Veterans in Panama

Entering Panama

U.S. citizens can visit visa-free (180 days is commonly cited). Confirm with Panamanian immigration.

Long-stay and retirement visas

• Pensionado: a lifetime pension of at least USD 1,000/month (USD 750 if you buy property worth USD 100,000+). Military retired pay qualifies. Holders get discounts on airfare, entertainment, medical bills and more.

VA care and benefits in Panama

There are no VA facilities in Latin America. Care for service-connected conditions is reimbursed through the Foreign Medical Program. Be wary of any clinic that claims to be a "VA clinic". Alert: in 2025 VA suspended about 50 Panama providers in an estimated USD 67 million FMP fraud case. Check the FMP alerts page before using a Panama provider. Corozal American Cemetery still accepts burials of qualifying veterans.

Healthcare

Hospital Punta Pacífica (Johns Hopkins affiliated) and Pacífica Salud in Panama City. Private insurance is the norm.

Where veterans live

• Panama City: Modern, Tocumen airport hub.
• Boquete: Cool highlands, big expat community.
• Coronado: Beach towns an hour from the capital.
• David: Low-cost service hub.

Cost of living

Roughly USD 1,500–3,000 a month. Costs vary a lot by city and lifestyle. Health insurance is not included.

Money, language and time

U.S. dollar / balboa · Spanish · UTC-5

Buying property

Full ownership allowed, except near borders. Some islands and beachfront are possession rights only.

Watch out for

The Darién region carries the highest advisory level. FMP provider fraud: verify any clinic.

Veteran organizations

American Legion Department of Latin America posts date back to the Canal Zone. See veteran organizations abroad.

Common questions

Last reviewed November 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.