Medical Insurance in Panama

Medical care available in Panama is reputable and affordable. Many doctors practicing in Panama have been trained in countries with high medical standards and the standards of the top hospitals compare favorably with North American medical standards. Modern hospitals and clinics are distributed throughout the country making medical coverage easily accessible to everyone. In David there are four private hospitals; Hospital Mae Lewis, Hospital Chiriquí, Hospital Cooperativo and Hospital Catan. There are also two public hospitals; Jose Domingo de Obaldia and Regional Rafael Hernandez, plus numerous private and public medical clinics.

Many doctors, especially those at private hospitals, speak English and many Specialists have been trained in the USA, Canada or Europe.

Most of the medical insurance plans available in Panama are sold by private insurance brokers and the coverage is provided through insurance companies who are, by and large, subsidiaries of, or affiliated with, the large multi-national companies that operate in North America or Globally, such as the Mutual group, etc. Additionally, some private hospitals offer their own private insurance plans and group plans. Any hospital honors any of the health plans and having such coverage ensures you will be charged the‘going rate’ for any treatment provided. Also, honored at these hospitals is recognized coverage provided by Veterans Affairs or similar plans.

Generally, if you deal through an insurance broker they will be able to offer a wide range of insurer carriers and coverage. Or, if you prefer you can deal directly with the insurance companies or private hospitals offering their own plans. We can provide further specific information if required.

The process for buying medical insurance is quite similar to what it would be in North America and on average the premiums cost about $600.00 - $700.00 per year. Most plans will have a stipulation about your present state of health and in some cases will require testing prior to registration in the plan. In some cases also, there may be age limitations. Rates are generally based on your age bracket i.e. under 40 years of age, 40 – 49, 50 – 59, 60 – 64, etc.).

Generally lower higher deductibles equate to lower premiums and vice-versa, and the deductibles are normally 20% - 30%. Routine doctor visits are quite inexpensive ($5 - $20), and so are prescription drugs and dental or eye care. The cost for a day in a private room in one of the private hospitals would be around $400, without insurance.

Also see: Specific Information from Hospital Chiriquí:

Special information for MS Chiriquí and the Cuesta del Sol Medical Group:

Hospital Chiriquí is one of two private hospitals in David and with an expansion and renovation completed in 2005, they have 160 doctors on staff.

In association with Hospital Chiriquí, the health plans offered by MS CHiriquí, S.A. (Medic Service Chiriquí) are open to everyone, regardless of age. MS CHiriquí plans also cover members for any pre-existing conditions after two years of membership in the Plan.

Requirements for joining the Cuesta del Sol Group plan are simple.

You must be a condo owner in Cuesta del Sol.
People 54 years and older are required to take laboratory tests prior to joining.
The Annual membership fee is $10.
1st month is paid in advance.
1 small I.D. photo is required
Photo copy of Personal I.D.

The rates for the Cuesta del Sol Group are:
Under 50 rate is $18.00 per month
50 - 59 rate is $28.00 per month
60 plus rate is $40.00 per month
wives are covered for $16.00 month
Premiums paid annually are reduced by 8%
Premiums paid quarterly are reduced by 6%
Supplementary cancer plan: Flexi-cancer Plan from Pan American Life is $100.00 per year, per couple, payable in advance.
Premiums are subject to change annually on the anniversary date of the contract

Coverage:
MS Chiriquí Pays 100% for:
Emergency Room in case of accident injury

MS Chiriquí Pays 70% for:
Walk-in Emergencies and hospital services
Laboratory Exams (after 30 days in plan) with Coupon System (one issued per month)
X-Ray (after 60 days in plan)
Out Patients Surgery at Hospital Chiriquí

MS Chiriquí Pays 50% for:
Special Procedures (after 6 months in plan)
Preventive Medicine
Vaccinations
Annual Prostate Test
Yearly Physical
Bone Density Test
Pap smear
Annual Mammogram

Medical Appointments:
$7.00 per Specialist visit with Coupon System (members are issued 12 per year)

Elective Hospitalization:
After one year of membership, for hospitalization the members pay the First $200.00 cost for administration and then only 30% hospitalization expenses and medical bills.

The annual limit of coverage per plan member is $15,000.

Contact the medical plan manager, Manuel Granados M. at Hospital Chiriquí
email: mschiriqui@cwpanama.net