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I am a retired Military Vet living in Panama.  Panama does not have a VA!  One has to enroll in to the FMP (Foreign Medical Plan) which will allow you to be covered at 100% for all service related disabilities...Highly recommend doing so before relocation.   the Same with updating DEERS to get Tri-Care coverage at one of a few local hospitals.  If you have not done so already, look into the retirement Visa....Very good deal.

Best of Luck,
Ed A

thanks for your response. i returned recently from a great relocation tour of Panama. we were told a VA hospital is opening in the city . was i totally mis informed?  i would appreciate any updates .  looking forward to returning to the Volcan area.

Jlopez9111 wrote:

thanks for your response. i returned recently from a great relocation tour of Panama. we were told a VA hospital is opening in the city . was i totally mis informed?  i would appreciate any updates .  looking forward to returning to the Volcan area.

EdwinH is 100% correct. 

- The only VA facility outside the U.S. or a U.S. territory (such as Guam, Puerto Rico, etc.) is in the Philippines.

- The Foreign Medical Program (FMP) is a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care benefits program for U.S. Veterans who are residing or traveling abroad and have VA-rated, service-connected disabilities.   You would want to apply in advance.  Again, only service related conditions/disabilities  are covered, not other medical care.  And, you pay and get reimbursed vs. the govt paying.

- Hospital Brisas is not a U.S. or VA facility.  Although I have never looked into it, they are probably just one of many hospitals and healthcare providers accepting international health insurance such as some TRICARE policies.  You pay the premiums.

- Relocation firms and others making a living convincing people to move to Panama lie.

thank you