ASSA vs MAPFRE vs SURA vs PALIG — Which to Choose in Panama 2026?
Panama's four most popular local health insurers, head to head. Real prices, concrete coverage, clear exclusions. No commissions involved — we don't earn anything for recommending one over another.
Quick Verdict (TL;DR)
First choice for Panamanian families. 850+ doctors, 18 own clinics. Up to age 55.
5 plans to pay exactly what you need. Only one with a Catastrophic Plan ($75/mo). Up to age 65.
Best app in the local market, basic plan from $21/mo. Ideal for young professionals. Up to age 55.
Pan-American Life, 115 years. Dental included in base plan. Up to age 65. For those who want extra financial solidity.
Full Comparison Table
✓ = winner in that category. Data updated April 2026.
| Criteria | ASSA | MAPFRE | SURA | PALIG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price from | $71/mo | $60/mo | $21/mo✓ | $120/mo |
| Max coverage | $500K | $1M✓ | $30K / $500K | $500K / $5M |
| Min. deductible | $250 | $250 | $500 | $250-500 |
| Max entry age | 55 years | 65 years | 55 years | 65 years |
| Plans available | 3-4 | 5✓ | 2 | 2 |
| Panama doctor network | 850+ doctors, 18 clinics✓ | Major private hospitals | Premium hospitals | Private hospitals + own network |
| Dental included | Upper plans | Classic+ ($85/mo) | Premium only | Yes (base)✓ |
| Maternity | Upper plans | Superior+ ($130/mo) | Premium only | Yes (waiting period) |
| Mobile app | Basic | Functional | Best in market✓ | No |
| Digital process | No | Partial | 100%✓ | No (via agent) |
| Group backing | Local Panamanian | Spain (global) | Colombia (9 countries) | USA (since 1911) |
Per-Insurer Analysis
ASSA Compañía de Seguros
23% market share — the undisputed leader
Strengths
- +Largest network: 850+ doctors and 18 own clinics
- +23% of market — maximum local financial stability
- +Maternity available from mid-tier plans
Weaknesses
- −Age cutoff at 55 — no exceptions
- −Limited app and digitalization
- −Highest entry price of the group ($71/mo)
MAPFRE Panamá
5 plans — highest granularity in the market
Strengths
- +5 plans (Basic/Classic/Superior/Elite/Catastrophic) — max flexibility
- +Catastrophic plan ($75/mo) unique for major surgeries
- +Accepts up to age 65
Weaknesses
- −Basic plan ($60/mo) covers little ($50K limit)
- −No telemedicine in entry plans
SURA Panamá
The most digital insurer in the local market
Strengths
- +From $21/mo — cheapest basic plan in the market
- +100% digital: contracting, claims and consultations via app
- +Native telemedicine included at no extra cost
Weaknesses
- −Basic plan covers only $30K/yr — insufficient for surgery
- −Smaller medical network than ASSA and PALIG
- −Age cutoff at 55
PALIG — Pan-American Life
115 years, US backing, dental included in base plan
Strengths
- +Dental included at no extra cost in base plan
- +Up to age 65 — same limit as MAPFRE
- +US group with 115 years of financial solidity
- +WorldAccess: up to $5M coverage with free doctor choice
Weaknesses
- −No app or digital process — everything via agent
- −Highest price in the group from age 35
- −Prices not published online — quote required
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the cheapest insurance among ASSA, MAPFRE, SURA, and PALIG in Panama?
SURA has the cheapest plan: from $21/mo (Basic Plan). MAPFRE starts at $60/mo, ASSA at $71/mo, and PALIG from $120/mo for under-30s. The cheapest plans have very limited coverage.
Can I get any of these if I'm over 55?
ASSA and SURA do not accept new policyholders over 55. MAPFRE and PALIG accept up to age 65 — they are the only local options for that age range.
Which has the largest doctor network in Panama?
ASSA leads with 850+ doctors and 18 own clinics. MAPFRE and PALIG provide access to all major private hospitals. SURA has a smaller network but guarantees access to Panama City's premium hospitals.
Which includes dental without an extra plan?
PALIG includes dental in its base plan. MAPFRE includes it from the Classic plan ($85/mo). ASSA and SURA include it only in upper-tier plans.
Which is best for a family with children?
For families, ASSA remains the standard: its 850+ doctor and 18-clinic network is unbeatable for pediatric care in Panama. MAPFRE is a good second with the Superior plan including maternity. PALIG is the pick if you want US group backing with similar family coverage.
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