SURA Panama Review 2026
Panama's most digital insurance. Part of Grupo Suramericana (Colombia), with presence in 9 Latin American countries. Onboarding in minutes from your phone. Lowest market price from $21/mo.
Quick Verdict
Why Is SURA Different?
100% Digital — The Most Modern App
SURA was designed as digital-native. Contracting, management, telemedicine, and claims — all from the app. The interface is the most intuitive and modern in the local Panamanian market.
The Most Affordable — From $21/mo
SURA's Basic plan is the cheapest in the local market: $20.79/mo for young adults 18-29. For young people on a tight budget wanting only basic coverage, there's nothing cheaper.
Colombian Group — 9 Countries
Grupo Suramericana is present in Colombia, Panama, Mexico, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Chile, Uruguay, Ecuador, and Peru. Financial stability from an established Latin American group since 1944.
Onboarding in Minutes
Unlike ASSA and MAPFRE (more in-person process), SURA allows complete online contracting in under 10 minutes. No office visit, no physical paperwork.
Both Plans — Detailed Analysis
SURA Basic
from $21/mo
Limit: $30K/yr · Deductible: $500
Panama only
Pros:
- + Lowest market price ($21/mo for 18-29)
- + 100% digital onboarding in minutes
- + Telemedicine included
Cons:
- − Very low coverage ($30K — insufficient for hospital)
- − Panama only, limited network
- − No dental, vision, or maternity
Price by age:
SURA Premium
from $95/mo
Limit: $500K/yr · Deductible: $500
Panama + Central America
Pros:
- + Good coverage ($500K) at reasonable price
- + Most modern app in local market
- + Maternity included (10-month waiting period)
- + Partial dental + full preventive care
Cons:
- − No USA coverage
- − Limited network vs. ASSA (fewer doctors)
- − Reimbursement, not direct pay
Price by age:
SURA vs. ASSA — Both Local Insurers
Both are local, but with very different philosophies. ASSA is the 850-doctor network. SURA is the digital native.
| Criteria | SURA Premium | ASSA Medic Care |
|---|---|---|
| Price (30-39) | $100/mes | $71/mes |
| Coverage | $500K | $250K-$350K |
| App / Digital | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Doctor network | Limited | 850+ doctors / 18 clinics |
| Maternity | After waiting | After waiting |
| Telemedicine | Yes (Premium) | No |
| Process | 100% Online | Semi in-person |
| Reimbursement | 2-4 weeks | 2-6 weeks |
SURA wins in digital and coverage. ASSA wins in base price and doctor network. For young digital-first users: SURA. For those who use network doctors often: ASSA.
When Should You Choose SURA?
SURA is your best option if:
- ✓ You're 18-29 years old with a very tight budget ($21/mo)
- ✓ Prefer managing EVERYTHING from your phone
- ✓ Don't want to visit offices to sign up
- ✓ Value integrated telemedicine
- ✓ Staying in Panama or Central America
- ✓ Want local maternity at a reasonable price (Premium)
Consider another option if:
- ! Need a large specialist network (ASSA has more)
- ! Travel to the USA or internationally (PassportCard, Cigna)
- ! You're over 55 (they won't accept you)
- ! Want direct payment without reimbursements (PassportCard)
- ! Need $1M+ coverage (use PassportCard/Cigna)
SURA Pros and Cons
Advantages
- + Lowest market price: $21/mo
- + Most modern and easy-to-use app in local market
- + 100% digital — no offices, no paperwork
- + Telemedicine included in both plans
- + Onboarding in under 10 minutes
- + Solid Colombian group — 9 countries
- + Premium: $500K coverage at reasonable price
Disadvantages
- - More limited doctor network than ASSA
- - No USA coverage in any plan
- - Basic: very low coverage ($30K)
- - No free doctor choice (network only)
- - Reimbursement, not direct pay
- - Max entry age: 55 years
- - Less known than ASSA or MAPFRE
Want to compare all options?
Compare SURA with ASSA, MAPFRE, PassportCard, SafetyWing and Cigna in our full comparison table.