InsidePanamaComparisons
Side-by-side comparison of 8 insurance plans used by Panama expats: 4 international (SafetyWing, Cigna Global, Bupa Global, Allianz Care), 3 Panamanian (ASSA, Pan-American, Mapfre) and 1 travel (World Nomads). Real prices, hidden exclusions, advice by profile below.
Updated : May 2026
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| Service | Score | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
 SafetyWingWinnerImmediate online enrollment, suited to expats staying under 6 months. | 4.5 | 45 USD | See offer ↗ |
Cigna GlobalTrue expat insurance, high limits, hospitalization included. | 4.3 | 220 USD | See offer ↗ |
Bupa GlobalDirect Cigna competitor, unlimited cap on some premium plans, strong global network. | 4.2 | 280 USD | See offer ↗ |
Allianz CareGerman-Irish insurer, solid reputation, family profile. Panamanian network via agreement with Punta Pacífica. | 4.1 | 240 USD | See offer ↗ |
World NomadsSports/adventure coverage included, popular with travelers. | 4.0 | 78 USD | See offer ↗ |
Pan-American Life Insurance GroupUS-LATAM insurer with strong Panama presence. "Premier" plan at 150 USD/month, well balanced for resident expats. | 4.0 | 150 USD | See offer ↗ |
ASSA Compañía de SegurosPanamanian local leader, Salud Total plan at 90-150 USD/month. Panama-only coverage, but strong direct local network. | 3.9 | 110 USD | See offer ↗ |
Mapfre PanamáMapfre subsidiary (Spain), Avanzado plan at 80-140 USD/month. Good price/network trade-off for established residents. | 3.8 | 100 USD | See offer ↗ |
SafetyWing
4.5
Immediate online enrollment, suited to expats staying under 6 months.
Pros
Cons
Cigna Global
4.3
True expat insurance, high limits, hospitalization included.
Pros
Cons
Bupa Global
4.2
Direct Cigna competitor, unlimited cap on some premium plans, strong global network.
Pros
Cons
Allianz Care
4.1
German-Irish insurer, solid reputation, family profile. Panamanian network via agreement with Punta Pacífica.
Pros
Cons
World Nomads
4.0
Sports/adventure coverage included, popular with travelers.
Pros
Cons
Pan-American Life Insurance Group
4.0
US-LATAM insurer with strong Panama presence. "Premier" plan at 150 USD/month, well balanced for resident expats.
Pros
Cons
ASSA Compañía de Seguros
3.9
Panamanian local leader, Salud Total plan at 90-150 USD/month. Panama-only coverage, but strong direct local network.
Pros
Cons
Mapfre Panamá
3.8
Mapfre subsidiary (Spain), Avanzado plan at 80-140 USD/month. Good price/network trade-off for established residents.
Pros
Cons
Our pick
Monthly, no commitment — ideal to bootstrap your move to Panama.
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Cigna Global is the long-term expat standard ($250-600/month by age, $1M limit, maternity, evacuation). SafetyWing for 1-6 transitional months ($56/month). World Nomads if you travel with sports. See our detailed comparison.
No, not legally mandatory for residents — but highly recommended. Without insurance, an ER night at Punta Pacifica costs $800-1,200. Non-emergency surgery: $5,000-25,000. Panamanian social security (CSS) only covers residents with local employment.
Yes — SafetyWing Nomad covers Panama, with a catch: 90 days per 364-day period. If you stay longer, switch to their Remote Health (equivalent to Cigna Close Care) or move to Cigna Global.
Yes — Cigna Global has direct billing with the 4 reference private hospitals: Punta Pacifica, Paitilla, San Fernando, Nacional. No out-of-pocket on admission (except contractual deductible). World Nomads and SafetyWing usually require pay-then-reimburse.
Cigna Global premiums climb steeply after 50 (from $280/month at 30 to $500-700/month at 60 for same coverage). Maternity only covered after 12 months of contributions. Pre-existing typically excluded unless declared at subscription.
Tested one of these? Share your take — it helps the next reader.