MAPFRE Panama Review 2026
The only local insurer with 5 plan tiers. From the most affordable basic to the catastrophic plan — a unique offering in the Panamanian market backed by Spanish MAPFRE Group.
Quick Verdict
What Makes MAPFRE Different?
5 Plan Tiers
The only local insurer with 5 options: Basic, Classic, Superior, Elite, and Catastrophic. More granularity than ASSA (2) or SURA (2).
Catastrophic Plan — Unique in Market
The Catastrophic plan covers only serious illness (cancer, heart attack) with $1M lifetime and international coverage from $75/mo. Ideal as a supplement to a cheap basic plan.
Backed by MAPFRE Spain
Subsidiary of Spain's second-largest insurer, founded in 1933. Presence in 190+ countries globally. Guaranteed financial stability.
Modern App
MAPFRE Panama's app is one of the most modern in the local market. Policy management, doctor network, document upload, and telemedicine from Superior tier.
All 5 Plans — Detailed Analysis
MAPFRE Basic
Most affordable insurance entry
from $60/mo
Limit: $50K/yr · Deductible: $250
Pros
- + Lowest local market price (~$60/mo)
- + Simple digital process
Cons
- − Very limited coverage ($50K)
- − Panama only, no international
- − No dental, vision, or maternity
Scores
Price by age (individual)
MAPFRE Classic
Local coverage with preventive care
from $85/mo
Limit: $100K/yr · Deductible: $250
Pros
- + Preventive care included (1x/yr)
- + Emergency + outpatient
- + Partial rehabilitation
Cons
- − $100K limit may be insufficient
- − No international coverage
Scores
Price by age (individual)
MAPFRE Superior
Maternity + partial dental
from $130/mo
Limit: $350K/yr · Deductible: $500
Pros
- + Includes maternity (10-month waiting period)
- + Partial dental included
- + Telemedicine available
- + Central America coverage
Cons
- − MAPFRE network only — no free choice
- − No USA coverage
- − Deductible rises to $500
Scores
Price by age (individual)
MAPFRE Elite
All-inclusive local + USA coverage
from $200/mo
Limit: $1M/yr · Deductible: $500
Pros
- + $1M coverage with international access
- + Dental, vision, and maternity included
- + USA coverage
- + Evacuation and repatriation
Cons
- − High price ($200+/mo) for local insurer
- − Reimbursement, not direct pay
- − Max entry age: 55
Scores
Price by age (individual)
MAPFRE Catastrophic
Catastrophic protection — ideal supplement
from $75/mo
Limit: $1M lifetime · Deductible: $5,000
Pros
- + Low price for $1M lifetime
- + International coverage
- + Free doctor choice
- + Ideal as supplement
Cons
- − Serious illness only — does NOT cover outpatient
- − Very high deductible ($5,000)
- − No dental or maternity
Scores
Price by age (individual)
5-Plan Comparison Table
| Plan | Price from | Limit | Dental | Maternity | EE.UU. | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAPFRE Basic | from $60/mo | $50K/yr | No | No | No | 3.8 |
| MAPFRE Classic | from $85/mo | $100K/yr | No | No | No | 4.3 |
| MAPFRE Superior | from $130/mo | $350K/yr | Partial | After wait | No | 5.5 |
| MAPFRE Elite★ | from $200/mo | $1M/yr | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6.5 |
| MAPFRE Catastrophic | from $75/mo | $1M lifetime | No | No | Yes | 5.0 |
★ Best value
MAPFRE vs. PassportCard — Quick Comparison
| Criteria | MAPFRE Elite | PassportCard Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Price (30-39) | $210/mes | $210/mes |
| Max coverage | $1M/año | $3.5M |
| Doctor choice | Extended network | Any doctor |
| Direct pay | No (reimbursement) | Yes (red card) |
| EE.UU. | Yes (partial) | Yes (full) |
| Dental | Yes | Yes |
| Maternity | Yes | No |
| Max entry age | 55 | 64 |
| Backing | MAPFRE España | Allianz (AWP) |
MAPFRE Elite wins if you need maternity with local insurance. PassportCard Comfort wins in almost everything else.
MAPFRE: Pros and Cons
Advantages
- + 5 plan tiers — maximum granularity
- + Unique Catastrophic plan in Panamanian market
- + Modern app (better than ASSA)
- + Backed by MAPFRE Spain (1933)
- + Elite includes dental, vision, and maternity
- + Panama's second-largest insurer (~14%)
Disadvantages
- - Closed network — no free doctor choice
- - Reimbursement, not direct payment
- - Maximum entry age: 55 years
- - No USA coverage in basic plans
- - Basic/Classic: very limited coverage ($50K-$100K)
- - Catastrophic doesn't cover outpatient care
Who Is MAPFRE For?
Choose MAPFRE if:
- ✓ Need maternity with LOCAL insurance (Elite/Superior)
- ✓ Looking for most affordable local insurance (Basic from $60)
- ✓ Want low-cost catastrophic protection as a supplement
- ✓ Prefer a recognized Spanish brand
- ✓ Stay mainly in Panama or Central America
Don't choose MAPFRE if:
- ✗ You're over 55 (they won't accept you)
- ✗ Want to freely choose your own doctor
- ✗ Travel frequently to the USA (only Elite covers it)
- ✗ Prefer direct payment without reimbursements
- ✗ Need broad international coverage ($1M+ with full freedom)
Want to compare MAPFRE with all options?
Our comparison table includes MAPFRE, ASSA, SURA, PassportCard, SafetyWing, and Cigna.