Panama Travel Insurance Plans

In this article:

• Travel Insurance Plans for Panama
• Panama Travel Tips and Safety Information
• Other Panama FAQs

Travel insurance isn’t required for entry to Panama, though it can be beneficial for travelers to have since many U.S. healthcare plans may not provide international medical expense coverage. Having a travel insurance plan provides you with certain medical expense coverage while you’re abroad. Additionally, your travel insurance plan can include medical evacuation coverage and assist with things like finding and English-speaking doctor, medical translation and prescription replacement assistance – things that are harder to navigate on your own in foreign countries1. Along with medical expense coverage your travel insurance plan can provide coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage coverage, coverage for certain adventure sports (with Travel Guard’s Adventure Sports Bundle) and more to help protect your travel investment.

Travel Guard’s Preferred Plan is a great place to start when looking for travel insurance plans for Panama. Our Preferred Plan offers travelers a comprehensive travel insurance plan with coverages that help protect your travel investment from start to finish. Whether you’re traveling solo or as a family, Travel Guard’s Preferred Plan has coverages and benefit limits that help give you peace of mind while traveling. If you’re looking for higher benefit limits or have expensive excursions or accommodations you want to help protect, our Deluxe Plan may be the best fit for you as it has the highest benefit limits and most coverages included standard with your travel insurance plan. All of our travel insurance plans come with access to Travel Guard’s 24-hour emergency travel assistance, so you’re not left to deal with travel mishaps alone.

A travel insurance plan is usually priced between 5-7% of the total cost of your trip. Several factors come into play when it comes to pricing your plan, which may include the product you choose and the number of travelers in your party. For more details on pricing, check out our article on how much travel insurance costs.

To help ensure travelers to Panama are as safe and informed as possible, Travel Guard has compiled some popular questions asked by tourists visiting the country.

For the latest information related to COVID-19 travel requirements for Panama, please visit the official U.S. Embassy website for Panama.

Panama offers a diverse range of attractions, from the famous Panama Canal to lush rainforests and beautiful beaches. While travelers should be mindful of security concerns, Panama has lower crime rates than its regional neighbors. Petty crime such as pickpocketing, opportunistic theft and scams is a concern for visitors. Criminals often target crowded areas like bus terminals, markets and popular tourist attractions, as well as ATMs in less secure locations. Visitors are less likely to be impacted by violent crime. However, there have been some instances of mugging, carjacking and sexual assault in tourist areas. Travelers should remain vigilant, avoid displaying valuables and carry limited amounts of cash. Traveling alone or after dark, especially in cities, should be avoided to the extent possible. In the event of a robbery, victims should not resist, as criminals may be armed. 

Kidnapping for ransom is rare for short-term visitors, but express kidnappings targeting tourists have been reported. Travelers should exercise caution when using ATMs and should choose secure locations inside banks and hotels. Public transportation poses risks, as buses have been targeted by criminals, especially on routes to and from airports. Unlicensed taxi drivers may also pose threats, so it is best to book rides in advance instead of hailing cabs on the street.  

For those interested in exploring Panama's natural wonders or engaging in adventurous activities, booking with reputable tour providers in advance is recommended. Travel during daylight hours with doors locked and windows up, especially in remote areas. Authorities may request identification and travel documents, so carrying copies of passports is advisable. Additionally, be cautious of protests and demonstrations, which can lead to travel disruptions and turn violent. Stay informed through local news and avoid large gatherings. 

Panama is susceptible to natural disasters such as tropical storms, floods, landslides and earthquakes. Be aware of potential risks associated with your planned activities and be prepared to follow guidance from local authorities. Medical facilities may be limited outside major cities, so travelers should plan accordingly. 

All U.S. travelers should consider enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service offered to U.S. citizens traveling and living abroad. Enrolling in this program allows you to receive important information from the embassy as well as helps the embassy contact you in an emergency. 

The official currency of Panama is the Panamanian Balboa and the U.S. Dollar, meaning you will not have to exchange currency before your trip, though you can choose to at a local bank before departure or exchange kiosk at the airport. While debit and credit cards are widely accepted, it may be ideal to carry a small amount of cash in case a vendor doesn’t accept that form of payment. Be sure to inform your bank of your travels to ensure you don’t lose access to your finances while on vacation.

Spanish is the official language of Panama and what most citizens speak. Although you may find English speakers in popular tourist areas, it’s always a good idea to learn common phrases and sayings in Spanish that you may need while traveling. It can be helpful to download a translator app that works offline to help avoid confusion.

Visas are not a requirement when traveling to Panama, though a passport valid at least three months after your arrival in Panama as well as one blank page per stamp is required.

The U.S. Embassy in Panama is located in Panama City. Visit the official U.S. Embassy government website for a list of up-to-date phone numbers and addresses.

Panama doesn’t have seasons like the U.S., instead, the equatorial climate leaves the country with hot temperatures and rainfall year-round. The most rainfall occurs from May to November while December to April is considered the dry season where less rainstorms are seen.

The best, and most popular, time of year to visit Panama is from January to March when there is less rainfall and lower temperatures. Panama is still beautiful to visit the rest of the year and travelers can find better prices on airline tickets and hotels, just remember the wet season occurs during this time so you are very likely to see some rain on your trip.

The dial code for Panama is +507 which can be used to connect to cell phones and landlines in the country. To call from the U.S., use the exit code of +011 followed by the Panama dial code, area code and seven-digit number of your contact. To call someone back home from Panama, use the U.S. entry code +1 followed by the 10-digit number you’re calling. Remember to let your phone provider know of your travel plans to help avoid unwanted fees and interruption.

Panama uses the same voltage and plug type as the U.S., so you can use and charge your devices as normal.

Panama is a great destination for family vacations as there are many scenic views to discover as well as bustling cities with a rich history and culture that people of all ages can enjoy.

Vacationing to Panama with your pet is possible as long as you follow the guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Visit the official USDA website to learn about the entry and exit requirements for pet travel to Panama.

Panama is an overall safe country for LGBTQ+ travelers compared to most of South and Central America, though there are no laws to protect LGBTQ+ citizens or travelers visiting the country. For best practices, be sure to research your destination before booking and read our safety advice for LGBTQ+ travelers.

Travel Guard offers comprehensive and customizable travel insurance plans for travelers visiting Panama. With excellent coverage and specialized emergency travel assistance representatives ready to help you at any time, Travel Guard is there for you. Compare our popular plans and find the best one for you!

¹Expenses incurred from third-party vendors for assistance services not part of a filed insurance plan are the responsibility of the traveler.