Panama has earned the title as the “Hong Kong” or “Dubai” of the Americas. This has mainly been due to its significantly lower cost of living and fully “Americanized” culture. Panama is slowly becoming one of the top medical tourism destinations, attracting US and Canadian health travelers. The reasons for this are: its proximity, excellent healthcare services, US trained and certified medical staff and its attractive natural beauty.
Healthcare System in Panama
Panama’s long association with the United States has left a distinct American footprint in its culture, giving it more than a hundred years advantage over other countries in providing healthcare to American patients using US standards of quality and service. This can be seen in the similarities in facilities, medical procedures and practices, as well as the abundance of US trained and board certified doctors and medical staff.
There is currently one hospital in Panama that is fully certified by the Joint Commissions International. However, all of the other top hospitals, most of which are privately owned, are fully certified by local medical accreditation bodies set by the Panamanian government as well as other non-government accreditation bodies.
In addition, most of the top hospitals have affiliations and are duly recognized by international medical organizations such as the Johns Hopkins International, Baptist Health International of Miami, Cleveland Clinic, Tulane Health Science Center, Miami Children’s Hospital, University of Nebraska Medical Center, the Harvard Medical Faculty, the Kendall Medical Center and the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center among others.
Top Hospitals in Panama for Medical Tourism
Major hospitals in Panama have affiliations with prominent international medical institutions. This enables them to maintain a high quality level, not only in their facilities, but also in their procedures, methodology and technology as well. The most prominent among these Panamanian hospitals include:
- Hospital Punta Pacifica
This is the only Central American medical facility that is affiliated with the Johns Hopkins Medical International and maintains the same high-end standards in facilities, services and staff. It is also the only digitally connected hospital in the region and is the only hospital accredited by the Joint Commissions International. - Hospital Nacional
Starting out as a 10-bed facility, the Hospital Nacional has grown over the years into an 80-bed private healthcare facility with over a hundred specialists and ultra-modern facilities.
- Clinica Hospital San Fernando
A private hospital affiliated with the Tulane University, Miami Children’s Hospital and the Baptist Health International Miami. The Hospital San Fernando is one of Panama’s largest hospitals, with 24-hour medical services and facilities that are fully equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipments. - Centro Medico Paitilla
Located in Panama City, this 160-bed medical facility is affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and has been in existence since 1975. It is also a certified training facility for the American Heart Association and was one of only two hospitals that provided healthcare services to US military personnel.
Common Treatments done by Medical Tourists in Panama
Hospitals and healthcare facilities in Panama offer a wide array of procedures and services for medical travelers, which include but are not limited to the following:
- Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery: Face, Breast, Body Contouring
- Dental Services (surgeries, teeth whitening, dental implants, etc)
- Orthopedic Surgery (hip and knee replacements, etc)
- Fertility Treatments
- Bariatric/Obesity Surgeries
- Cancer treatment and Oncology
- Eye / Ophthalmology (LASIK, Cataract Surgeries, Vitreo Retinal Surgery, etc)
- Stem Cell Therapy
Cost of Medical Treatment in Panama
The following are cost comparisons between Medical procedures in Panama and equivalent procedures in the United States: [ sources 1 2 3 ]
| US Hospitals | Panama | Average Savings | |
| Medical Procedures | |||
| Angioplasty with stent | $19,000 – $21,000 | $10,000 – $15,000 | 25% – 47% |
| Pace Maker | $4,000 – $6,000 | $1,500 – $2,300 | 50% – 60% |
| Laparoscopic Hernia | $6,000 – $8,000 | $ 3,500 – $4,500 | 40% – 50% |
| Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass | $24,000 – $26,000 | $14,000 – $16,000 | 35% – 40% |
| Hip Replacement | $19,000 – $21,000 | $11,000 – $13,000 | 35% – 40% |
| Arthroscopy | $9,000 – $11,000 | $4,000 – $6,000 | 45% – 55% |
| Knee Replacement | $19,000 – $21,000 | $11,000 – $13,000 | 35% – 40% |
| Herniated Disc | $19,000 – $21,000 | $6,000 – $7,000 | 65% – 70% |
| Carpal Tunnel Release | $6,000 – $8,000 | $2,500 – $3,500 | 55% – 60% |
| Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery | |||
| Neck Lift | $10,000 – $12,000 | $2,000 – $3,000 | 75% – 80% |
| Face Lift (rhytidectomy) | $10,000 – $12,000 | $2,000 – $3,000 | 75% – 80% |
