Panama
Health
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need;
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation.
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 103 and ask for an ambulance.
Call 911 for emergencies.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for Panama
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
Health risks include:
- dengue – on 30 July 2024 the Panama Ministry of Health issued a health alert (in Spanish) due to the increase in dengue cases, particularly in Panama City, Colón, Panama East and Panama West
- malaria
- Zika virus
- chikungunya
- HIV
- contaminated water – tap water is safe to drink in most of the country. Follow local recommendations in rural and island areas.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in Panama
Panama City has some good private hospitals and clinics, but medical facilities outside the capital are limited.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Panama where some staff will speak English.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.