Panama’s government has launched a novel tourism service, which will offer free treatments and assistance to foreigners as soon as they arrive in the country. The free tourism insurance, provided by the national tourism authority, is available to all foreign visitors and Panamanians living abroad and legally arriving in Panama.
The coverage includes the first 10 days of the visitor’s stay and is activated when an immigration stamp is placed in their passport upon entry – no additional procedures are needed.
“We want people who visit Panama to feel comfortable from their first day on our soil,” said Gloria De León, Minister of Tourism of Panama. “Therefore, all tourists who arrive in Panama through one of our airports that have signed the agreement will automatically have an insurance with medical coverage for the first 10 days of their stay without having to go through any additional procedures. We are pleased to take this step forward and make Panama an attractive, safe and quality destination for all those who choose to visit our country.”
The program is part of the national tourism strategy and was approved by the Council of Ministers, allocating a credit of up to 3,500,000 balboas ($4.8 million) to the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP), which will manage the insurance program.
Wide Range of Free Tourism Insurance Coverage
Free tourism insurance includes medical and surgical assistance for accidental injuries and illnesses, medical and surgical treatment, medication, emergency dental treatment, medical evacuation, ambulance and international transportation, as well as legal and administrative assistance in case of theft.
It is important to note that the coverage applies to all visitors, except those with non-occurrence of accidental injuries or illnesses. In addition, for tourists under 86 years of age, the following events are covered:
- Accidental death;
- Hospital and medical treatment for accidental injuries that occur in Panama;
- Emergency dental treatment;
- Legal and administrative assistance in the case of an accident;
- Assistance in case of loss or theft of identity documents;
- Ambulance and transportation in case of medical assistance.
The coverage applies to all of Panama’s territory. What is more, there is no distinction between tourists and residents – all those who meet the requirements described above will be provided with the same guarantees and benefits.
As such, by offering free insurance with automatic activation, Panama reinforces its position as an attractive destination for tourists.
