Healthcare
Panama — Healthcare: Public Healthcare
Health system indicators for Panama, from World Bank Open Data: current health expenditure 8.3 % of GDP (2023); government share of current health expenditure 51 % (2023); out-of-pocket share of current health expenditure 40 % (2023); physicians 1.6 per 1,000 people (2022); hospital beds 1.9 per 1,000 people (2023); life expectancy at birth 79.8 years (2024).
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceWorld Bank — World Development Indicators (World Bank Open Data)Last reviewed: 2026-10-18
Why this matters
Public healthcare availability and quality can impact relocation decisions, particularly for those with health concerns or limited financial resources.
Key facts
- Current health expenditure: 8.3 % of GDP (2023)
- Government share of current health expenditure: 51 % (2023)
- Out-of-pocket share of current health expenditure: 40 % (2023)
- Physicians: 1.6 per 1,000 people (2022)
- Hospital beds: 1.9 per 1,000 people (2023)
- Life expectancy at birth: 79.8 years (2024)
Steps
- Obtaining a Health Card — The process for obtaining a health card in Panama is unclear. It is reported that residents may need to register with the Ministry of Health, but specific requirements and waiting times are uncertain.
- Accessing Public Healthcare — Relocating individuals may need to present their health card or other identification to access public healthcare services. However, the extent to which public healthcare is available or accessible to non-residents is unclear.
Required documents
- Health card
- Residency visa or proof of residency
Common mistakes
- Assuming public healthcare is universally available and accessible
- Failing to research specific requirements for accessing public healthcare
What these figures do not cover
These are national statistics. Who is eligible for the public system, how a foreign resident enrols, what it costs and waiting times are not covered here.