15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Belize
Last updated on Jun 27, 2023
Summary: The quality of medical care in Belize is generally considered to be lower than that of the United States. Emergency services are available, but may be limited in some areas. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 911 or the local emergency number.
How are healthcare services Belize?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Belize, they replied:
"Belize offers a range of healthcare services, including primary care, hospital care, and specialist care. The public healthcare system in Belize is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare in Belize is generally considered to be good, with a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics throughout the country. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system in Belize, although they may be required to pay a fee. Expats in Belize typically use the public healthcare system, although some may opt for private healthcare services," said one expat.
"Our first choice is to go to the local pharmacist, who is very knowledgeable and helpful," remarked one expat in Hopkins Village.
What are medical services in Belize like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Belize, they replied:
"I am located 10 kms from 3 towns that provide adequate health care, but Santa Familia itself does not. So their healthcare is non-existent, but I don't care, I'm a 10-minute drive from 3 towns with good healthcare," said one expat.
"Belize has a wide range of medical services available to its citizens. The country has a number of public and private hospitals and clinics that provide a variety of medical services, including primary care, emergency care, and specialty care. The country also has a number of pharmacies and laboratories that provide access to medications and diagnostic tests. Additionally, Belize has a number of health centers and clinics that provide preventive care and health education services. The country also has a number of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, who are trained to provide quality medical care," remarked one expat in Belize.
"Medical care in Belize is certainly not state of the art, but I received excellent care for a broken leg and resultant DVT, all at no out-of-pocket cost, at the public hospital in San Ignacio. I live out west in Cayo District," remarked one expat living in Esperanza.

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Belize?
"Healthcare and health insurance in Belize can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Private health insurance is available, but it can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Public healthcare is available, but it is limited and may not provide the same level of care as private healthcare. Additionally, the cost of medications and medical supplies can be high, and some treatments may not be covered by insurance," wrote one expat.
"In the US I have Medicare and a supplemental insurance, which is fine and I have had no problems with coverage. In Belize, I do not purchase medical insurance because it is very expensive. ," commented one expat who moved to Hopkins Village.

Get Quote
GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote
What are emergency services like in Belize?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Belize wrote:
"We have not had to avail services from anywhere but private doctors. There is a small hospital in Corozal but we do not know much about it. We live outside of town in a more rural area but we have been told that there are ambulances. There are several private clinics in town," remarked one expat in Corozal/Belize City.
"La Loma Luz - Santa Elena. I am not aware of the emergency services. Quality of care is adequate, but my last experience was 12 years ago! Private hospital," remarked one expat living in San Ignacio.
"Emergency services in Belize are generally reliable and can be accessed by calling 911. Ambulance services are available 24 hours a day and can be requested by calling 911 or the local police station. Emergency medical personnel are trained to respond to a variety of medical emergencies and are equipped with the necessary medical supplies and equipment. In addition, the Belize Red Cross provides first aid and medical assistance to those in need," said one expat living in Belize.

