Living abroad - peritoneal dialysis

[Val]

Hope someone can help.  My husband and I would like to retire to Panama.  He is on peritoneal diayalisis.  Is there anyone out there living out of the country, and, if so, how difficult has it been to get the treatment you need?

[billybags]

First of all welcome to the site Val.  Can not help you about Panama, but it does sound nice. have you been on holiday there?

[Val]

We purchased 3 acres in the mountains of Panama - would love to build our retirement home and move.  Punta Pacifica Hospital is in Panama City, which is affiliated with John Hopkins University.

Medicair, of course, will not pay out of the country expenses.  Just trying to find out if others are able to pay for their own treatment, cost, etc.

[lmunchkin]

Val, I don't know about out side of US.  But like to welcome you to our site.  Please feel free to go to "Introductions" and let us know more about you!

Welcome,
lmunchkin
 

[komomai]

Aloha Val,

Welcome aboard, this is an awesome site so much information.  Don't know how much this will help, but I'm living here in Okinawa, Japan.  I'm still working for the US Govt. so I'm covered by health insurance.  But I also plan on retiring here as I've purchase a home.  What I've found out is that here in Japan, as soon as I get my alien card, and Japanese medical insurance card I will recieve my dialysis treatments at almost no cost, plus I should be able to get on their transplant list.  I receive Baxter supplies and I'm using the cycler.  Good luck with your retiremnent in Panama.  

[tito]

I used to go to Panama quite a lot. Even started importing Duran coffee. Loved Chiriqui and the west. I have a house in Mexico, and things have worked well with deliveries from Guadalajara. I keep some PD supplies in reserve, just in case. You do have to pay, as deliveries are not covered under health insurance or Medicare. I don't know about Panama. How close are you to the city? Call Baxter's international department - they will help you.