Health Insurance-who knows about Panama health ins policies

[Beth and Greg]

Everyone know how expensive health insurance premiums are in the states. What are the Altoids doing? Can someone give us some information about what they are or are not doing for insurance and the particulars? Does anyone have an agent they can recommend?

[Sylvain Duford]

There are many options available for health care. You can go with an international policy that will cover you anywhere you go, and with a $5K/year deductible, you pay for little things but are covered in case of a major illness or accident. You pay somewhere around $200-$300 per month and choose which hospital you want to go to. I recommend this style if you will be travelling.

There are also many hospitals in Panama that have their own plans and the costs vary a lot depending on the hospital. One such plan that I know of is with the Santa Fe hospital and a friend of mine uses it and is happy with them. You have to go to the Santa Fe hospital unless it's an emergency, and they also have a list of clinics you can go to for specialists. The costs are as follows:
50-59 years old $49/mth + $41.50 for the spouse
60-69, $75/mth
70-79, $90/mth
80-89, $105/mth
90+, $120/mth

There are also co-pay fees like $5 for a consultation, $20 for specialist consultation, $50 for outpatient surgery, $350 for hospitalization. You get 20% off lab work and 17.5% off pharmaceuticals.

here's a couple of articles you might find useful:
http://panamakevin.com/article.php?story=2005083020372548
http://www.yourpanama.com/health-insurance-in-panama.html

[Sylvain Duford]

Here's another very useful article on international policies:
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0305/interna...

[Sylvain Duford]

Just reposting this from a friend, regarding an interesting health care plan from Paitilla Hospital in Panama City.

Potential Health Insurance Sign-Up to be held at Dee and Bob Bradenʼs in Altos del Maria Saturday, August 9th (time to be determined).



Deb Turl, who continues to work with Manuel Granados Licdo, the Director de Services Medicos Hospitalities, Hospital Chiriqui, S.A. has asked me to advise those persons who are interested in signing up and receiving your free physical for health insurance though Paitilla Hospital in Panama City and/or Chiriqui Hospital in David to come to the Bradenʼs on Saturday, August 9th. Physicals will be performed by a certified physician. Many folks have enrolled previously and are pleased with this very affordable plan.



If you are interested, please email Deb at [e-mail] or me at [e-mail] no later than Tuesday @6:00pm. to confirm. If you have any questions concerning the program, please contact Deb at her email address or cell phone at 6436-8665. If enough people confirm, the above will take place, as scheduled and additional directions and information will be supplied. If not, the cancellation will be announced via the Altos web site by Thursday. Should you be interested, a small passport type picture would be required. There is a sign shop in Bejuco, which could provide you with the picture. Directions will be provided later.



Hope to hear from you,
Sue Ruggiero