Emergency Numbers & Access
Private hospitals (Hospital Punta Pacífica, Johns Hopkins-affiliated) provide excellent emergency care. Public ERs can be overcrowded.
Response time: 10-20 minutes in Panama City
Cost: $100-1,000+ at private hospitals
Healthcare System
Panama has a two-tier healthcare system. The public system (Caja de Seguro Social) serves insured residents. Private hospitals in Panama City are modern and US-standard, attracting medical tourists. Rural and indigenous areas have limited access.
Designed for: Residents; tourists use private system
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in or appointment at private clinics; cash/insurance
Typical wait: Same-day at private clinics
Availability: Excellent in Panama City; limited in rural/Darién areas
GP Visit
$40-80 private GP visit
Private GP
$40-80
ER Without Insurance
$200-2,000+
Medication
Medications available and affordable. Pharmacies (farmacias) are widespread. Some medications available without prescription.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-9pm, some 24h chains
OTC: Good range available; some antibiotics sold OTC
Controlled substances: Carry prescriptions for controlled medications. Panama has strict anti-drug laws.
Practical Tips
- Hospital Punta Pacífica (Johns Hopkins affiliate) in Panama City for the best care
- Many doctors speak English, especially in private practice in the capital
- Yellow Fever vaccination needed before visiting Darién Province
- Carry mosquito repellent — dengue and malaria present in some areas
- Panama uses USD as currency — no exchange needed for US travelers
Who can get care in Panama?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Panama treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
The public system does not cover visitors, so care is paid privately or through insurance.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Walk-in or appointment at private clinics; cash/insurance Typical cost: $40-80 private GP visit Typical wait: Same-day at private clinics
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: $200-2,000+.
Documents worth having ready
- Passport
- Travel insurance
- Proof of onward travel
- Proof of funds
Local contacts in Panama
Emergency services
911
Private hospitals (Hospital Punta Pacífica, Johns Hopkins-affiliated) provide excellent emergency care. Public ERs can be overcrowded.
Pharmacies
Mon-Sat 8am-9pm, some 24h chains
Good range available; some antibiotics sold OTC
What is the emergency number in Panama?
911 in Panama. Private hospitals (Hospital Punta Pacífica, Johns Hopkins-affiliated) provide excellent emergency care. Public ERs can be overcrowded.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Panama?
$40-80 private GP visit Private consultations: $40-80.
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Sources: Panama Ministry of Health (MINSA), WHO Panama, CDC Travelers Health 2024
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare