Living in Panama Overview

What about private health insurance in Panama?
Once I find a house in Panama, is it difficult to find workers who can help me in fixing it up, and are they expensive?
Are there any problems with water or power outages?
What is Panama's educational system like?
How does living in Panama compare to other countries that IL writes about?

What about private health insurance in Panama?
Private health insurance is available and much less expensive than insurance in the United States (because doctor’s fees and hospital visits are much cheaper). Two more reasons why health insurance here is so affordable: 1) malpractice insurance is very low because the laws do not allow for frivolous lawsuits; and 2) the median income is around $300 a month, so healthcare cannot be expensive or no one would use it. Prices for prescription drugs are low as well, because manufacturers price them for the market. Plus, many drugs that require a prescription in the States are available over the counter in Panama.

Once I find a house in Panama, is it difficult to find workers who can help me in fixing it up, and are they expensive?
No, it is not difficult to find skilled laborers in Panama, you just have to be resourceful. Minimum wage here is low, and it is possible that, depending on the location, you could find an experienced foreman that would work for as low as $5 per hour. Low-level skilled laborers make $2.85 per hours

Are there any problems with water or power outages?
Not usually. There are some areas where the water and electric infrastructure isn’t as developed as other areas, but overall, no. Some islands do not have filtrated water systems, for example.

What is Panama's educational system like?
Private education is excellent in Panama. There are a number of accredited international schools and dozens of good bilingual schools. There are also a dozen universities, including three U.S. schools, with branches in Panama City.

How does living in Panama compare to other countries that IL writes about?
Panama has earned the top ranking in IL’s Annual Global Retirement Index for the last six years in a row. That should tell you something, as should the information you are receiving here on this web page. Still, every country has its charms. If you are interested in learning more about the countries in Latin American where International Living has local staff in place, e-mail:

Argentina@InternationalLiving.com
Ecuador@InternationalLiving.com
Honduras@InternationalLiving.com
Mexico@InternationalLiving.com  (and see the website, www.MexicoInsider.com)
Nicaragua@InternationalLiving.com

International Living has an Insider website devoted to Latin America. You will find it at www.LatinAmericaInsider.com.

We also have staff in offices in Europe;

Ireland@InternationalLiving.com
Italy@InternationalLiving.com
France@InternationalLiving.com