If you’re daydreaming about a life in paradise, you’re probably picturing beaches, palm trees, and a frosty drink or two — not hospital waiting rooms.
But let’s be honest: when you’re retired and reinventing your life, good healthcare matters. And the great news?
Panamá seriously delivers.
In fact, it might just be one of the best-kept secrets about moving abroad. Here’s what you need to know before you pack your sunscreen:
1. The Care Is Top-Notch — and the Bills Won’t Make You Clutch Your Chest
Panamá’s private healthcare system is no joke.
You’ll find shiny hospitals, highly trained doctors (many who studied in the U.S. or Europe), and specialists who actually listen to you — all for about 50-70% up to 500% less (or more) than you’d pay back home.
True story:
My friend Kim — yes, another Kim — is also an expat from the U.S. One day, she took a nasty fall and thought she’d broken her wrist. It ballooned up, turned a scary shade of purple, and hurt like hell.
She rushed to the emergency room in San Carlos, just down the road from where we both live.
After a doctor’s exam, an X-ray, the X-ray reading (no break, just a bad sprain), and a 10-day supply of pain meds, her grand total came to just $2.75.
Yep, you read that right — two dollars and seventy-five cents.
Not a typo. Not missing a zero.
Any guesses what you’d pay back home?
(Hint: it would probably require a second job — or a small loan.)
In other words: you’ll get great care without needing to sell a kidney to afford it.
2. Public or Private? Choose Your Own Adventure
Panamá runs two healthcare systems side-by-side:
- Public care: Super affordable (like $2-$5 for a doctor’s visit) but expect longer waits and less English.
- Private care: Faster appointments, English-speaking doctors, comfy clinics, and still ridiculously affordable.
Most expats happily stick with private care and pay cash because it’s cheaper than the copay on many U.S. insurance plans.
3. Health Insurance: Not Just for Millionaires Anymore
Good news: in Panamá, health insurance doesn’t require a second mortgage.
You can snag private coverage — including hospital stays, specialist visits, and surgeries — for around $100 to $300 a month depending on your age and needs.
Or you can do what many do: skip insurance altogether and just pay as you go (because prices are that reasonable).
Freedom and choices? Yes, please.
4. Pharmacies are Everywhere (and Half the Price)
Need medication? No problem.
Many prescriptions are available over the counter — no drama, no endless paperwork, no side-eye from the pharmacist.
And the prices? Let’s just say you might actually smile at the checkout counter for once.
5. Peace of Mind: The Best Medicine
The truth is, a lot of people delay retiring or relocating because they’re terrified of healthcare costs.
In Panamá, you’ll finally be able to breathe — knowing you can get excellent care without draining your life savings.
Imagine worrying more about which beach to visit than about whether you can afford a doctor visit.
Bottom line:
Healthcare doesn’t have to be the scary part of your new life — it might just be one of the best perks of all.
Ready to learn more?
Grab your free copy of Panamá: Beginner’s Guide to Reinventing Your Life in Paradise and start dreaming bigger, living freer, and feeling a whole lot better.
Kimberly Kelley 