Panama Activates Free Tourist Medical Insurance Across Six International Airports

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Panama City, Tocumen, Panama Pacifico, David, Rio Hato, Colon, and Bocas del Toro are acquiring more importance within the international tourism policy framework for the country due to the launch of a free tourist insurance programme for six international airports that is backed by the government. In operation since 10th September 2026, the programme offers free medical and emergency insurance cover for the first ten days of their visit to international tourists who enter the country on eligible flights. Known as Seguro al Turista, the program is financed by the Panama Tourism Authority, with the insurance scheme being handled by Compañía Internacional de Seguros. International tourists who enter the country legally on eligible flights and receive their immigration stamps in any of the participating airports automatically become insured through the program. Panama has acquired yet another incentive for its efforts towards attracting international tourists.

Six International Airports Expand the Programme’s Reach

The insurance scheme covers six designated international airports, extending its reach beyond Tocumen International Airport, the country’s principal aviation gateway.

The participating airports are:

• Tocumen International Airport: Panama City’s main international gateway, serving long-haul and regional passengers.
• Panama Pacifico International Airport: An alternative gateway serving the Panama City metropolitan area.
• Enrique Malek International Airport: Located in David, providing access to Chiriqui Province and the western highlands.
• Scarlett Martinez International Airport: Located in Rio Hato, serving the Pacific coastal tourism region.
• Enrique Adolfo Jimenez International Airport: Located in Colón, providing access to the Caribbean-facing province.
• Jose Ezequiel Hall International Airport: Located in Bocas del Toro, supporting access to the country’s Caribbean islands and coastal destinations.

Extending the programme to these regional gateways means eligible visitors arriving directly in different parts of Panama can benefit without first travelling through the capital.

For tourism, this is particularly relevant to destinations such as Bocas del Toro, known for its islands, beaches and marine activities, and Chiriqui, which attracts visitors through its mountain landscapes, coffee plantations and outdoor experiences.

What Does Panama’s Free Tourist Insurance Cover?

The programme provides medical and emergency assistance for unexpected incidents during the first 10 days of an eligible visitor’s stay.

According to the published insurance arrangements, the policy includes hospitalisation and medical expenses of up to US$15,000 for qualifying accidents and sudden illnesses that are not pre-existing. It also provides up to US$10,000 for medical transportation within Panama and up to US$50,000 for international medical repatriation.

Additional benefits include emergency dental treatment, prescribed medication following qualifying medical emergencies, accidental death coverage and certain forms of legal assistance.

The programme also provides round-the-clock assistance in Spanish, English, French and Portuguese, helping international visitors communicate with the designated support service when an emergency occurs.

However, the policy has important limitations. Pre-existing, congenital and chronic medical conditions are excluded from medical coverage. The insurance is also restricted to eligible travellers younger than 86 years old.

Automatic Activation Removes Registration Requirements

One of the programme’s principal features is its automatic activation process.

International visitors do not need to submit a separate insurance application, complete advance registration or pay an additional premium. Coverage begins when an eligible passenger enters Panama legally by air and receives the relevant immigration stamp at an approved airport.

In an emergency, travellers must contact the programme’s designated assistance centre, which evaluates the circumstances and coordinates the appropriate medical or other covered services.

The official assistance channels include a 24-hour call centre, WhatsApp support and online assistance. This arrangement is intended to help visitors access the relevant services without navigating the insurance process independently during an emergency.

The coverage applies to eligible air arrivals, not passengers entering Panama through land borders or seaports. Visitors planning journeys that extend beyond 10 days should also consider separate comprehensive travel insurance.

Panama’s Tourism Destinations Gain an Additional Attraction

The insurance initiative adds another element to Panama’s appeal as a multi-experience holiday destination.

Panama City offers visitors the historic Casco Antiguo district, the Panama Canal, the Amador Causeway and the Biomuseo. Its international connectivity also makes it a practical starting point for travellers planning to explore different parts of the country.

Beyond the capital, Bocas del Toro attracts visitors through its Caribbean islands, marine biodiversity and water-based activities. Chiriqui offers access to Boquete, coffee-growing landscapes and Volcan Baru National Park, while the Pacific coastline provides beach resorts and coastal retreats.

For international passengers with limited time between connecting flights, Panama’s stopover tourism offering provides another opportunity to explore the country rather than remaining exclusively within the airport.

The insurance programme adds a further benefit to this proposition by providing a defined period of medical protection for qualifying visitors.

Tourism Growth Strengthens the Case for Visitor Benefits

The insurance programme is being promoted by the authorities of Panama as yet another incentive for tourists to visit the country. In addition, the initiative has been launched as the number of incoming tourists is growing. According to the figures provided by the Panama Tourism Authority in September 2026, the number of international tourist arrivals grew by 17.4 per cent over the first six months of 2026, compared to the same period of 2025. The revenues gained from tourism were US$3.79 billion, which is 14.7 per cent more than last year.