Health in Panama: vaccines, water, medical care and insurance

Panama has no mandatory vaccines for entry. Routine vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), polio and seasonal flu should be up to date before departure. Hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended for most travellers, and yellow fever is required only if arriving from a risk country.

Tap water is treated in Panama City but quality varies elsewhere. If you are unsure about the local supply, use sealed bottled or boiled water for drinking, brushing teeth and ice. Cooked foods served hot are safe; avoid raw salads and unpeeled fruit unless you can wash them with safe water.

Public hospitals provide basic care, but English-speaking staff are limited outside Panama City. Private clinics in the capital and major tourist towns have higher standards and accept international credit cards. Travel insurance that covers hospitalisation, medication and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended.

Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika and chikungunya occur year-round, especially in the rainy season (May-November). Use repellent with DEET, wear long sleeves and stay in screened accommodation.

City pharmacies stock many over-the-counter drugs and anti-diarrhoeal meds, but stronger drugs may need a local prescription.