Travel insurance for your scouting trip

Why your home coverage isn't enough

• Canadians: provincial health plans cover emergency care abroad only up to their own low rates, typically a small fraction of the real bill. Ambulances, medical evacuation and prescriptions are often not covered at all.
• Americans: Original Medicare usually doesn't cover care outside the US. Some Medicare supplement (Medigap) plans include limited foreign emergency cover; check yours. Private US health plans vary, so ask your insurer what they pay in Panama.
• UK travellers: the Global Health Insurance Card doesn't apply in Panama.

Private hospitals in Panama City are good and cheaper than in North America, but a serious illness or injury can still cost tens of thousands of dollars, and you may be asked to pay or show proof of insurance up front.

What to check in a policy

• Emergency medical limit. Look for a high limit, and check whether the insurer pays the hospital directly or reimburses you later.
• Medical evacuation and repatriation. If you're in Bocas del Toro, the Azuero or the highlands, getting to a major hospital, or home, can be the most expensive part.
• Pre-existing conditions. Many policies exclude them unless they've been stable for a set period before you travel. Answer the medical questions honestly; a wrong answer can void the policy.
• Activities. Surfing, diving, zip-lining and hiking volcanoes may need to be added.
• Trip length and age limits. Make sure the policy covers your whole trip, including any extension, and check age limits on credit card travel insurance, which are often lower than people expect.
• Trip cancellation and interruption are optional. They're worth considering if you've prepaid flights and rentals you can't get back.

When to buy

Buy before you leave home. Many policies, especially Canadian ones, can't be bought once you've already left, and cancellation cover usually only applies if you buy it soon after booking.

After you move

Travel insurance is meant for trips, not for living in Panama. Once you move, you'll need local or international health insurance instead. See Healthcare for how those compare. Canadians should also check how long they can be away before losing provincial coverage, which affects when to switch.

Common questions

Do I need travel insurance to visit Panama?

It isn't a general entry requirement for Canadian, US or UK visitors, but you should have it. Home health plans cover little or nothing in Panama, and private hospitals may want payment or an insurance guarantee before treatment.

Does Medicare cover me in Panama?

Generally no. Original Medicare covers care outside the US only in rare cases. Some Medigap plans include limited foreign emergency cover, so check your plan and buy travel medical insurance for the gap.

Can I use travel insurance after I move to Panama?

No. Travel insurance covers trips, not living abroad. Once you move, switch to local Panamanian or international health insurance.