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Immigration and Health Insurance Requirements in Panama

Immigration Requirements

Foreigners or ‘Expats’ and their dependents intending to reside in Panama, must apply for an immigration category that suits their living conditions or needs

This official government link provides the updated requirements:

https://tramites.migracion.gob.pa/portal_migracion_digital/views/consultas.php

Health Insurance Requirements in Panama

Private Health insurance is not mandatory for citizens in Panama, but is strongly recommended.
 

The local law and ministry of health require all residents, citizens and foreigners to either enroll in the state system OR purchase a private international health insurance policy. 
 

AccessHMO’s plans are defined in Panama as private, international and qualified to meet this requirement.
 

Panama’s State Health Insurance System

The government of Panama provides free healthcare to all its citizens via the Ministry of Health or Ministerio de Salud or Minsa, in Spanish. However, although public healthcare is free for citizens, it may not always be accessible or provide the quality of care that foreigners may require. The public health system only covers basic medical services, including consultations, hospitalization, and emergency care. However, there may be long wait times and limited medical facilities in rural areas.


the quality of healthcare will vary since the public hospitals in Panama are often quite crowded and usually understaffed.
 

Foreigners living in Panama, are not eligible for the public health insurance system provided by the government unless employed by a Panamanian company and may also be eligible for social security benefits through the Caja de Seguro Social or CSS.
 

The advantages of  AccessHMO and Private Health Insurance membership in Panama 

 

Although CSS provides decent (employee only) coverage for basic medical services, most foreigners choose to have private medical insurance for higher coverage and benefit levels with prompt customer service.
 

Here are the advantages of AccessHMO private health insurance for foreign residents in Panama:


Access to private doctors and specialists including pediatrics 

AccessHMO health insurance plans provide access to higher quality, English speaking medical facilities with board certified specialists who do not participate in the CSS.
 

Shorter waiting times for appointments and to schedule medical procedures

AccessHMO health insurance plans usually provide shorter waiting times for appointments and scheduling medical procedures. This saves our clients precious time to enjoy more of Panama.
 

Flexibility and Coordination 

AccessHMO health insurance plans are tailored to the budget and needs of the individual clients which allows greater flexibility and choice of benefit and coverage levels.
 

In conclusion, while health insurance is not mandatory for all legal residents in Panama, most foreigners choose to have additional private health insurance for greater coverage and benefits. It is important to compare different insurance options to find the plan that best fits your budget and needs.
 

AccessHMO’s licensed professionals stand ready to answer your questions and address your individual needs to find the most suitable health insurance plan with popular options such as medical evacuation and coverage for medical treatment locally as well as for follow-up treatment, often needed back in the U.S., Canada or Europe.

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