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Panama emergency numbers and procedures (2026)

What to do in case of emergency in Panama? Useful numbers, procedures by situation (theft, accident, medical, embassy), real response times. Reference to keep on your phone.

Updated : May 2026

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Comparison table

ServiceScorePriceAction
SUME 911 (ambulance privée)WinnerAmbulance privée premium. 8-15 min en ville. Tiers payant Cigna, SafetyWing, Bupa.
4.70 USDSee offer ↗
Ambassade France au PanamaPour Français : passeport, hospitalisation grave, décès, conseils consulaires. 24/7.
4.50 USDSee offer ↗
Caduceo AmbulanciasConcurrent SUME 911. Service privé fiable. Bon backup si SUME indisponible.
4.40 USD
911 (urgences publiques)Centre d'appels unifié pour police, pompiers, ambulance publique. Opérateurs anglophones.
4.00 USD
Croix-Rouge panaméenneGratuit ou faible coût. Couverture nationale incluant province. Bon backup public.
3.80 USDSee offer ↗

Detailed cards

Recommended

SUME 911 (ambulance privée)

4.7

Ambulance privée premium. 8-15 min en ville. Tiers payant Cigna, SafetyWing, Bupa.

Pros

  • Délai 8-15 min Panama City
  • Personnel anglophone
  • Tiers payant Cigna/SafetyWing
  • Transport vers hôpitaux privés

Cons

  • Plus cher si pas d'assurance (~80-200 USD trajet)
  • Couvre principalement zone métropolitaine
Monthly fee
—
Transfer fee
~80-200 USD si pas d'assurance
Open offer ↗

Ambassade France au Panama

4.5

Pour Français : passeport, hospitalisation grave, décès, conseils consulaires. 24/7.

Pros

  • Couverture 24/7 urgences majeures
  • Aide passeport/visa volé
  • Coordination hospitalière
  • Casco Viejo (central)

Cons

  • Pas pour urgences médicales courantes
  • Délais administratifs (passeport 7-14 jours)
  • Nationaux français uniquement
Monthly fee
—
Transfer fee
Gratuit (services consulaires)
Open offer ↗

Caduceo Ambulancias

4.4

Concurrent SUME 911. Service privé fiable. Bon backup si SUME indisponible.

Pros

  • Bon délai (10-18 min)
  • Tiers payant assurances majeures
  • Bonne flotte récente

Cons

  • Personnel parfois moins anglophone
  • Couverture province plus limitée que SUME
Monthly fee
—
Transfer fee
~80-200 USD si pas d'assurance

911 (urgences publiques)

4.0

Centre d'appels unifié pour police, pompiers, ambulance publique. Opérateurs anglophones.

Pros

  • Gratuit
  • Numéro unique simple
  • Opérateurs anglophones disponibles
  • Géolocalisation auto activée

Cons

  • Délai ambulance publique 25-40 min
  • Hôpital public uniquement
  • Procédures longues
Monthly fee
—
Transfer fee
Gratuit

Croix-Rouge panaméenne

3.8

Gratuit ou faible coût. Couverture nationale incluant province. Bon backup public.

Pros

  • Gratuit ou faible coût
  • Couverture nationale (provinces)
  • Bonne en montagne / zones reculées
  • Soutien équipement urbain

Cons

  • Délai 20-35 min en ville
  • Personnel moins anglophone
  • Hôpital public uniquement
Monthly fee
—
Transfer fee
Gratuit ou don
Open offer ↗

Our pick

SUME 911 (ambulance privée premium)

For an expat with Cigna or SafetyWing insurance, SUME 911 is the premium private ambulance: direct billing, English-speaking team, transport to Punta Pacifica or Paitilla. 8-15 min response in city, $1-3/km.

See offer →

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Frequently asked questions

What's the emergency number in Panama?

General number is 911 (unified call center, English operators available). National police: 104. Fire: 103. Red Cross: 228-2187. Coast guard (Bocas, San Blas): 232-2400. These numbers work from all operators (+Movil, Tigo, Claro, Digicel) without credit.

What to do in case of theft in Panama?

Call 104 or 911 immediately. Go to the nearest police station (DIJ — Dirección de Investigación Judicial) to file a denuncia. Bring passport + visa. The report is needed for insurance and card replacement. Reporting time: 1-3h. For passport theft: go to your embassy within 48h.

Are Panamanian ambulances reliable?

Yes, with nuances: public ambulances (911 or Red Cross) are reliable but can take 25-40 min at rush hour. Private ambulances (SUME 911, Caduceo) are faster (8-15 min) and mandatory if you want a private hospital (Punta Pacifica, Paitilla). If Cigna/SafetyWing: call your assistance first to coordinate.

How to reach the French embassy in Panama?

French Embassy in Panama City: +507 211-6200 (business hours). 24/7 consular emergency: +507 6612-2900. Address: Plaza de Francia, Edificio 1-DIM, Casco Viejo. For major emergencies (passport theft, serious hospitalization, death), the embassy intervenes 24/7.

Do you need insurance for Panama emergencies?

Essential. A night in ER at Punta Pacifica (top hospital) costs $800-1,200. Surgery without insurance: $5,000-25,000. International medical evacuation: $30,000-80,000. Cigna Global and SafetyWing cover these costs (see our comparison). Without insurance: pay cash on admission or be refused.

Reader reviews

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