World-Class Healthcare for Expats and Veterans in Panama - Medicare & VA Benefits

An Interview with Mike Kelly, Director of Expat Patient Services at Pacifica Salud Hospitals

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Accessing reliable, high-quality healthcare is one of the biggest concerns for expatriates, retirees, and medical travelers living abroad. In Panama, that challenge is being met head-on by Pacifica Salud Hospitals in Panama City, a world-class medical facility directly affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International.

Through its Expat Patient Services program, Pacifica Salud is helping foreign residents and international patients receive streamlined access to care, insurance support, and specialized services. The hospital has also introduced new initiatives for U.S. veterans, Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, and international patients seeking medical tourism in Panama.

To better understand these developments, we spoke with Mike Kelly, Director of Expat Patient Services at Pacifica Salud, who shared how the hospital is expanding healthcare options for the global community.

Healthcare for Expats in Panama: A Growing Demand

Panama has become one of the top destinations in Latin America for expatriates and retirees, thanks to its stable economy, welcoming visa programs, and vibrant lifestyle. With more people relocating to Panama, the need for top-tier medical care has grown significantly.

“Expats often ask about the quality of healthcare in Panama and whether it meets international standards,” says Mike Kelly. “The answer is absolutely yes. At Pacifica Salud, we provide medical care that is on par with leading hospitals in North America, with the added benefit of accessibility and efficiency.”

For expats, having access to English-speaking doctors, internationally accredited hospitals, and seamless insurance processing is a game changer. Pacifica Salud has positioned itself as the leading choice for foreigners who want peace of mind when it comes to their health.

New Programs for American Veterans Abroad

One of the most impactful changes Pacifica Salud is making involves support for American veterans living overseas.

“Many veterans don’t realize they can use their benefits abroad,” Kelly explains. “We’ve developed programs to help them access their entitled care here in Panama without having to travel back to the United States.”

For veterans living in Panama or nearby countries, this means faster, more affordable, and more convenient access to specialist consultations, hospital care, and advanced medical treatments.

Medicare Advantage Coverage in Panama

Another breakthrough for retirees and long-term U.S. residents is expanded access to Medicare Advantage Program benefits in Panama.

Traditionally, Medicare coverage has been limited outside of the U.S., leaving retirees abroad to manage costly private insurance or pay out of pocket. Pacifica Salud is now working with select providers to bring Medicare Advantage coverage to expats in Panama, creating new opportunities for affordable healthcare.

“This program is a big step forward,” says Kelly. “It allows retirees to continue enjoying life in Panama while accessing the medical coverage they deserve.”

Medical Tourism in Panama: High Quality Without the Wait

Pacifica Salud is also becoming a top destination for medical tourism in Latin America. Many patients from Canada, the U.S., and Europe are turning to Panama to avoid long wait times in their home countries.

“Patients come here because they can see a top specialist within days instead of months,” Kelly explains. “And they know the care will be at the same level—or even higher—than what they’d receive back home.”

Pacifica Salud offers a wide range of services for medical travelers, including:

• Elective surgeries (orthopedics, cardiology, bariatrics, and more)

• Preventative screenings and diagnostic imaging

• Advanced cancer treatments

• Plastic and reconstructive surgery

• Wellness and preventative health programs

With state-of-the-art facilities, internationally trained doctors, and transparent pricing, Panama is quickly becoming a hub for patients seeking both quality and value.

Johns Hopkins Affiliation and International Accreditations

What sets Pacifica Salud apart is its exclusive partnership with Johns Hopkins Medicine International. This affiliation ensures that the hospital adheres to some of the highest global standards in patient safety, clinical protocols, and medical innovation.

Additionally, Pacifica Salud holds multiple international healthcare accreditations, providing reassurance to patients who expect the best.

“Being part of the Johns Hopkins network is a huge advantage for us and for our patients,” says Kelly. “It means we’re consistently audited, trained, and guided by one of the top medical institutions in the world.”

Why Expats Choose Pacifica Salud

For expatriates and medical tourists in Panama, Pacifica Salud offers a unique combination of benefits:

• 🌎 Internationally accredited care through Johns Hopkins affiliation

• 👩‍⚕️ Highly trained bilingual doctors and staff

• 📑 Streamlined support with insurance, Medicare Advantage, and U.S. veterans benefits

• ⏱ Quick access to appointments and treatments—no long wait times

• 🏥 Comprehensive services ranging from routine checkups to complex surgeries

• ✈️ Medical tourism coordination for patients traveling from abroad

This blend of global standards with local accessibility has positioned Pacifica Salud as the premier hospital for expats in Panama.

How to Register with Expat Patient Services

If you’re an expat, retiree, veteran, or international patient seeking healthcare in Panama, registering with Expat Patient Services at Pacifica Salud is simple.

You’ll receive personalized support in navigating insurance, coordinating appointments, and accessing the full range of hospital services.

📲 Contact Mike Kelly directly:

• WhatsApp: +507-6614-1448

• Email: mkelly@pacificasalud.com

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a retiree enjoying Panama’s expat lifestyle, a U.S. veteran living abroad, or a medical traveler seeking faster access to treatment, Pacifica Salud Hospitals in Panama City offer a trusted solution. With its Johns Hopkins partnership, international accreditations, and patient-centered programs, Pacifica Salud is not just one of the best hospitals in Panama—it’s one of the leading healthcare providers in the region.

As Mike Kelly puts it: “Our mission is to make sure expats and international patients feel at home when receiving care here. We’re committed to delivering the very best medical treatment in Panama—and in the world.”