Punta Pacifica
4.7
Go-to expat hospital. Johns Hopkins affiliation, smooth ER.
Pros
- Johns Hopkins
- English throughout
- Cigna direct billing
Cons
- Pricier (250 USD ER)
- Parking saturated
- Monthly fee
- —
- Transfer fee
- 250 USD admission urgences
Comparisons
Panama City hospitals: 4 compared for expats
The 4 reference private hospitals for expats in Panama City. Which one fits your profile and insurance? Honest comparison.
Updated : May 2026
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Comparison table
| Service | Score | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
Punta PacificaWinnerGo-to expat hospital. Johns Hopkins affiliation, smooth ER. | 4.7 | 250 USD | See offer ↗ |
Hospital PaitillaLeading cardiology in Central America. El Cangrejo district. | 4.4 | 200 USD | See offer ↗ |
Hospital San FernandoSolid general hospital, reasonable prices, limited direct billing for expats. | 4.0 | 180 USD | See offer ↗ |
Hospital NacionalMost affordable of the 4 private hospitals. General medicine, adequate ER. | 3.7 | 160 USD | See offer ↗ |
Detailed cards
Hospital Paitilla
4.4
Leading cardiology in Central America. El Cangrejo district.
Pros
- Top cardiology
- Full imaging
- Cigna direct billing
Cons
- Less fluent English
- Wait times sometimes slow
- Monthly fee
- —
- Transfer fee
- 200 USD admission urgences
Hospital San Fernando
4.0
Solid general hospital, reasonable prices, limited direct billing for expats.
Pros
- Reasonable prices
- Solid maternity
- Full pediatrics
Cons
- Limited English
- Direct billing rare
- Hospital food OK
- Monthly fee
- —
- Transfer fee
- 180 USD admission urgences
Hospital Nacional
3.7
Most affordable of the 4 private hospitals. General medicine, adequate ER.
Pros
- Cheapest
- Central district
- Appointment availability
Cons
- Limited specialties
- Weak English
- Older imaging
- Monthly fee
- —
- Transfer fee
- 160 USD admission urgences
Our pick
Hospital Punta Pacifica
Johns Hopkins affiliated, fluent English everywhere, direct billing with Cigna and SafetyWing.
- Johns Hopkins affiliation
- Cigna / SafetyWing direct billing
- English everywhere
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Frequently asked questions
What's the best hospital for expats in Panama City?
Hospital Punta Pacifica is unanimously rated the best for expats: Johns Hopkins International affiliation, English at every counter, most modern equipment in Panama, direct billing with Cigna Global, SafetyWing, Bupa, Allianz Worldwide Care. Located in Punta Pacifica.
How much does a medical consultation cost in Panama?
GP: $40-80/consultation. Specialist (cardiologist, dermatologist, gynecologist): $80-150/consultation. Ultrasound/X-ray: $60-200. MRI: $400-700. With Cigna or SafetyWing: $0 at admission (direct billing).
Do Panamanian doctors speak English or French?
English: yes in most private hospitals (Punta Pacifica 100%, Paitilla 80%, San Fernando 60%, Nacional 40%). French: limited to Punta Pacifica and Paitilla, where some doctors are French-speaking (often trained in France or Switzerland). The French embassy provides a list of French-speaking doctors.
How to get to a hospital in emergency in Panama?
Call SUME 911 (66112911) — premium private ambulance, 8-15 min in city, direct Cigna/SafetyWing billing. Alternative: 911 (public, 25-40 min). Driving yourself is OK if conscious and able (Punta Pacifica has a covered ER drop-off).
Do you need to front hospital costs in Panama?
With insurance that has direct billing (Cigna Global, SafetyWing with Remote Health, Bupa, Allianz): no, costs go directly to insurer. Without insurance or direct billing: yes, payment at admission required (card or cash). A $500-2,000 deposit is requested.
Reader reviews
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