Guides

In short: Panama requires no vaccine to enter from most countries. The only exception is the yellow fever certificate, mandatory only for travellers arriving from countries with a risk of transmission, mainly in Africa and South America, and given at least ten days before the trip. To enter you need a passport with three months' validity, an onward ticket and proof of funds. Health insurance is not mandatory, but recommended. What is asked for at Tocumen RequirementDetail PassportMinimum three months' validity on entry (six for some nationalities) Onward ticketBy air, land or sea, dated within the permitted stay Proof of…

In short: Panama's health system has three pillars. The Social Security Fund (CSS) serves workers who contribute and their dependants. The Ministry of Health (MINSA) serves the whole population in health centres and public hospitals, for token fees. And the private sector, with internationally accredited hospitals in Panama City, serves those who pay directly or have insurance. A foreign resident can use all three; a tourist, MINSA and the private sector. The three pillars PillarWho uses itHow it is paid Social Security Fund (CSS)Salaried and self-employed workers who contribute, pensioners and their dependantsPayroll contribution: 9.75% from the worker and 12.25%…

In short: Panama treats around 50,000 international patients a year in a private system with two hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission International, Hospital Punta Pacífica and Clínica Hospital San Fernando, and a public network that expanded with Ciudad de la Salud, a 1,368-bed complex. The most requested procedures are dentistry, cosmetic surgery, orthopaedics and executive check-ups, with savings the sector's firms put at around half compared with the United States. Tocumen's connectivity, the dollar and proximity to North America explain the growth, but the patient should verify accreditation, the doctor's licence and insurance coverage before travelling. Contents of this…

In short: full mouth rehabilitation is not a treatment but a plan: the ordered combination of several procedures, gum therapy, root canals, implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, orthodontics or cosmetic work, to give a deteriorated mouth back the ability to chew, speak and smile with stability. It is indicated when several teeth are missing, when there is severe wear, fractures, old restorations that no longer do their job or a disturbed bite, and it always starts with a diagnosis of how the jaws fit together. Radar Panamá explains when it makes sense, in what order it is done, how long it…

In short: the general recommendation is a professional dental cleaning every six months, but the right interval is set by each mouth: anyone with a history of gum disease, braces, diabetes, smoking or fast tartar build-up needs check-ups every three or four months, while someone with healthy gums and good hygiene can space them out. A cleaning removes the plaque and tartar a toothbrush cannot reach, especially below the gum line, and it is the cheapest way to prevent cavities, gingivitis and periodontitis, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Radar Panamá sums up what it includes, which signs…

In short: a root canal is the treatment that removes infected or inflamed dental pulp, cleans and seals the canals inside the root and saves a tooth that would otherwise have to be extracted. It is needed when deep decay, a fracture or a blow lets bacteria reach the nerve, and its warning signs are persistent pain, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, a swollen gum or an abscess. With today's technology it is a comfortable procedure, with success rates above 90% according to the American Association of Endodontists, and almost always preferable to extraction. Radar Panamá explains what happens…