Panama
Health
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need;
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation.
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 103 and ask for an ambulance.
Call 911 for emergencies.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you鈥檙e referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the
See , including:
- dengue 鈥� on 30 July 2024 (in Spanish) due to the increase in dengue cases, particularly in Panama City, Col贸n, Panama East and Panama West
- malaria
- Zika virus
- chikungunya
- HIV
Tap water is safe to drink in most of the country. Follow local recommendations in rural and island areas, where there can be a risk of contaminated water.
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Panama. Read more about .
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read .
Healthcare in Panama
Panama City has some good private hospitals and clinics, but medical facilities outside the capital are limited.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Panama where some staff will speak English.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also .