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Comparisons

SafetyWing vs Cigna Global: nomad or expat in Panama

Two philosophies of international health insurance. SafetyWing for bootstrapping or nomads, Cigna Global for long-term family settlement. We compare fees, coverage, Panama City hospitals included.

Updated : May 2026

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Comparison table

ServiceScorePriceAction
Cigna GlobalWinnerLong-term expat standard. Wide Panama network, maternity included, evacuation. Premium adjustable per coverage.
4.6280 USDSee offer ↗
Cigna Close Care (alternative)Cigna plan limited to country of residence — ideal if you live 95% of time in Panama and want to lower the cost.
4.2180 USDSee offer ↗
SafetyWing NomadMonthly, no commitment, designed for nomads. Catch: Panama coverage capped at 90 days per 364-day period.
4.056 USDSee offer ↗

Detailed cards

Recommended

Cigna Global

4.6

Long-term expat standard. Wide Panama network, maternity included, evacuation. Premium adjustable per coverage.

Pros

  • Full Panama hospital network
  • Maternity after 12 months (up to $7,000 covered)
  • International medical evacuation
  • Worldwide coverage (useful if frequent traveler)
  • Customer service in English
  • Lifetime renewal guarantee (if no fraud)

Cons

  • Expensive — $250-600/month based on age and options
  • Waiting period (3-12 months per item)
  • Annual deductible (variable, set at subscription)
  • Quote required — no clear public pricing
Monthly fee
250-600 USD selon âge
Transfer fee
—
Open offer ↗

Cigna Close Care (alternative)

4.2

Cigna plan limited to country of residence — ideal if you live 95% of time in Panama and want to lower the cost.

Pros

  • Cheaper than Cigna Global (~30-40% savings)
  • Panama network identical to Cigna Global
  • Maternity included
  • Good compromise for stable residents

Cons

  • No coverage outside Panama (except emergency)
  • Not ideal if traveling > 30 days/year
Monthly fee
150-380 USD selon âge
Transfer fee
—
Open offer ↗

SafetyWing Nomad

4.0

Monthly, no commitment, designed for nomads. Catch: Panama coverage capped at 90 days per 364-day period.

Pros

  • Unbeatable price: $56/month for adult < 40
  • No commitment — pay monthly
  • Sign up in 5 minutes online
  • Travel covered in 175+ countries
  • Good transition fix on arrival

Cons

  • Panama coverage LIMITED to 90 days / 364 days
  • No maternity coverage
  • Annual limit only $250,000
  • Panama hospital network smaller than Cigna
  • No long-term renewal guarantee
Monthly fee
56 USD (< 40 ans)
Transfer fee
—
Open offer ↗

Our pick

Cigna Global

For a long-term expat with family in Panama, Cigna Global is the standard. SafetyWing stays better for the first 6 transitional months or for nomads under 90 days/year in Panama.

See offer →

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Frequently asked questions

SafetyWing or Cigna Global for Panama?

SafetyWing for short-term (1-6 months) or nomads: $56/month, no commitment, but Panama coverage capped at 90 days per 364 days. Cigna Global for long-term expat with family: $250-600/month by age, $1M limit, maternity, evacuation. Cigna wins for long-term stability.

Does Cigna cover maternity in Panama?

Yes — Cigna Global covers maternity after 12 months of contributions: up to $7,000 for delivery. Subscribe before pregnancy (pre-existing excluded mid-year). Punta Pacifica + Paitilla network with direct billing. Count $4,500-6,500 for a Panama City delivery without insurance.

Does direct billing actually work in Panama?

Yes for Cigna Global, Bupa, Allianz Worldwide Care: direct billing in private hospitals (Punta Pacifica, Paitilla) — present your insurer card at admission, hospital bills insurer. For SafetyWing: pay-then-reimburse, slower (payment at admission, reimbursement within 2-4 weeks). World Nomads similar.

What's the waiting period at Cigna Global?

Varies by item: 0 days for life-threatening emergencies, 30 days for GP, 90 days for dental, 12 months for maternity, 12 months for declared pre-existing (or total exclusion by profile). Read the contract before subscribing.

What happens after the 90 SafetyWing days in Panama?

SafetyWing Nomad limits coverage to 90 days per 364-day period in any country — including your residence country. Beyond, that country's coverage stops (you stay covered abroad). Options: (1) switch to SafetyWing Remote Health (longer-term, pricier), (2) move to Cigna Global, (3) travel again.

Reader reviews

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