| Breast Augmentation/Reduction (Mammoplasty) | $5,500 – $8,000 | $3,100 – $4,500 | 40% – 45% |
| Breast Lift | $5,000 – $6,000 | $3,000 – $4,000 | 35% – 40% |
| Liposuction (Lipoplasty) | $4,000 – $6,500 | $2,500 – $4,400 | 30% – 35% |
| Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) | $4,000 – $6,000 | $1,500 – $2,500 | 55% – 65% |
| Buttocks Augmentation | $5,000 – $6,000 | $3,500 – $4,500 | 25% – 30% |
| Chemical Peel | $900 – $1,100 | $450 – $550 | 45% – 55% |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology | |||
| Intrauterine Insemination | $1,000 – $2,000 | $800 – $900 | 20% – 55% |
| In Vitro Fertilization | $9,000 – $18,000 | $4,000 – $6,000 | 55% – 70% |
| In Vitro Fertilization with donated egg | $16,000 – $20,000 | $7,000 – $9,000 | 50% – 55% |
| Eye / Ophthalmology | |||
| Cataract surgery | $5,500 – $6,500 | $2,000 – $3,000 | 50% – 60% |
| Refractive surgery (Eximer Laser) | $4,500 – $5,500 | $1,500 – $2,500 | 55% – 60% |
| Glaucoma surgery | $5,500 – $6,500 | $1,500 – $2,500 | 60% – 75% |
| Refractive surgery with intraocular lens implant | $5,500 – $6,500 | $2,000 – $3,000 | 50% – 60% |
| Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) | $4,000 – $5,500 | $1,500 – $2,500 | 60% – 65% |
| General and Cosmetic Dentistry | |||
| Root Canal | $900 – $1100 | $250 – $350 | 70% – 75% |
| Porcelain Crown | $1,000 – $2,000 | $450 – $550 | 55% – 75% |
| Porcelain Veneers | $1,000 – $2,000 | $450 – $550 | 55% – 75% |
| Composite Veneers | $600 – $750 | $150 – $250 | 45% – 70% |
| Dental Implant | $2,000 – $2,500 | $900 – $1100 | 55% – 60% |
| Periodontal Surgery | $1,000 – $2,000 | $450 – $550 | 55% – 75% |
| Periodontal Plastic Surgery | $1,000 – $2,000 | $450 – $550 | 55% – 75% |
| Periodontal Regenerative Procedures | $1,200 – $1,600 | $500 – $600 | 55% – 65% |
Malpractice and Liability Laws in Panama
The Panamanian system has not adopted the US legalities associated with medical practices, particularly in the area of malpractice. Although doctors are responsible for their activities and performance under the law in this country, they are not required to shoulder the damages incurred during a malpractice case. The result is a lower malpractice insurance pre-requisite, which can be translated into lower procedural costs.
Pros
- Hospitals in Panama provide high quality health care through a large staff of US-trained doctors, physicians and other medical specialists
- Techniques, medications, treatments and facilities used are based on the same standards used in the USA
- Doctors and medical staff can communicate well in English
- Panama City is considered Central America’s safest and most modern city. Even the tap water is safe to drink
- Panama is relatively close to US and Canada.
- The currency is the US dollar, so prices can be compared easily.
Cons
- There is only one JCI-accredited hospital in Panama, although a few have already submitted requests and are currently going through the accreditation process.
- Costs of medical procedures are higher compared to other medical tourism destinations, although these are still significantly more economical as compared to the US, Canada and the UK.
Traveling to Panama
Direct flights to Panama City are available from major cities in the US and Canada. This close proximity and shorter travel time, makes Panama a destination choice for medical travelers.
Average estimated travel time in hours
| From/To | Panama |
| New York City | 5 |
| Los Angeles | 7 |
| Miami | 2.75 |
| Houston | 4 |
| Dallas | 4.5 |
| Washington | 4.75 |
| Atlanta | 4 |
| Toronto | 5 |
| Vancouver | 8 |
Entry and Exit Requirements to Panama
USA and Canadian medical travelers with a valid passport that extends at least 6 months beyond the traveler’s intended last day of stay, do not need to get a visa to enter Panama. A tourist card can be purchased upon arrival, allowing the recipient to stay for 90 days in the country.
Other requirements include: return tickets, sufficient funds to shoulder the stay, confirmed accommodation and other targeted facilities. Panamanian immigration laws are very strict, so it is advisable to carry your passport with you at all times to show your proof of entry and avoid any complications during your stay.
Statistics of Medical Tourism in Panama
Doctors have estimated that there are only hundreds of medical tourists hundreds of medical tourists from the United States visiting Panama per year. Some hospitals have declared that they have received at least 400 to 450 international patients within the last four years seeking various medical procedures.
These figures will continue to grow, as Americans without health insurance continue to seek healthcare in nearby medical tourism destinations such as Panama. More and more baby boomers are contemplating retiring to this Latin American destination, as well as seeking healthcare services and beauty treatments at lower costs.
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