The Real, Money-Saving Benefits I Get From Panama’s Pensionado Program

I am often asked about how to get a visa in Panama and what is the best one to get.  If you receive Social Security or a pension from the company you retired from, the Pensionado Visa is the best.  While it takes a little time, the benefits are worth it.  Jim Gault writes for International Living about how and his wife benefit from this Visa.

When my wife, Abbe, and I looked to retire overseas a few years ago, I found that Panama’s excellent Pensionado Visa or Retirement Program was a great way to stretch my Social Security pension. Naturally, the perks sounded like a perfect way to save some money, and they have proven to be just that—providing substantial discounts on many goods and services we regularly use. Yes, you do usually have to ask for the discounts and you must show proper identification.

Here are some of the cost savings and benefits of the program that we have used since we moved here, and continue to use:

• 20% off prescription medications: Because my wife and I take several medications, we often use this benefit. When you ask for the discount and show the proper identification, the pharmacist will reduce the cost by 20%. This is a significant saving for us.

• 30% off public transportation fares: We regularly take the large air-conditioned, coach-style bus from Las Tablas into Panama City. The routine ticket price is $9.70, but only $6.70 with our discount.

• 30% to 50% off hotel stays (depending if it is a weekday or weekend): We have used this discount several times. Once, in an exotic beach resort, we stayed two nights for the price of one.

• 25% off at restaurants: We have used this perk many times and have found that the discount applies only to the main meal (excluding specials), but not to the appetizer, desert, or drink portion of the check. Service providers appreciate if you tip (propina) on the amount before the discount. My experience is that the discount easily covers the entire tip.

• 15% off at fast food restaurants: We use this at numerous fast food chains.

• 25% off electricity, water, and phone bills: This is a huge monthly benefit as our electric bill is usually $100 per month before the discount, so the 25% is a lot of money every month. Our monthly water bill averages a low $5.68 per month and $4.26 after the discount. Still, savings enough to buy a cup of coffee or cold drink.

• 25% off airplane tickets: This discount is offered for both in person and online purchases made directly from the airline, not a travel agent. Our experience has been that the 25% savings is not on the entire ticket because it does not apply to taxes and certain fees. Recently my wife purchased a $280 ticket before the discount that ended up costing $230 (a 19% savings).

• 15% off doctor and dentist visits: This benefit has provided major cost savings, such as:

– Ophthalmologists: $58 before and $50 after the discount
– Orthopedic specialist: $70 before and $60 after the discount
– Primary doctor visit: $40 before and $32 after the discount

• 20% off lab tests: This benefit has saved us a lot of money on things like blood work, mammograms, digital X-rays, and bone density tests.

– Digital X-rays: $59 before and $47 after the discount (14 tests)
– Blood work: $210 before and $170 after the discount (14 tests)
– Mammogram: $55 before and $46.75 after the discount (only 15% but not worth arguing)
– Bone density: $50 before and $42.50 after the discount (15%)
– Open MRI: $420 before and $360 after the discount

• One-time exemption on the importation of household goods up to $10,000: We used this benefit when we brought a 20-foot container of household goods. It meant enormous savings for us.

Other benefits that we have not used yet, but hope to in the future, include:

• 20% off professional and technical services

• 15% off hospital bills (if no insurance applies)

• 50% off entertainment anywhere in the country (movies, theaters, concerts, sporting events)

• 50% reduction in closing costs for home loans

• 15% off loans made in your name

We regularly enjoy the perks of the Pensionado program to save significant amounts of money, including the tax money we would have paid on the pre-discount rate. We use the money for a better lifestyle, which includes more dinners out, and weekday getaways.