Emergencies are stressful no matter where you are, but if you’re living in or visiting Panama, it’s essential to understand how emergency services actually work here. Expats often discover that the system operates very differently compared to the U.S. or Europe. Your experience will depend heavily on whether you rely on the public system or go directly to private hospitals.
Private Emergency Services: Speed and Efficiency
Most expats rely on private hospitals for urgent care.
What expats say:
- Private hospitals like Hospital Punta Pacífica and Centro Médico Paitilla in Panama City provide modern, fast, and efficient emergency care.
- Many report that response times from a private ambulance service are much faster than waiting for a public ambulance.
- In some cases, expats even say it’s quicker to take an Uber or taxi directly to a private ER than wait for an ambulance at all.
Real experience:
A U.S. retiree shared that after a fall, he reached Punta Pacífica’s ER within 20 minutes using a taxi. The staff was bilingual, treatment began immediately, and the entire process felt as seamless as in the States.
Tip: If you live in Panama City, keep the contact numbers of private hospitals saved in your phone. Some even have hotlines for ambulance requests.
Public Emergency Services: SUME 911
Panama’s public emergency service is SUME, accessed by dialing 911.
What expats say:
- Response times can be long, especially outside of Panama City.
- Ambulances may lack advanced equipment compared to private units.
- Language can be a challenge, as many operators and first responders primarily speak Spanish.
Real experience:
Several expats recount waiting over an hour for an ambulance in non-life-threatening situations. For this reason, many expat communities strongly recommend not relying solely on 911 unless necessary.
Regional Emergency Care
- In Panama City, the fastest and most reliable option is always private ERs at hospitals like Punta Pacífica, Paitilla, or Hospital Nacional.
- In western Panama (David, Boquete), Hospital Chiriquí and Mae Lewis Hospital are the main private facilities with emergency services.
- In smaller towns, public hospitals may be the only option. In those cases, patience and preparation are key.
The Vital Expat Tip: Be Prepared
The best advice shared across expat forums is simple: have a plan before an emergency happens.
- Save emergency numbers for private hospitals near you.
- Know your location — write down your exact address in Spanish, as many ambulance drivers rely on local landmarks.
- Consider transport alternatives — for non-critical issues, a taxi may be faster than waiting for public services.
- Insurance matters — ensure your health insurance covers ER visits and ambulance services in private hospitals.
Conclusion
Emergency services in Panama can work smoothly if you understand the system. Private hospitals provide reliable and fast care, but costs can rise if you’re uninsured. Public services are a safety net but come with delays and limitations. For expats, the safest path is preparation: know where to go, who to call, and make sure your insurance is in place.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Services in Panama
What number do I call for an ambulance in Panama?
The public emergency number is 911, which connects you to SUME, Panama’s public ambulance service.
Are private ambulances available in Panama?
Yes. Private hospitals such as Punta Pacífica and Paitilla operate their own ambulances. Many expats prefer these due to faster response times.
What is the fastest way to get to the ER in Panama?
For non-life-threatening situations, many expats recommend taking a taxi or Uber directly to a private hospital instead of waiting for a public ambulance.
Do emergency rooms in Panama have English-speaking staff?
In major private hospitals in Panama City, many doctors and nurses speak English. In public hospitals or rural areas, Spanish is usually required.