpatient Treatment | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Accident and ER Treatment | US $500 | US $1,000 | US $1,200 |
| Advanced Medical Imaging | US $10,000 | US $15,000 | ✓ |
| Rehabilitation | US $5,000 | US $10,000 | ✓ |
| Ambulance Services | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Out-of-Area Emergency Hospitalization | US $100,000 | US $250,000 | ✓ |
Cigna provides expatriates with a range of deductible and cost-share options to effectively manage the premiums associated with their international health insurance plans. Below are the available choices for deductibles, cost-share percentages, and out-of-pocket maximums that can be selected:
- Deductible: US $0, $375, $750, $1,500, $3,000, $7,500, $10,000
- Cost-share after deductibles: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%
- Out-of-pocket maximum: US $2,000 or $5,000
DavidShield: Seamless, Cashless Healthcare Experience For Expats in Panama
The DavidShield Group is a prominent global private health insurance provider, offering coverage to clients across more than 150 countries. Through strategic partnerships with other international providers, they have built an extensive network of high-quality medical service providers worldwide.
Committed to exceptional customer service, DavidShield aims to simplify access to premium healthcare for its members. Their system eliminates the need for out-of-pocket expenses or claim form submissions, streamlining the healthcare experience.
Members receive a DavidCard, which facilitates cashless transactions for various medical services. This includes doctor consultations, prescription medications, laboratory tests, diagnostic imaging, and emergency room visits, enhancing convenience for policyholders.
GBG: Customized Health Plans for Expats and Locals in Panama
GBG Insurance delivers customer-oriented health insurance products for expats in Panama, offering them an extensive medical provider network and coverage plans to meet their diverse yet unique needs. GBG also partners with local insurance companies to meet specific country regulations.
GBG offers adaptable and affordable health insurance policies for both individual customers and group plans. What sets GBG apart is their ability to customize benefits according to client needs.
They can design comprehensive plans with low deductibles and extensive coverage, as well as more budget-friendly options featuring higher deductibles and streamlined benefits.
The insurance plans from GBG are specifically crafted to serve those residing or employed in foreign countries. What’s more, GBG extends its services to local individuals and groups who may not have access to similar coverage options in their home countries, filling a crucial gap in the insurance market.
Most GBG plans include the following health insurance benefits (dependent on the plan selected):
- Access to private doctors and specialists
- Customized deductible and copayment options
- Coverage for accidents and illnesses
- Emergency medical evacuation and air transportation
- Prescription drug benefits
- Access to discounted U.S. prescriptions
- Inpatient and outpatient coverage
- Maternity benefits
- Health screenings and wellness checks
- Flexible coverage for dependents
- Mental health benefits
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions (with underwriting approval)
GeoBlue: U.S.-Backed Health Insurance with Global Reach For Expats in Panama
GeoBlue’s Xplorer is an international health insurance for expats that has a network of providers spanning more than 180 countries with over 1.7 million providers. Every member can access phone-based or online support and telehealth services (Global TeleMDTM) all year round.
Expats can also expect the following benefits provided by GeoBlue:
- Cashless appointments
- Paperless claims resolutions
- Appointment scheduling support
- Destination health intelligence
- Extensive direct billing network
Expats who secured insurance with GeoBlue automatically become their members and can gain exclusive access to their member services application available in Apple and Android. Members can:
- Receive up-to-date news and safety information notifications for their locations
- Access to the provider directory which includes doctor profiles, preferred hospitals, and contact information and addresses
- Electronic copy of ID cards and the ability to request a new physical copy
- Get a medical term and phrase glossary for common healthcare terms and phrases in multiple languages
- Use a medicine equivalent tool to help figure out what country-specific equivalent prescriptions and over-the-counter medications
There are a total of two plan levels– Xplorer Essential and Xplorer Premier. The former provides minimal to no US coverage, while the latter provides worldwide coverage. The core benefits of the plans outside the US are:
- Unlimited telemedicine visits
- Optional dental and vision coverage
- Immediate coverage of pre-existing conditions with proof of previous coverage
- A waived deductible for prescriptions, office visits, and preventative care
- Preventative care and examinations
- Inpatient drugs
- Medical equipment
If you would like coverage in the US, you have Xplorer Premier or Xplorer Essential with add-on coverage. Here are the differences below, with all dollar amounts listed in USD:
|
Xplorer Plans USA Coverage Comparison |
||
|
Xplorer Essential w/ Add-on |
Xplorer Premier |
|
| Medical Maximum Benefit Amount (USD) | $1,000,000 | Unlimited |
| Coverage Duration within the United States (for US Citizens) | Maximum of three trips per calendar year, 21 days per trip | Capped at 9 months |
| Preventative Care within USA | Not Covered | Yes |
| Ability to Travel to USA for Treatment | No | Yes |
| Outpatient Prescription Drug Coverage (USD) | $1,000 for prescriptions only related to emergency medical care, illness, and accidental injury | $2,500 for Basic Benefit Package, $25,000 with Enhanced Prescription Upgrade |
| Birth Control Coverage in USA | Not Covered | See plan outpatient drug limit |
| Inpatient Mental Health Benefits within the USA | Not Covered | In-network: 80%, Out-of-network: 60% |
| Outpatient Mental Health Benefits within the USA | Not Covered | In-network: 100% after $30 copay; Out-of-network: 60% |
| USA Benefits for Covered Pre-existing Condition (USD) | $500 | Unlimited |
| Co-pay for each USA In-Network Physician Office Visit (USD) | $50 | $30 |
IMG: Tiered Global Coverage with Optional Add-ons For Expats in Panama
IMG Health provides expatriates in Panama with an international health insurance plan featuring four tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These tiers offer varying lifetime coverage limits, reaching up to US $8,000,000 per person.
The plan is tailored for expatriates and families on extended travels, offering comprehensive benefits with a non-renewable lifetime limit to maintain affordable premiums. However, those planning permanent relocation might want to consider more sustainable insurance options.
The coverage from IMG is extensive, encompassing inpatient care, prescription medications, cancer treatments, and emergency medical services. Plan holders can also customize their coverage by adding optional riders, such as dental, vision, maternity, or sports coverage, depending on their chosen tier.
Here’s a comparison of the core benefits provided by IMG’s international health insurance of different tiers:
|
IMG Health Insurance Plans Benefits Comparison |
||||
|
Benefits Coverage |
Bronze | Silver | Gold |
Platinum |
| Physician Visits |
✓ |
✓ | ✓ |
✓ |
| Hospitalization room/board |
✓ |
US $600 per day; 240 days max | ✓ |
✓ |
| Surgery |
✓ |
✓ | ✓ |
✓ |
| Labs & X-rays |
✓ |
✓ | ✓ |
✓ |
| Specialist/ Physician visits | Maximum Limit: US $500 (Before Inpatient Treatment) Maximum Limit: US $500 (90 days following Inpatient Treatment or Outpatient Surgery) | Maximum per visit: US $70
Chiropractic maximum per visit: US $50 (with a referral from a physician) Surgical Intervention Consultation maximum: US $500 |
✓ |
✓ |
| Outpatient Surgery |
✓ |
✓ | ✓ |
✓ |
Note: For more information on coverage details, you may want to check out our insurer introduction page.
VUMI: Five Levels of Expats’ Health Insurance Tailored to Your Needs
VUMI has over 35 years of experience offering international health insurance options for expats with outstanding customer service. They also offer corporate plans, individual plans, life insurance, and travel insurance policies as parts of their product and service provision.
There are five different plan levels– namely Global Flex VIP Basic, Standard, Superior, Ultra, and Total, each providing certain benefits up to the annual benefit limit. Expats can also opt for maternity, routine dental, and optical coverage if they have these needs (subject to a waiting period).
Here’s a list showing the benefits of their respective plan levels:
- Global Flex VIP Basic Plan: With an annual limit of US $3,000,000, the VIP Basic plan is the most affordable insurance option for expats in Panama. It offers comprehensive inpatient coverage, with outpatient services only being covered before and after surgery.
- Global Flex VIP Standard Plan: With an annual limit of US $3,500,000, this plan offers a step-up in coverage from the Basic plan and offers optional wellness and optical benefits for an additional premium.
- Global Flex VIP Superior Plan: With an annual limit of US $4,000,000, the Superior Plan has options for additional optical and maternity benefits. It also includes coverage for outpatient benefits like complementary therapies.
- Global Flex VIP Ultra Plan: With an annual limit of US $4,500,000, the Ultra plan includes routine dental coverage and maternity benefits. Optical benefits can be added as well.
- Global Flex VIP Total Plan: The most comprehensive of VUMI’s health insurance policies, the Total Plan offers an annual limit of US $5,000,000. This plan includes the highest benefit limits and includes high coverage for dental and maternity benefits.
How to Choose the Right Health Insurance in Panama as an Expat
Through understanding the top 10 insurance companies in Panama for expats, you can make informed decisions on which company you think is the right choice for you by comparing the flexibility, comprehensiveness, and cost-effectiveness of the international health plans offered.
However, the above details are just the tip of the iceberg, there is so much more that can’t be covered in such short paragraphs. You may want to know about the exclusions, the premiums, and the exclusive benefits. And here’s where a reputed insurance broker like Pacific Prime shines.
Pacific Prime has over 20 years of experience in the industry, our team of expert advisors can help you find and compare international health insurance plans for Panama from these insurance companies so you can further verify your initial thoughts and impressions on these insurers.
We also streamline your insurance process by assisting you with form-filling issues, assessing your healthcare needs, supporting you with claims and renewal processes, and giving you impartial advice on all insurance matters.
Contact our team of expert advisors today, or start by getting an obligation-free quote with our advanced online quote generator!
You can also check out our top 10 insurance companies for expats in Colombia and Malaysia if you think that would be relevant to your expat journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need health insurance in Panama?
Since expats have limited access to public services, many prefer to visit Panama’s private healthcare facilities for quality medical services. As these services are expensive, it is recommended to secure health insurance to cover these expenses to guarantee financial stability in the unexpected.
How good is medical care in Panama?
Private medical care in Panama is top-notch, with world-class services and short wait times. Expats can also enjoy the convenience of access to an extensive network of these hospital facilities as Panama is a small city.
Since joining Pacific Prime, Eric was exposed to a new world of insurance. Having learned about insurance products extensively, he has taken joy and satisfaction in helping individuals and businesses manage risks and protect themselves against financial loss through the power of words.
Although born and raised in Hong Kong, he spent a quarter of his life living and studying in the UK. He believes his multicultural experience is a great asset in understanding the needs and wants of expats and globe-trotters.
Eric’s strengths lie in his strong research, analytical, and communication skills, obtained through his BA in Linguistics from the University of York and MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Bristol.
Outside of work, he enjoys some me-time gaming and reading on his own, occasionally going absolutely mental on a night out with friends.
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