Panama Launches Free Travel Insurance for International Visitors: 10 Days of Automatic Medical Coverage
Updated: 2 minutes ago
PANAMA CITY, September 20, 2026 — Panama has introduced a complimentary travel insurance program for international visitors, offering automatic medical and repatriation coverage for the first 10 days of their stay at no cost.
The Tourist Insurance (Seguro al Turista) programme, funded by the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP), requires no application or registration. Coverage is activated automatically when eligible travellers enter the country by air and receive an immigration stamp at one of six participating airports .
Key Details at a Glance
Aspect | Details |
Programme Name | Seguro al Turista (Tourist Insurance) |
Cost to Traveller | Free (government-funded) |
Coverage Period | First 10 days of stay |
Eligibility | Travellers up to 86 years old |
Activation | Automatic upon immigration stamp |
Entry Mode | Air only (land/sea excluded) |
Administrator | CompañĂa Internacional de Seguros |
Funding | Up to US$3.5 million annually |
Coverage Limits
The policy provides substantial medical and assistance benefits :
Benefit | Coverage Limit |
Hospitalisation & Medical Expenses | Up to US$15,000 |
Medical Transportation (within Panama) | Up to US$10,000 |
International Medical Repatriation | Up to US$50,000 |
Accidental Death | Up to US$20,000 |
Emergency Dental Treatment | Included |
Prescribed Medication | Included |
Legal Assistance | Included |
Document Loss/Theft Support | Included |
Exclusions: Pre-existing, congenital, and chronic conditions are not covered . The policy also excludes injuries from high-risk activities, alcohol/drug use, and events related to terrorism or natural disasters .
Participating Airports
Coverage applies to passengers arriving through six designated airports :
Tocumen International Airport – Panama City
Panamá PacĂfico International Airport – Panama
Enrique Malek International Airport – ChiriquĂ
Scarlett MartĂnez Airport – RĂo Hato (CoclĂ©)
Enrique Adolfo Jiménez International Airport – Colón
José Ezequiel Hall International Airport – Isla Colón (Bocas del Toro)
How to Access Assistance
Travellers requiring assistance must contact the programme's 24/7 assistance centre, available in Spanish, English, Portuguese, and French :
Contact Method | Details |
+1 (305) 722-5824 | |
Phone | +507 840-4585 |
Why Panama Introduced This Programme
The initiative comes as Panama records strong growth in international tourism. According to ATP preliminary figures, international visitor arrivals increased by 17.4% year-on-year during the first six months of 2026, reaching 1,755,998 visitors. Tourism revenues over the same period reached approximately US$3.79 billion, representing an annual increase of 14.7% .
"Our goal is for visitors to Panama to feel welcomed and supported from the moment they arrive. Therefore, all international tourists entering through our participating airports will receive complimentary medical coverage for the first ten days of their stay, with no extra steps required."— Gloria De León, Minister of Tourism, Panama
The programme is part of the government's strategy to strengthen Panama's competitiveness as an international tourism destination .
Important Limitation
The complimentary cover does not replace comprehensive travel insurance. Travellers on trips lasting longer than 10 days or requiring broader benefits and higher medical limits should still purchase their own policy .
Key Dates
Date | Event |
November 2025 | Contract awarded to CompañĂa Internacional de Seguros |
September 10, 2026 | Programme officially launched |
Ongoing | Coverage active for eligible arrivals |
Read Also
Official Resources
Resource | Link |
Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) | |
Visit Panama Official Site | |
Assistance Centre |
For the latest immigration updates, visa policy changes, and 2026 developments worldwide, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/category/travel-insurance
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