Panama Travel Insurance Guide
Panama travel insurance is strongly recommended despite not being legally required for tourists (mandatory only for digital nomad visa holders). The Level 2 advisory, affordable but cash-only healthcare, and common medical evacuation needs make comprehensive coverage essential for visitors to Panama City, Bocas del Toro, and the Panama Canal region.
- What there is to do in Panama Travel Insurance Guide
- Cultural experiences & natural wonders
- Seasonal attractions & adventure activities
- Quick profiles of major cities
- Hotel cost ranges
- Visa & entry requirements
- Healthcare costs & detailed insurance breakdown
Safety Ratings and Resources
Panama has moderate safety for women travelers. WPS Index safety score of 54 (2025), meaning 54% of women feel safe walking alone at night. Crime is primarily opportunistic (pickpocketing, purse snatching). Use standard precautions: avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, secure valuables, use registered taxis or rideshare apps.
View Women's Travel Safety Guide →Homosexuality legal since 2008. Same-sex marriage not recognized (Supreme Court 2023 ruling). No adoption rights for same-sex couples. Trans people can change legal gender after surgery (since 2006). No anti-discrimination protections. Conversion therapy legal and common. Social attitudes show discernible opposition to LGBTQ+ rights. Generally safe in urban areas with discretion.
View LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Guide →Visa & Entry Requirements
- Valid passport required (must be valid for at least 3 months beyond entry date; 6 months recommended)
- US/UK/Canada/Australia citizens: No visa required for stays up to 180 days for tourism
- Proof of onward/return travel required (airline ticket or proof of departure)
- Proof of sufficient funds: $500 USD cash or equivalent (credit card, traveler's checks)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from yellow fever endemic countries
- Entry stamp required at immigration - verify before leaving airport to avoid fines
Additional visa information
- US/UK/Canada/Australia citizens can visit visa-free for up to 180 days for tourism
- No visa application or fees required for tourist visits under 180 days
- Tourist card ($5 USD) may be collected by airline and included in ticket price
- Digital nomad visa (Short-Term Residency for Remote Workers) requires mandatory health insurance
- For work purposes or stays exceeding 180 days, appropriate visa required from Panamanian consulate
- Visa extensions available through Panama Immigration Office (Servicio Nacional de Migración)
- Ensure passport is stamped upon entry - missing stamp can result in overstay fines and deportation
Healthcare & Medical Information
Healthcare overview
Panama offers a dual healthcare system: affordable public hospitals with long wait times and limited English services, and modern private facilities with excellent care at reasonable costs. The healthcare system is quite efficient and significantly less expensive than in the US or Europe, but tourists must pay upfront in cash as US health insurance is not accepted. Public hospitals charge only $2 USD to see a doctor, but expect long wait times (4-8 hours) and limited resources. Private healthcare is the preferred option for tourists, with doctor consultations costing $15-20 USD (no appointment necessary), emergency room visits $50-100 USD, and hospital admission $200-500 USD per day. Medical procedures are affordable: dental cleanings cost $50 USD and dental implants $600 USD. Panama City has excellent private hospitals including Hospital Punta Pacifica (affiliated with Johns Hopkins), Hospital Nacional, and Centro Medico Paitilla, all with English-speaking staff and modern equipment. Outside Panama City, medical facilities are limited, especially in remote areas like Bocas del Toro, Darien Province, and San Blas Islands, where medical evacuation may be necessary for serious conditions ($25,000-75,000 USD to the US). Cash payment is required upfront for all medical services - credit cards are accepted at major private hospitals but not universally. Travel medical insurance is essential to cover unexpected costs and potential evacuation. Emergency services: dial 911. For remote travel or adventure activities, ensure coverage includes medical evacuation and adventure sports riders.
Typical medical costs
- Public hospital doctor visit: $2 USD (cash only, long wait times)
- Private clinic consultation: $15-20 USD (no appointment needed)
- Emergency room visit (private hospital): $50-100 USD
- Hospital admission per day (private): $200-500 USD
- Dental cleaning: $50 USD
- Dental implant: $600 USD
- Surgical procedures: $1,000-10,000+ USD (significantly cheaper than US/Europe)
- Medical evacuation to United States: $25,000-75,000 USD
- Note: Upfront cash payment required - US health insurance not accepted
- Recommended minimum coverage: $100,000 medical, $250,000 evacuation
Travel Insurance Recommendations
While travel insurance is not always required, it's recommended for international travel to protect against unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other travel-related issues.
Common travel issues to consider
- Medical emergencies requiring upfront cash payment (US insurance not accepted)
- Medical evacuation from remote areas (Bocas del Toro, Darien Province, San Blas Islands)
- Trip cancellations due to civil unrest and road blockades (common during protests)
- Dengue fever, Zika virus, and mosquito-borne illness treatments
- Adventure sports injuries (surfing, zip-lining, white-water rafting)
- Theft and armed robbery (especially in Colon, Panama City's Chorrillo/Santa Ana/Curundu neighborhoods)
- Lost or delayed baggage during domestic island-hopper flights
Recommended providers
Consider comparing policies from multiple providers to find coverage that matches your travel needs.
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
911
Tourist Police (POLITUR)
511-9260 or 527-2036
US Embassy Panama City - 24/7 Emergency
+507-317-5000
US Embassy from United States
011-507-317-5000
US Embassy Email
Panama-ACS@State.Gov
US Embassy Address
Building 783, Demetrio Basilio Lakas Avenue, Clayton, Panama