My husband and I are looking forward to becoming residents and just wanted to ask some important questions about this topic.
First I'd like to ask what health insurance have you found, what are you paying and basically what does it cover?
Second I'd like to ask about available health care in the area? Ex: Does Boquete have an ambulance service? Does the town have a basic health clinic that's open 24/7 for emergencies?
And thirdly, a rather important topic: how many of you plan to stay there for the long haul? Do you feel there's good nursing homes in the area (where?) and would our social security checks pay for that care 100%?
So much to learn. I so appreciate your feedback.
Replies
You might Google "Worldwide Health Insurance Boquete.ning" There has been several discussions about this subject.
Thanks John. I just glanced at it and it certainly has a lot of policy information. Let me ask, have you found any insurance you're happy with that also included hospitalization if you should need it? Have a great day!
If you want basic health care, like a trip to the doctor, the cost is $12/visit, no appointment, just walk in. There are also specialists here. If you look on Chiriqui.life.com, they have a list of doctors and clinics. In Boquete there are clinics where you can have xrays and ultra sounds etc. We have no hospitals for operations, but there are good hospitals in David, which is about 40 minutes away. There is a public ambulance and a private service. We have several good dentists. A cleaning is between $30 - $50. Healthcare is a big subject.
That all sounds great Maureen and very affordable. Will still be looking for some type of insurance that specifically would cover hospitalization. Sounds like a visit to the doc or dentist is very reasonable, but obviously hospitalization would be another matter. I rarely take prescription medications, but have been hearing how most insurance available there does not include medication coverage. So much to learn. Thank you!
It is a big subject. If you need regular medications, then you may get “sticker” shock.
Please anyone correct me if I am wrong, but I am not aware of a plan that covers “prescription” medications.
What you normally would need a prescription for in the US, is most likely available over the counter here (exceptions of course). That doesn’t mean the cost is less, rather it just saves you a doctor’s visit if you know exactly what the equivalent option would be here.
For example, my husband takes high blood pressure medication and has for many years. You do not need a prescription to purchase it, but the cost is most likely going to be more than a plan with a co-pay to see the doctor, then the co-pay for the medication. If you had no insurance in the US, the cost may be the same but not sure since we never knew the “retail” price.
Hope this helps - it’s one area where we should have done more due diligence.
Thank you Val. Seems strange that insurance down there would not include medications. Seems like a glitch in the system.
I can't comment on health insurance. That depends a lot on your age and pre-existing conditions.
Boquete does have ambulance service. Dr. Chen's clinic has 24 hour emergency care.
There is one nursing home in Boquete. I have seen it, and it is nice and clean. It costs about $800 - $1,000/month. There are two similar nursing homes in David.
Thank you Judy;that is all good to know. I appreciate your feed back!