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Best Hospitals and Clinics in Panama for Expats and Travelers

Best Hospitals and Clinics in Panama

Moving to or visiting Panama comes with a common question: Where should I go if I need medical care? For expats and retirees, knowing the best hospitals and clinics isn’t just a matter of convenience—it can be lifesaving. Panama offers a wide range of healthcare facilities, from luxury private hospitals in Panama City to smaller regional clinics and public hospitals that serve as a safety net.

Index

Private Hospitals: First Choice for Expats

When expats and medical tourists talk about healthcare in Panama, private hospitals are almost always at the top of the list. These facilities provide modern infrastructure, English-speaking staff, and fast service compared to the public system.

Top-Rated Private Hospitals in Panama City

  • Hospital Punta Pacífica – Affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International. Known for advanced surgeries, modern ICUs, and highly trained bilingual staff.
  • Centro Médico Paitilla – A favorite among expats for oncology and cardiology care, offering modern facilities and personalized service.
  • The Panama Clinic – Opened recently inside the Pacific Center, offering cutting-edge technology and now accepting some U.S. Medicare Advantage plans (2025 update).
  • Hospital Nacional – Well-regarded for its bilingual staff and good balance between cost and quality.
  • San Fernando Hospital – A private hospital with decades of history, covering a broad range of specialties.

👉 “Punta Pacífica felt like a U.S. hospital but at a fraction of the cost. The facilities were spotless, the doctors spoke perfect English, and I felt safe and cared for.” – Expat testimony

Regional Private Hospitals Beyond Panama City

Not everyone lives in Panama City, and for retirees in Boquete, Coronado, or Bocas del Toro, having nearby healthcare options is essential.

  • Hospital Chiriquí (David, Chiriquí Province) – The main private hospital in western Panama, highly rated by the expat community.
  • Mae Lewis Hospital (David) – Smaller than Hospital Chiriquí but known for its attentive staff and personalized care.
  • Clinica Hospital Brisas (Panama Oeste) – Popular among expats in the Coronado and Panamá Oeste region.
  • Hospital Anita Moreno (Los Santos) – A smaller but trusted option for expats living on the Azuero Peninsula.

👉 “Living in Boquete, I rely on Hospital Chiriquí. It’s not Johns Hopkins, but the care is professional and responsive when I’ve needed it.” – Expat testimony

Public Hospitals (CSS and MINSA)

Panama’s public hospitals—run by the Caja de Seguro Social (CSS) and the Ministry of Health (MINSA)—offer extremely low-cost or even free care for residents who pay into the system.

  • Strengths: Only public hospitals cover catastrophic care such as transplants or long-term dialysis at almost no cost. Doctors and nurses are often highly skilled despite limited resources.
  • Weaknesses: Long waits, crowded facilities, limited English, and older infrastructure. For expats, this system is often seen as a last-resort safety net.

👉 “Public hospitals are slow and outdated, but in the event of something catastrophic, they can save your life without bankrupting you.” – Expat testimony

Why Hospital Choice Matters

Choosing the right hospital in Panama depends on:

  • Insurance acceptance – Some facilities offer direct billing with local insurers; others may require you to pay upfront.
  • Language barrier – Expats report smoother experiences in hospitals with bilingual staff.
  • Location – In emergencies, proximity matters more than prestige. Even if you don’t live near a top-tier private hospital, knowing your nearest clinic can save critical time.

Full List: 20 Hospitals and Clinics in Panama

Based on rankings, expat reviews, and regional importance, here’s a broader list of hospitals and clinics across the country:

  1. Hospital Punta Pacífica (Panama City)
  2. Centro Médico Paitilla (Panama City)
  3. The Panama Clinic (Panama City)
  4. Hospital Nacional (Panama City)
  5. San Fernando Hospital (Panama City)
  6. Clinica Hospital San Judas Tadeo (Panama City)
  7. Hospital Santa Fe (Panama City)
  8. Centro Médico de Panamá (Panama City)
  9. Hospital Chiriquí (David, Chiriquí Province)
  10. Mae Lewis Hospital (David)
  11. Hospital Obaldía (David – public)
  12. Hospital Anita Moreno (Los Santos)
  13. Hospital Luis “Chicho” Fábrega (Santiago – public)
  14. Hospital Regional de Veraguas (Santiago – public)
  15. Hospital Rafael Hernández (David – public)
  16. Hospital de Especialidades Pediátricas (Panama City – public)
  17. Complejo Hospitalario Arnulfo Arias Madrid (Panama City – CSS flagship)
  18. Hospital Regional de Colón (public)
  19. Clinica Hospital Brisas del Golf (Panama Oeste)
  20. Hospital del Niño (Panama City – pediatrics, public)

Conclusion

For expats, the choice between private and public hospitals in Panama is clear: private hospitals are the go-to for daily healthcare and emergencies, while public hospitals provide a safety net for catastrophic or long-term treatments. Having both options in mind—and knowing the nearest quality facility to your home—can make a huge difference in your healthcare experience.

Best options:

  • If you live in Panama City, Punta Pacífica, and The Panama Clinic are top choices.
  • If you live in David or Boquete, Hospital Chiriquí and Mae Lewis are your best options.
  • Always check insurance acceptance and keep public hospitals in mind as a backup.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Hospitals and Clinics in Panama

What are the best hospitals and clinics in Panama for expats?

The top choices for expats include Hospital Punta Pacífica, The Panama Clinic, Hospital Nacional, and Centro Médico Paitilla in Panama City. Outside the capital, Hospital Chiriquí and Mae Lewis Hospital in David are the most trusted.

Are public hospitals in Panama a good option for foreigners?

Public hospitals managed by CSS and MINSA are extremely affordable but often have long wait times and limited English-speaking staff. They are useful as a safety net for emergencies and catastrophic care, but not ideal for routine services.

Which hospital is best outside Panama City?

In western Panama, Hospital Chiriquí and Mae Lewis Hospital in David are the most recommended by expats. Both offer a good balance of quality care and accessibility.

Do hospitals in Panama accept international health insurance?

Some private hospitals accept international health insurance and may provide direct billing, but many require patients to pay upfront and later request reimbursement. Always check with your insurer before treatment.

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