ASSA vs PassportCard 2026
The question everyone in Panama should ask: local insurance with ASSA or international coverage with free doctor choice via PassportCard? Here's the full comparison with real prices.
Quick Summary (TL;DR)
Choose ASSA if...
- You live permanently in Panama
- You need maternity coverage
- You prefer 100% Spanish-language service
- You don't travel to the USA regularly
- You want a fixed hospital network
Choose PassportCard if...
- You want free choice of doctor
- You need coverage in the USA
- You hate paperwork and want direct payment
- You want monthly flexibility (no annual contract)
- You want access to any hospital in the world
Detailed Comparison
| Criteria | ASSA | PassportCard |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Local (Panama) | International |
| Price from | $71/mo | $80/mo |
| Premium plan | $200–350/mo | $200/mo (Comfort) |
| Deductible | $250–500 | $0 |
| Max coverage | $500,000 | $1,000,000 |
| USA coverage | No | Yes |
| Worldwide coverage | Central America only | 180+ countries |
| Maternity | Yes | No |
| Dental | Yes (Premium) | Yes (Comfort) |
| Direct payment | Own network | Mastercard card |
| Pre-existing conditions | 12–24 month wait | Excluded |
| Support language | Spanish | English |
| Hospital network | Specific hospitals in Panama | Any hospital worldwide |
| Claims process | Direct in network | Card (no claims) |
| Cancellation | Annual contract | Monthly |
How Much Do You Pay in Each Scenario?
Scenario 1: Knee Specialist Consultation
Orthopedic consultation + MRI + 4 physiotherapy sessions — total cost ~$2,500
ASSA BasicYou pay $500 (deductible) + 20% copay = ~$900
PassportCard StarterYou pay $0 — card covers everything
Winner: PassportCard (savings of ~$900)
Scenario 2: Emergency in Miami
Appendicitis during a trip to Florida — cost in the USA ~$35,000
ASSANo coverage — you pay $35,000 out of pocket
PassportCardCovered 100% — $0 out of pocket
Winner: PassportCard (ASSA doesn't cover outside Panama)
Scenario 3: Pregnancy and Childbirth
Prenatal care + natural delivery in Panama City — cost ~$5,000
ASSA PremiumCovered 80% after waiting period
PassportCardNot covered — no plan includes maternity
Winner: ASSA (only option for maternity)
Our Verdict
There is no absolute winner — it depends on your situation:
- For anyone who wants to choose their own doctor — whether Panamanian or a foreign resident — PassportCard offers better value. The $0 deductible, direct card payment, and free doctor choice justify the price difference over ASSA Basic.
- For families planning to have childrenwho don't travel to the USA, ASSA may be the better choice. Maternity coverage and a Spanish-language hospital network are real advantages.
- The smart combination: Many residents use ASSA for everyday local coverage + PassportCard Starter for international coverage and free specialist choice.