Using US Medicare Insurance at David Hospitals: What Expats Need to Know

US Medicare Advantage plans are accepted at Panama hospitals (Mae Lewis and Hospital Chiriqui in David) for emergency and urgent care only, not routine medical visits. You must pre-register during normal business hours to avoid paying upfront and facing lengthy reimbursement delays - registration takes just 5 minutes and could save you months of paperwork hassles.

Many US expats in the Boquete area wonder whether their Medicare insurance works in Panama. The short answer is yes, but with important limitations. Here's what you need to know based on real experiences from the local expat community. For more expat healthcare guidance, visit expatslist.org.

The Key Rule: Emergency Care Only

US Medicare (specifically Medicare Advantage plans) is accepted at Panama hospitals, but only for emergency and urgent care situations. This is not unique to Panama; most countries outside the US don't accept regular Medicare for routine care.

Where to Register

Two major hospitals in David accept Medicare for emergency care:

Mae Lewis Hospital

Registration is available during normal business hours (morning and afternoon). The process is straightforward and takes about 5 minutes. Bring your Medicare card and ID.

Hospital Chiriqui

Same process as Mae Lewis. Easy to find registration offices, quick enrollment during regular business hours.

Why Registration Matters

This is critical: if you're not pre-registered at the hospital where you're admitted, you may have to pay upfront and then try to get reimbursed later. One expat shared that she's been trying to get reimbursed for over a year after her husband was admitted without being registered. Save yourself the hassle and register in advance. Learn from other expat experiences in Panama.

What Gets Covered

Medicare Advantage plans (like UHC and Aetna) typically cover:

• Emergency care: Serious medical emergencies
• Urgent care: Conditions requiring immediate attention

One expat reported that UHC paid her husband's hospital claim at Mae Lewis with only a minimal co-pay, and the rest was direct-billed to the insurance.

What's NOT Covered

• Routine doctor visits
• Preventive care
• Non-emergency procedures
• Regular checkups

Alternative Insurance Options

Since Medicare only covers emergencies, many expats supplement with local insurance. Find more insurance advice through our expat healthcare resources.

MiniMed Network

Currently available in Panama City with plans to expand to Boquete and David. Offers access to a network of hospitals, clinics, and labs for just $20 per month per person. Worth watching for when it becomes available in the highlands.

Pan American Life (Family Medical Plan)

One expat pays $154 per month for $50,000 in coverage. Provides additional security beyond Medicare Advantage.

Tricare For Life

For retired US military personnel, Tricare For Life provides overseas coverage. If your partner has this benefit, they're covered; you'll need separate insurance.

Tips for Using Medicare in Panama

• Register in advance: Visit Mae Lewis and Hospital Chiriqui during normal business hours to register. Bring your card and ID. Takes about 5 minutes.
• Understand it's emergencies only: Don't expect routine care coverage.
• Keep documentation: Save all receipts and paperwork in case you need to file for reimbursement.
• Consider supplemental insurance: Look into local options like MiniMed or international plans like Pan American Life.
• Check your specific plan: Not all Medicare Advantage plans have the same overseas benefits. Verify with your provider before you need it.

The Bottom Line

Yes, Panama accepts US Medicare Advantage for emergency care at hospitals like Mae Lewis and Hospital Chiriqui in David. Registration is available during normal business hours and only takes a few minutes. However, this coverage is limited to emergencies, so most expats also carry supplemental insurance for routine care.

Register now while you're healthy so you're prepared if an emergency happens. Connect with other expats at expatslist.org for more Panama living tips.