Free Medical ~ Tourists

Since January 17th, 15 thousand free medical insurance cards have been issued to tourists entering the country through Tocumen Airport. Of those; 50 cases have been reported and 12 tourists have received medical care through hospitalization or home care visit.

The 30 day insurance policy will cover accidental death (up to $20,000 dollars), hospitalization and medical expenses for injuries due to accidents or in case of contracting a disease in Panama (up to $7,000 dollars), expenses for dental emergency (up to $ 2,000 dollars), administrative legal assistance by accident (up to $ 3,500), and lost or stolen documents, among others. The policy does not however cover incidents caused by negligence, those related to alcohol and drugs ", and such as those caused by extreme sports.

To obtain a free health card, the individual must visit the tourist information centre located in the immigration centre of Tocumen; which is located near the baggage claim area before you reach customs. There they will receive a pamphlet and a free insurance card, which will need to be presented along with their passport at any health facility in Panama.

"Health insurance is an incentive for tourists visiting Panama as well as all other attractions of the country as a tourist destination. Those who take advantage of the health services in the country will see that Panama is an ideal place for medical tourism with highly trained physicians and hospitals , said Minister of Tourism of Panama and Director of the ATP, Solomon Shamah.

The insurance company, Assicurazioni Generali, is responsible for issuing the insurance policy and their contract is valid for the next two years with an annual budget of $4 million.