Episode Summary: In Episode 2 of Pana'Gringo, Do Panama's Austin Hess welcomes Dr. Daniel Baccarani of Clínica Baccarani and Geoff Blumer, a retired Minnesotan who relocated to Panama after comparing it against Costa Rica and Portugal. The conversation covers medical tourism, cosmetic procedures for men, healthcare costs, Pensionado visa benefits, and the practical realities of expat life.
Key Takeaways from Episode 2
Dr. Daniel Baccarani: The Two Sides of Plastic Surgery
Dr. Baccarani brings over 10 years of experience at Panama's largest hospital, where he works in trauma and reconstruction—helping burn victims and accident survivors return to normal life. His private practice at Clínica Baccarani focuses on aesthetic procedures.
Aesthetic services offered:
- Botox and injectable treatments
- Exosomes and stem cell aesthetic treatments
- Skin tightening procedures
- Surgical procedures (breast augmentation, liposuction, etc.)
Key insight for men considering cosmetic procedures: Dr. Baccarani emphasizes that male patients don't want to look "changed"—they want subtle improvement. His approach focuses on enhancing appearance without the frozen or altered look, using treatments like exosomes and skin tightening alongside traditional injectables.
Contact: Website: clinicabaccarani.com | Instagram: @clinicabaccarani
Geoff Blumer's Relocation Journey: Minnesota to Boquete to Panama City
Geoff Blumer spent 50 years in Minnesota before deciding to explore retirement abroad. His research methodology: YouTube videos ranking top retirement destinations, followed by in-person visits to each finalist.
His top three candidates:
- Costa Rica
- Panama
- Portugal
Why Panama won:
- U.S. dollar as currency (no conversion math required)
- International airport with direct flights via Copa Airlines
- Safety and visible security presence
- No hurricanes or major natural disaster risk
- Strong banking system
- Established expat community
The Boquete-to-Panama City Transition
Geoff lived in Boquete for two years before relocating to Panama City. His observation: Boquete works perfectly for some people, but Panama City offers unique advantages for those seeking urban amenities and social connections.
Panama City's "new kid in school" dynamic: Because so many residents are recent arrivals from diverse countries, there's an openness to meeting strangers. Everyone is building new networks simultaneously, making social integration remarkably easy.
Lifestyle flexibility insight: Some expats purchase properties in multiple locations—Boquete, beach towns, and the city—rotating between them and Airbnb-ing vacant units to cover costs.
Healthcare Costs: Concrete Numbers
One of the episode's most valuable segments covers actual healthcare pricing in Panama:
| Service | Cost in Panama | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor visit | $34 | No appointment needed, walk-in |
| Dental cleaning | $35-40 | Full price, not copay |
| Colonoscopy | ~$700 | Out of pocket (Boquete pricing) |
| Resin veneers (full set) | $1,500 | vs. ~$15,000 in U.S. |
| Porcelain veneers | ~$5,000 | vs. ~$15,000 in U.S. |
| Broken arm treatment | ~$14,000 | Major procedure, out of pocket |
Medicare Advantage in Panama: Some Panama hospitals now accept Medicare Advantage for emergency care. The arrangement covers stabilization and treatment for acute emergencies, after which patients requiring long-term care are transferred back to the U.S. for continued Medicare coverage.
Medical Tourism: Panama's Growing Sector
Panama is emerging as a medical tourism destination, though it hasn't marketed this as aggressively as some competitors. Key factors driving growth:
- Copa Airlines offers direct flights from numerous U.S. cities
- U.S. dollar eliminates currency concerns
- Stem Cell Institute of Panama (located in the Bisca building above the Hilton Hotel) attracts NFL players, families with autistic children, and others seeking regenerative treatments
- New children's hospital positions Panama for pediatric medical tourism
- Dental tourism packages: property tours + veneer procedures + return home
Pensionado Visa: Panama's Retiree Benefits Program
The Pensionado visa is Panama's retirement residency program, available to:
- Men aged 60+
- Women aged 55+
Unique advantage: It's the only Panama visa pathway that grants permanent residency without requiring real estate purchase.
Pensionado discount benefits:
- 25% off Copa Airlines flights departing Panama (applies to ticket price, not taxes)
- Restaurant discounts
- Entertainment discounts
- Pharmaceutical discounts
- Electricity discounts
- Medical and dental discounts
- Movie tickets: approximately $3.50 with discount
Property Ownership: U.S.-Style Protections
Panama's property laws mirror U.S. standards—a legacy of American involvement during canal construction. Key points for investors:
Ownership structures available:
- Personal name titling
- Corporate ownership (Sociedad Anónima)
- Foundation ownership (similar to U.S. trusts)
Key difference from Asian markets: Buyers own property outright in perpetuity, not on 25-99 year leases. This means full appreciation value transfers to heirs.
