Travelers visiting Panama will now be covered under emergency health insurance during their first 30 days in the country following their arrival at the Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. In effect since late January, tourism officials say that the initiative is being launched in an effort to attract more visitors to the Latin American country. Under the new plan visitors will be given health insurance forms to fill-out upon their arrival at tourist information centers and then issued a card, along with their passport, that can be presented at any health center in the case of immediate medical needs. Lost or stolen items, accidents, diseases contracted in Panama, hospitalization costs, even death, will be covered. However, medical problems resulting from extreme sports or through the use of alcohol and illegal drugs are exempt from the insurance policy. The amounts paid-out range from $20,000 USD for deaths to $3,500 USD for stolen documents and items. An Italian insurer holds the $12 million USD contract for the next three years.
Panama offers something unique to travelers
Visiting Panama is a great opportunity for the Latin America-bound to visit one of the less-traveled destinations. Panama remains free from foreign-filled beaches and tourist towns. However, the U.S State Department warns travelers to avoid visiting remote areas of the Darien Province, including the Darien National Park. A lack of infrastructure, a scarcity of roads, and the potential for violent crime and drug trafficking are listed as reasons to stay away.
