Panama Health Insider!

Octuber 14, 2025 Edition

Dear Expat Community,

Welcome to your essential weekly briefing, designed specifically for expatriates living in or considering a move to Panama.

This week's edition highlights significant progress in the country's healthcare system with a major reduction in surgical backlogs, the Panama Canal's strong financial performance, and the official opening of the cruise ship season. We also share crucial deals on health diagnostics available to the expat community.

Stay informed and connected to your new home.

Weekly Summary: Key News for Expatriates

1. Major Reduction in Surgical Backlogs at CSS

• The News: The Caja de Seguro Social (CSS), Panama's social security fund, has announced a significant 30% reduction in the accumulated surgical backlog over the last year. This is part of a national effort to improve and expedite public healthcare services across the country.
• What This Means for You: While many expats rely on private health insurance, this improvement in the public system is a positive indicator for the nation's overall health infrastructure. A less burdened public system can mean a reduction in strain on all health facilities, potentially leading to better overall quality and availability of specialized care in the country.
• Source Link: CSS News on Surgical Reduction​

​

2. Panama Canal Reports Strong Revenue Increase

• The News: The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) concluded its 2025 fiscal year with a 14% increase in revenue. This growth highlights the continued strategic importance of the waterway to global trade and is a major financial pillar for Panama's national budget.
• What This Means for You: The Canal's excellent financial performance is a key driver of Panama's economic stability and growth projections. A strong national economy supports infrastructure development, job creation, and the continued stability of the U.S. dollar-based financial system, all of which benefit the expat lifestyle and investments.
• Source Link: Panama Canal Revenue Report (Port Technology)​

​

3. Panama Canal Opens Cruise Season with 195 Transit Projections

• The News: The Panama Canal has officially commenced its 2025-2026 cruise season, with expectations to manage 195 passenger ship transits during this period. This projection reaffirms Panama's position as a crucial destination on international cruise routes.
• What This Means for You: The strong return and growth of the cruise season provide a significant boost to Panama’s economy and tourism sector, including hotels, tour operators, and local businesses. This contributes to the country's economic diversification and often translates into more high-quality entertainment and service options in major cities and ports.
• Source Link: News on the Opening of the Cruise Season​

​

Expat Offers & Deals

• Farmacia Arrocha – Special Offer on Prevention
  • From October 7th to 31st, 2025, for purchases of B/.30.00 or more, receive 1 coupon for use at Minimed Vía España until December 31st, 2025.
  • The coupon applies to (1) exam and grants a discount of:
    • 50% OFF on Breast Ultrasound or Mammography.
    • 30% OFF on Free PSA or CA125.
  • Age Restriction: Exclusive for individuals 40 years of age or older.
  • Purpose Brands: Purchases from participating brands will quintuple your points and contribute to the Fundacáncer foundation.
  • Conditions: Not cumulative with other offers.
  • Verify Offer Details: Instagram.com/​
• Pacífica Salud (Punta Pacífica Hospital) – Special Diagnostic Pricing
  • Pacífica Salud is thinking of you. Take advantage of our special prices for patients without private medical insurance and undergo your diagnostic exams with the confidence and quality that characterize us.
  • Available Promotions:
    • Regular Mammography (3D with tomosynthesis included): B/.53.00
    • Mammography with Prosthesis (3D with tomosynthesis included): B/.60.00
    • Breast Ultrasound: B/.59.00
    • Bone Densitometry: B/.49.00
    • Free and Total PSA (blood test, no prior appointment needed): B/.25.00
  • Schedule your appointment via WhatsApp:
    • Radiology: 6112-0477
    • Laboratory: 6147-6455
  • Conditions: These are special prices for patients without private medical insurance and cannot be combined with insurance discounts.
  • Verify Offer Details: PacificaSalud.com/en/examenes-preventivos/​

Spotlight Analysis – Deep Dive

Navigating Panama’s New Visa and Tax Landscape

Recent changes in Panama’s visa regulations and minor adjustments to the tax policies for foreign residents have sparked a need for clarity within the expat community. Understanding these modifications is crucial for ensuring a smooth, legal, and financially efficient residency.

Our analysis clarifies the latest requirements for popular visas (like the Pensionado Visa and the Friendly Nations Visa), outlines the importance of working with a local legal counsel for document authentication, and explains the nuances of Panama’s territorial taxation system for U.S. and other foreign income earners.

Click here to read the full analysis on our website and ensure your residency status is fully compliant with the latest Panamanian laws.

Closing Note

Thank you for reading this week’s edition. We hope these updates help you navigate life in Panama with greater confidence.

Don't miss out on previous crucial updates!

​https://newsletter.panamalifehub.com/​

See you next Tuesday!

Panama Health Insider team