Panama, through its President José Raúl Mulino, has just announced the reinstatement in 2025 of a free medical insurance program for all travelers arriving from abroad. The Panama Tourism Authority (ATP), which will oversee the initiative, has launched a $3 million call for tenders to select the insurance provider in charge of the program — a key priority for the new administration.
What will the coverage include?
The system is designed to be simple: coverage will activate automatically upon passing immigration and will remain valid for ten days. It will apply to travelers arriving at the country’s main airports: Tocumen (Panama City), Scarlett Martínez (Río Hato), Enrique Adolfo Jiménez (Colón), Enrique Malek (David), Panamá Pacífico (Arraiján), and José Ezequiel Hall (on Colón Island, Bocas del Toro).
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The core benefits will include coverage for medical and hospitalization expenses up to $15,000, increased to $20,000 in the event of accidental death or non-preexisting illness. Ground or air transfers to the nearest medical facility, emergency dental care, outpatient medications, repatriation, transport and accommodation for a companion, as well as legal assistance in case of theft or accident, will also be part of the policy.
A reactivated and enhanced program
This is not a first attempt: between 2010 and 2014, a similar program already covered travelers entering Panama, mainly through Tocumen Airport. Discontinued following a change in government and unsuccessfully considered again afterward, the project is now being revived with clear criteria for participating insurers: at least ten years of operation in the country, proven experience in health and travel insurance, and a commitment to care within a maximum of fifteen minutes.
For Gloria De León, Minister of Tourism, the issue goes beyond commercial appeal:
“When we travel, no one wants to fall ill or have an accident. Being able to say to tourists: ‘Trust us, we’ll take care of you’ is a powerful message to position Panama among the most attractive destinations,” she explains.
In a context where travelers are increasingly attentive to health safety, the country aims to reinforce its image as a responsible destination — not only to attract visitors but to offer the peace of mind essential for a successful stay.
By offering immediate and free coverage, Panama demonstrates that it understands the expectations of modern travelers. This initiative, combining hospitality and high safety standards, will help strengthen the country’s position in Central America and support the recovery of the entire tourism sector. In the long term, it may even set a new benchmark for globally competitive destinations.
Photos: Visit Panama