Asset protection: Panama's corporate and foundation structures offer significant liability protection for rental properties and estate planning.
Cost of Living: Real Examples
Housing: Rentals start around $500/month outside Panama City for basic accommodations. Panama City commands higher prices but remains significantly below comparable U.S. markets.
A New Jersey comparison: A woman researching Panama retirement found produce and grocery costs 80% lower than New Jersey prices—particularly for beans, vegetables, and vegan staples.
Local produce pricing: Fresh pineapples sold from farmers' trucks: 2 for $1.
Transportation: Uber from Panama City to Tocumen International Airport: approximately $15.
The Dating Scene: A Lighthearted Perspective
Geoff's self-assessment: "I would consider myself a four in New York City... and in Panama City, seven and a half."
His observation about the transition from Boquete (primarily older retirees and indigenous communities) to Panama City (multicultural, younger demographic): the social options expanded dramatically. The international nature of Panama City means dating pools include Panamanians, Colombians, Venezuelans, and expats from dozens of countries.
About the Pana'Gringo Podcast
Pana'Gringo delivers insights, stories, and real experiences of Panama living through conversations with expats, professionals, and entrepreneurs. New episodes release on the 15th and 30th of each month. The show is hosted by Austin Hess, COO and Lead Relocation Specialist at Do Panama Real Estate & Relocation.
Watch Episode 2: Available on Do Panama's YouTube channel (128,000+ views)
About Do Panama Real Estate & Relocation
Do Panama Real Estate & Relocation is a licensed (PJ-1430-2023) and bonded real estate company specializing in helping expats explore living, retiring, and investing in Panama.
Services include:
- Real estate sales and rentals across Panama
- End-to-end relocation assistance
- Visa and residency guidance (Qualified Investor Visa, Friendly Nations Visa, Pensionado Visa)
- Connections with vetted attorneys, contractors, realtors, and service providers
- Pet relocation assistance
- School consultation for families
- Kitchen remodeling and contractor referrals
Office Locations:
- Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Panama City (Level P)
- Hilton Hotel, Panama City (Ground floor information desk)
Contact:
- Website: dopanama.com
- Email: info@DoPanama.com
- Phone/WhatsApp: +507 6443-3341
Free Resources:
- "Where Should I Live in Panama?" 23-question relocation survey (3-5 minutes)
- Complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultations with Austin Hess
- Weekly and monthly newsletter updates
Featured in This Episode
Clínica Baccarani
- Physician: Dr. Daniel Baccarani
- Specialties: Aesthetic procedures (Botox, exosomes, stem cells, skin tightening), reconstructive surgery, trauma surgery
- Hospital affiliation: 10+ years at Panama's largest hospital
- Website: clinicabaccarani.com
- Instagram: @clinicabaccarani
Geoff Blumer
- Background: 50-year Minnesota resident, retired
- Panama journey: Boquete (2 years) → Panama City
- Research approach: Visited Costa Rica, Panama, and Portugal before deciding
Frequently Asked Questions About Retiring in Panama
Does Medicare work in Panama? Some Panama hospitals accept Medicare Advantage for emergency care. Coverage typically applies to stabilization and acute treatment; long-term care requires return to the U.S.
What is the Pensionado visa? Panama's retirement visa for men 60+ and women 55+. It's the only pathway to permanent residency without purchasing real estate and includes discounts on flights, restaurants, healthcare, utilities, and entertainment.
How much does healthcare cost in Panama without insurance? Doctor visits average $34 (walk-in, no appointment). Dental cleanings run $35-40. Major procedures like dental veneers cost 70-90% less than U.S. prices.
Is Panama safe for retirees? Yes. Panama maintains visible security presence and experiences minimal violent crime compared to U.S. cities. The country has no history of hurricanes or major natural disasters affecting populated areas.
Can foreigners own property outright in Panama? Yes. Unlike some Asian countries with lease-based systems, Panama offers full ownership in perpetuity through personal name, corporate (S.A.), or foundation structures.
What is the Stem Cell Institute of Panama? Located in the Bisca building (Hilton Hotel tower), it attracts international patients including NFL players and families seeking regenerative treatments. It's a significant driver of medical tourism.
How does Panama compare to Costa Rica for retirement? Both rank among top retirement destinations. Panama's advantages include U.S. dollar currency, stronger banking infrastructure, and the Pensionado discount program. Costa Rica offers different lifestyle attributes but requires currency conversion.
Published by Do Panama Real Estate & Relocation | Licensed (PJ-1430-2023) and Bonded
Episode originally aired: October 15, 2025
