Best Travel Insurance for Panama in 2025
- The best travel insurance plans for Panama
- Is it currently safe to travel to Panama?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Panama?
- Why take out travel insurance for Panama?
- What Travel Insurance for Panama Should Cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Panama
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Panama
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Panama?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Panama: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Panama covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen travel disruptions.
2. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory but is highly recommended for travel to Panama from the US.
3. Healthcare cost: Quality private healthcare is available but can be costly, often exceeding $1,000 per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance plan for Panama typically costs between $30 and $60.
5. Good to know: Ensure your policy includes medical evacuation, especially if visiting remote islands or jungle areas.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in the US, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Panama.
The best travel insurance plans for Panama
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.1M | Best for travelers wanting high protection in Panama. - high medical limit - medical evacuation - wide-ranging guarantees |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.1M | Ideal for trips to Panama with strong support and flexibility. - 24/7 medical helpline - hospital costs - easy claims |
| Tourist Card | $545k | Suitable for tourism in Panama with essential coverage. - good limit - emergency assistance - affordable pricing |
| Travel Pass Monde | $765k | Balanced coverage for extended Panama stays. - repatriation included - hospital care - robust limits for families |
| Globe Partner | $327k | Dependable for basic needs and simplicity. - medical care abroad - repatriation - civil liability coverage |
| Globe Traveller | $545k | Good choice for low-risk or short trips to Panama. - essential medical cover - quick reimbursement - low deductible |
- high medical limit
- medical evacuation
- wide-ranging guarantees
- 24/7 medical helpline
- hospital costs
- easy claims
- good limit
- emergency assistance
- affordable pricing
- repatriation included
- hospital care
- robust limits for families
- medical care abroad
- repatriation
- civil liability coverage
- essential medical cover
- quick reimbursement
- low deductible
Is it currently safe to travel to Panama?
As of June 2025, the U.S. Department of State advises travelers to exercise increased caution when visiting Panama, mainly due to civil unrest and crime in certain areas. Travel is not prohibited for the entire country, but specific regions, including parts of the Mosquito Gulf and Darién Region, are classified as “Do Not Travel” zones due to criminal activity and limited emergency response.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: crime, including theft and armed robbery, occurs in urban areas, while the Mosquito Gulf and Darién Gap are particularly dangerous, with a history of drug trafficking and violence.
- Health risks: medical care outside Panama City and Colon is limited, and ambulance services may be unreliable in remote areas. Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from some countries with risk.
- Legal requirements: you must carry proof of funds, a passport valid for at least three months past entry, and a return or onward ticket. Official ID checks are frequent, especially near borders.
- Environmental hazards: demonstrations can disrupt movement in cities such as Panama City. The rainy season brings flash floods, especially in low-lying or poorly drained neighborhoods.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the U.S. Department of State, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Panama.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Panama?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for travelers from the United States to enter Panama.
Medical evacuation insurance is, however, strongly recommended due to the limited access to adequate medical care outside major cities and the high cost of emergency assistance.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Panama. The high rate is linked to costly private healthcare and the increased risk of accidents or illness in less developed areas.
Why take out travel insurance for Panama?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Panama.
In Panama, foreigners are usually treated in private hospitals or clinics such as Hospital Punta Pacífica in Panama City, where costs are similar to major U.S. cities. Public hospitals are not always recommended for visitors due to limited resources and longer wait times.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transport, and emergency repatriation to the US in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Panama.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Hospital Punta Pacífica | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 2,000 PAB (about $2,000) | Up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 1,500 PAB (about $1,500) | Up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 40,000 PAB (about $40,000) | Up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 7,000 PAB (about $7,000) | Up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What Travel Insurance for Panama Should Cover
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Panama.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers the cost of medical treatment and hospitalization if you fall ill or have an accident. We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of $100,000. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Ensures emergency transport to the nearest adequate facility or repatriation in case of serious illness or injury. A minimum of $200,000 is advised given Panama’s limited services in remote areas. |
| 💼 Baggage protection | Compensates for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage during your trip. Choose coverage of at least $2,500 based on replacement costs and risk of loss at transit hubs. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Reimburses prepaid expenses if you must cancel due to illness, injury, or other covered reasons. A recommended limit is $5,000 per person, covering flights, hotels, and tours. |
| 🏃 Personal liability | Pays legal expenses and damages for accidental injury or property damage caused to others. Limit should be a minimum of $100,000. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance | Provides support and legal expenses in the event of detention, accident, or dispute abroad. Look for at least $10,000 in coverage. |
| 🦟 Infectious diseases | Offers coverage for treatment related to diseases such as dengue or yellow fever if contracted during the trip. At least $10,000 for infectious disease coverage is advisable. |
| 🔄 Travel delay | Covers extra costs if flights or connections are missed for covered reasons. A recommended limit is $1,000. |
We recommend a minimum reimbursement limit of $100,000.
A minimum of $200,000 is advised given Panama’s limited services in remote areas.
Choose coverage of at least $2,500 based on replacement costs and risk of loss at transit hubs.
A recommended limit is $5,000 per person, covering flights, hotels, and tours.
Limit should be a minimum of $100,000.
Look for at least $10,000 in coverage.
At least $10,000 for infectious disease coverage is advisable.
A recommended limit is $1,000.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often comes with limited coverage, low caps, and numerous exclusions. For better protection, it is safer to choose a trusted insurer with comprehensive guarantees. Compare leading offers and subscribe online on HelloSafe for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Panama
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $20–$35 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $35–$60 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $50–$90 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $125–$180 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer..
