V.A. is there a Va hospital in panama?

Sunnymikkel wrote:

There is NO VA coverage or hospitals in Panama. There is an organization that has been trying to get the VA to work with them, but that has been going on for more than 5 years and so far nothing. I do get my prescriptions through the VA by mail. However, I have to go back to the U.S. annually to have a physical and renew my prescriptions. Do not let anyone tell you that they will cover you with the VA, there is NO VA coverage in Panama, that is a pure scam.

Of course, if the poster's disability is service related and his participation in the program has been approved following the application process with the VA (link posted above several times) he may be reimbursed for certain medical costs incurred in Panama, but as you confirm there is no direct insurance coverage in the sense that the VA deals directly with the healthcare providers.

strkerinpanama wrote:

Sir, there is a state of the art Hospital in Panama City dedicated to U.S. veterans.  It is not owned, run, or operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, but it is approved and rated superior by the Department of Veterans Affairs.  The millions of dollars in funds to build the hospital was donated by the owner of Home Depot and several other wealthy veterans and organizations.

What's the name of this hospital to which you refer?  Where is it located?

strkerinpanama wrote:

You should get all additional information concerning V.A. benefits in Panama from the V.A. Representative from this point forward.  That way you will know it is correct and up to date.  I am new to this country and have been here less than two years and was given a lot of incorrect information about medical services and V.A. benefits before I came by people who simply do not know the facts.  There are many expats here and all are very eager to give you information based only on their individual experiences.  You can contact the V.A. Representative at:  xxx for valid and up to-date information concerning V.A. benefits in Panama.

That's what I thought!  Some expat is working an angle.   Like an official V.A. rep would use hotmail.

Kandymill wrote:

I am moving to Panama next month. I am looking for info about VA care availability there. I am service connected disabled and require monthly meds. Would appreciate any advise and/or contact info anyone might have.

Read Post #12 above for enrollment and other information.

rojo9314 wrote:

I am 100% disabled Viet Nam veteran. Are there any other places in Panama where I can be treated for my diabetes, dialysis, and more?

There are plenty of hospitals and clinics in Panama that I am certain could treat you for your medical needs, but your status as a U.S. veteran does not provide you any benefits in Panama, such as free medical care or reimbursement by the U.S. government for your out-of-pocket medical expense.  The only exception I know of is acceptance by the VA in the U.S. for participation in the program linked multiple times already in this thread - a program that may permit reimbursement to you for medical expenses incurred outside the U.S. for treatment associated with service related disability.  Again, this is a U.S. program you apply for if your disability is service related.  I hope this helps.

desertstormer wrote:

This is a thread started in 2012 but with current responses and queries.  Thanks to everyone who has posted info in here.  I am also interested in relocating to PC area and was wondering about VA affiliated healthcare.

Another question I have about panama:  is this country really friendly to American expats?  Are there hard feelings about the crushing American response to the Noriega affair?  I am also considering Costa Rica due to its large expat community, but would enjoy free healthcare in a country which once had 60,000  Americans in it!  I am surprised the VA does not have a 'real' oresense in PC.

Again, there is no VA hospital or VA affiliated healthcare facility in Panama.  The only VA medical facility in a foreign country (that is, outside the U.S. or any U.S. territory) is an outpatient clinic in the Philippines.  Again, those who apply and are qualified can received reimbursement under the Foreign Medical Program (FMP) for certain service-related expenses they incur.  "Free" healthcare is only available to you in the U.S.

Panamanians are neither impressed nor unimpressed with Americans and other expats.  Don't expect outward hostility and don't expect them to fawn all over you.  Those you get to know will treat you the way you treat them.  Panamanians are proud so stirring up resentment in any way is a pretty dumb thing to do as a guest - and may lead to getting knocked on the head, especially around days of national celebration.  I have never seen uniformed U.S. military folks - for good reason - but ample private "contractors" such as pilots working for U.S. DEA flying missions with the local agencies, but they look and act like tourists to me.  Just my observations and opinions from time spent there.....defer to others with greater knowledge, whose experiences my differ.