Panama’s insurance industry closed 2025 with record results, according to figures reported by the Superintendencia de Seguros y Reaseguros and local media. Premiums surpassed roughly $2.1 billion, with year-over-year growth around 7%. Reports also point to more than 2.4 million active policies and an estimated contribution near 2.5% of Panama’s GDP, underscoring the sector’s role in employment, risk management, and household financial planning.
A notable theme in the 2025 data is increased demand for personal lines, especially health and life insurance, alongside the expansion of digital channels that can reach customers who previously did not buy coverage.
What the 2025 growth signals
The regulator’s comments in local reporting frame 2025 as a year where the market didn’t just reshuffle existing clients – it expanded overall participation, particularly in health and life products, supported by digital sales and services (including telemedicine-style offerings).
Looking into 2026, industry expectations mentioned in the same reporting include more digital policy options and higher demand for bonds and specialized coverages tied to major infrastructure projects.
Panama vs the United States – cost comparisons (and a reality check)
It’s true that many people moving to Panama are surprised by how manageable private coverage can be. But the claim that “Americans pay thousands per month while Panama is a couple hundred for the same quality” needs some nuance – because “insurance cost” depends heavily on whether you’re looking at employer plans, ACA marketplace plans, or unsubsidized private coverage, plus deductibles and benefit limits.
United States (health insurance examples)
- Employer-sponsored family coverage averages about $26,993 per year (about $2,249 per month) in total premium, though employees pay only a portion on average (about $6,850 per year, or about $571 per month). (KFF)
- On the ACA marketplace, the national average gross benchmark (second-lowest-cost Silver) premium for 2026 is often cited around $625 per month for an individual before subsidies. Subsidies can reduce what some people pay, but those savings vary by income and policy changes. (Health System Tracker)
Panama (typical ranges reported by expat and international insurance sources)
- Local private health plans are often described in the range of about $50-$125 per month depending on age and coverage scope, while private hospital-style local policies are sometimes quoted around $100-$175 per month. (International Citizens Insurance)
- International major medical plans (broader geography, sometimes higher limits) are frequently quoted around $150-$500 per month, with some plan examples listed roughly $100-$450 per month depending on benefits.
- Panama reporting also highlights ultra-low-cost digital products in the single-digit dollars per month range, but these are usually not “full major medical” equivalents – they may be limited-benefit products or specific services bundled via apps.
Bottom line: It’s realistic for many healthy individuals and some families in Panama to find private coverage in the low hundreds per month, especially if they accept a defined provider network, deductibles, or Panama-only coverage. It’s also realistic that some Americans face premiums in the high hundreds or thousands per month – but not everyone does, especially when employers or subsidies offset the sticker price.
What “same quality” really comes down to
If you’re comparing Panama and the US, quality isn’t just hospitals or doctors – it’s also:
- Coverage caps and exclusions (especially pre-existing conditions)
- Deductibles, co-pays, and reimbursement rules
- Provider networks (and whether top private hospitals are in-network)
- Geography (Panama-only vs international coverage)
- Claims experience and customer service in English
This is where expats benefit from shopping carefully, not just buying the lowest monthly premium.
How this connects to homeowners and property investors
A growing insurance sector doesn’t only matter for health and life coverage. As more people buy homes, renovate, and operate rentals, demand tends to rise for property insurance, liability coverage, construction policies, and business-related bonds. For investors with rentals, the practical takeaway is simple – insurance is part of your operating plan, not an afterthought, and the right policy structure can reduce downside risk in storms, accidents, or guest-related claims.
If you’re exploring lifestyle hubs like Boquete or coastal markets like Coronado, it can be smart to think about insurance early – both personal health coverage and the policies tied to any home purchase or rental operation.
Call-to-action – Casa Solution
If you’re planning a move to Panama or weighing different areas for your next home or investment, Casa Solution can help you compare locations, connect you with trusted local professionals, and map out the practical side of ownership so you can make decisions with clear expectations.
Article written on January 18, 2026