Good to know
The price of your travel insurance depends on several key factors, including the traveler's age, duration of the stay, destination, and chosen options like trip cancellation. It's important to keep these elements in mind to find the right policy that fits your needs and budget for your trip.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to Panama
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Panama while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🗓️ Trip duration | The cost of insurance increases with longer stays. Short annual trips are usually less expensive. | Compare single-trip and multi-trip policies to find the one with the best price for your travel pattern. Consider multi-trip if you travel often. |
| 🧑 Traveler’s age | Age can increase premiums, especially for senior travelers. Some insurers treat age brackets differently. | The insurer Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. Compare age brackets with multiple insurers before deciding. |
| 💲 Coverage level | High limits provide better protection but also raise the cost. For Panama, medical care is comparable to the US. | Select only the benefits you truly need to avoid overpaying for unused extras. Opt for reasonable medical limits, not excessive ones. |
| 🏥 Medical evacuation | Essential in remote regions or smaller islands where local health care is limited. | For Panama, focus on policies with emergency evacuation as a core feature. Avoid expensive, unnecessary add-ons. |
| 🚴 Adventure activities | Some activities common in Panama may be excluded or require extra coverage, which affects the price. | Exclude risky or specialty sports if you won't practice them. Limit your coverage to only the planned activities. |
| 👨👩👧 Group/family plans | Family or group plans often cost less per person than individual plans, especially for similar travel dates. | Purchase plans for the entire group together. Look for “children free” or discounted rates for dependents. |
| 💳 Payment methods | Some payment methods may offer a small insurance policy for free or at a discount. | Check if your US bank cards include any coverage. Evaluate this free policy carefully, as coverage is usually low with many exclusions. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Panama?
It is completely legitimate to wonder if your existing coverage, such as public or private health insurance or a credit card, will protect you during a trip to Panama. Unfortunately, this existing coverage is often limited or insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Panama? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | No, never | No coverage for medical expenses abroad, emergency or non-emergency, no repatriation | Travel insurance covers $100,000+ in medical care, including hospital and evacuation |
| Private health insurance (Aetna, Blue Cross) | Yes, partly | Emergency care abroad, often with pre-approval; excludes repatriation. Coverage rarely above $50,000 | Travel insurance covers up to $250,000 plus full medical evacuation and 24/7 assistance |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard) | Yes, partly | Limited medical ($5,000–$25,000), few trip delay/loss benefits, no evacuation, may require ticket purchase with card | Travel insurance covers $100,000+ medical, baggage, trip cancellation, and evacuation |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Preferred, Amex Gold) | Yes, partly | Higher medical ($50,000–$100,000), trip delay/loss ($500–$1,000), some evacuation, strict requirements | Travel insurance pays more than $250,000 medical, covers adventure risks, and emergency evacuation |
Example
While surfing in Panama, Tom suffered a severe back injury. The emergency air evacuation to Panama City cost $25,000. His US health plan didn't cover international transport, and his premium credit card's insurance had a low cap. Tom was unexpectedly left with a $20,000 bill for a day at the beach.
Expert advice
Always check the terms, exclusions, and limits of your existing insurance. Critical situations, like trip interruption for a relative’s illness, may be excluded. Read the conditions carefully to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to buy dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Panama?
No, U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays in Panama of up to 180 days. You must have a valid U.S. passport with at least three months of validity past your entry date, proof of sufficient funds, and a return ticket.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Panama?
First, compare insurance plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, check coverage details and exclusions, especially medical evacuation, health, and theft, as they apply to Panama. Then, buy your chosen policy online and receive your insurance certificate by email.
What health risks should I be aware of when traveling to Panama?
Panama has a risk of diseases such as dengue, malaria, and yellow fever, particularly in rural or jungle areas. Medical care outside Panama City is limited. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation and emergency coverage is strongly recommended for travelers.
Can I purchase travel insurance after arriving in Panama?
Most insurers require you to purchase travel insurance before your departure from the U.S. Some companies may allow purchase after arrival, but coverage often takes effect after a waiting period and may have restrictions.
Are there areas in Panama not covered by standard travel insurance?
Some policies may exclude high-risk zones such as the Darién Region and parts of the Mosquito Gulf, which the U.S. government designates as “Do Not Travel” areas. Always review your policy’s geographic exclusions before buying.
If I have a pre-existing medical condition, will I be covered in Panama?
Coverage for pre-existing conditions varies by provider and policy. Some plans offer coverage if you meet certain requirements, such as purchasing insurance soon after trip booking. Review your insurer’s wording regarding pre-existing conditions before purchase.
Do I need a visa to travel to Panama?
No, U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays in Panama of up to 180 days. You must have a valid U.S. passport with at least three months of validity past your entry date, proof of sufficient funds, and a return ticket.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Panama?
First, compare insurance plans using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Next, check coverage details and exclusions, especially medical evacuation, health, and theft, as they apply to Panama. Then, buy your chosen policy online and receive your insurance certificate by email.
What health risks should I be aware of when traveling to Panama?
Panama has a risk of diseases such as dengue, malaria, and yellow fever, particularly in rural or jungle areas. Medical care outside Panama City is limited. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation and emergency coverage is strongly recommended for travelers.
Can I purchase travel insurance after arriving in Panama?
Most insurers require you to purchase travel insurance before your departure from the U.S. Some companies may allow purchase after arrival, but coverage often takes effect after a waiting period and may have restrictions.
Are there areas in Panama not covered by standard travel insurance?
Some policies may exclude high-risk zones such as the Darién Region and parts of the Mosquito Gulf, which the U.S. government designates as “Do Not Travel” areas. Always review your policy’s geographic exclusions before buying.
If I have a pre-existing medical condition, will I be covered in Panama?
Coverage for pre-existing conditions varies by provider and policy. Some plans offer coverage if you meet certain requirements, such as purchasing insurance soon after trip booking. Review your insurer’s wording regarding pre-existing conditions before purchase.