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"It depends upon how serious. I would prefer to have surgeries done in the US. Initially, however, I would go to Dangriga or Belize City for help," commented one expat who moved to Hopkins Village.
"We went to Belize City to see a cardiologist. We were extremely pleased with the quality of care we received. Complete bloodwork and EKG's and ultrasounds were done all on site and the doctor spent over an hour with us going over all of the results. This is better care than what we received in the US. Also, we were able to get a appointment within less than a week. The cost for everything for both me and my husband was equal to what I paid for one month's premium of my health insurance back in the states. That insurance would have also cost me copays on the tests themselves," said one expat.
"I will forewarn you, if you have any serious health issues, the medical infrastructure in Belize is not very strong. Most people go home for serious medical issues or they go to Mexico," remarked one expat in Belize.
Are common prescription medications available in Belize?
"Yes, common prescriptions are available at our local pharmacy. They are inexpensive and you often do not need a prescription. Anything prescribed by the local doctor is available locally. If you had an unusual illness of needed a particular medication, it would be wise to bring additional supplies, but once here you can speak to the pharmacist and likely they can arrange to bring it in for you," wrote an expat living in San Ignacio.
"We have gotten almost all of our medicines from the states here and have not needed a prescription for even one. A lot of them cost less than what we were paying with some being the same as our copay with our insurance back in the US. There was one of my husbands we could not find but the cardiologist we saw determined he noonger needed to take it. If they don't have the exact same drug, they have one that is compatible. Again, we have been very pleased. There are several pharmacies but we have found Evergreen to be the one we like best. Also, you can get prescriptions in Mexico with no problem as well," said an expat in Corozal/Belize City.
"The only medication that my husband takes, which he got by prescription back in Canada, he can buy over the counter here at a fraction of the cost," commented one expat living in Carmelita Gardens, Belize.
Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Belize?
"The quality of medical facilities and medical care in Belize is considered to be substandard by international standards. The country lacks the resources needed in order to provide adequate levels of medical care, and it has limited access to specialized medical care and advanced treatments. While basic medical care is available, receiving treatments or care outside of the country may be necessary for more complex cases," said one expat.
"There is newly established Emergency service minutes away that can be reached by phone. Hopkins has a small medical clinic also. There is a hospital and Clinic in Dangriga, about 40 minutes away," remarked one expat in Hopkins.
"Hospital are in Dangriga, Belmopan and Belize City. There are 4 Private Hospitals that offer excellent services. In Placencia there are 2 doctors - Public and Private. There are 2 different Ambulance Services in the area and both offer excellent service. Quality of care in the Private Hospitals is very good. Public is so so," remarked one expat living in Placencia.
As a foreigner living in Belize, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, foreigners living in Belize have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Belize is generally considered to be of good quality, with a wide range of services available. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is free for all citizens and permanent residents. However, foreigners may be required to pay a fee for certain services. The public healthcare system includes a network of hospitals, clinics, and health centers, as well as a variety of specialized services. The quality of care varies from place to place, but overall, the public healthcare system in Belize is considered to be of good quality," wrote an expat living in Belize.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in Belize if they have access to public healthcare in Belize. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"two visits to an optometrist, both went well. One trip to a clinic for a reaction to bug bites. It went well too," mentioned one expat in Carmelita Gardens.
"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Belize. Access to healthcare has been limited due to the closure of many healthcare facilities, and the availability of medical supplies and personnel has been reduced. The government has implemented a number of measures to help mitigate the spread of the virus, including the introduction of a national health insurance scheme and the provision of free testing and treatment for those who are infected. Despite these efforts, the healthcare system in Belize is still struggling to cope with the demands of the pandemic. Many people are unable to access the care they need due to the lack of resources and the high cost of medical care," commented one expat who moved to Belize.
What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Belize?
We asked expat moms who gave birth in Belize about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:
"Make sure to explore the benefits and risks of both local and international hospitals. Discuss your options with your medical provider and decide what type of facility and care best fits the needs of your family. Additionally, research the maternity care package available from your employer, as some offer comprehensive coverage for both pregnant mothers and newborns. Additionally, connect with other expat parents and organizations that provide support, such as peer-to-peer advice on local postnatal care and information on available resources, before and after your baby arrives. Lastly, it helps to be open-minded and flexible when it comes to cultural differences in birthing and parenting practices," explained one expat living in Belize.
"(following what other expats have done) I would suggest my friend go back to her mother country for the last month until after delivery. Simply because the infant cannot receive citizen status," said one expat in Placencia.
Are healthcare services good in Belize?
We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Belize. They wrote:
"Yes..Belize city has the three best hospitals in the country. For simple things they are very good and cheap compared with the US,, but for cancer that sort of thing people go to the states. You can get private medical insurance as a member of the caricom , which in our case includes treatment elsewhere, if it is not available here in Belize. People who don't have medical insurance, use Guatemala city, Merida Mexico, or panama for medical procedures. For members of the public, using public health centers and hospitals the waits can be very long and the care, patchy. I would not suggest people come here with terminal illnesses, as belizes not equipped to deal with that," explained one expat living in Belize City.
"We have not needed medical care so far, but it is available locally. We hear that the care is very good," said one expat in Hopkins Village.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Belize?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Belize?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Belize?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Belize accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Belize like?
- Is the cost of living in Belize high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Belize?
- What are healthcare services like in Belize?
- Is the cost of living in Belize high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Belize?
- What is the weather like in Belize?
- Are there good restaurants in Belize?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Belize?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Belize?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Belize?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Belize?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Belize?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?