Belize
15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Belize
Last updated on Mar 07, 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," wrote one expat.
"Our first choice is to go to the local pharmacist, who is very knowledgeable and helpful," commented one expat who moved to Hopkins Village.
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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," mentioned one expat in Carmelita Gardens.
"I would strongly suggest anyone thinking of moving to Belize consult with those of us who have lived there for a long period instead of consulting the internet," commented one expat who moved to Sittee River, Belize.
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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," said 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. ," remarked one expat in Hopkins Village.
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What are emergency services like in Belize?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Belize wrote:
"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," commented one expat living in San Ignacio, Belize.
"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," wrote one expat.
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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"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 living in Corozal/Belize City.
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Are common prescription medications available in Belize?
"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Belize. Most pharmacies in Belize carry a wide variety of medications, including those used to treat common illnesses and conditions. However, some medications may not be available in Belize, so it is important to check with a local pharmacist before traveling to ensure that the necessary medications are available. Additionally, some medications may require a prescription from a local doctor in order to be dispensed," wrote an expat living in Belize.
"In checking with the Pharmacist in Hopkins, I found he could get all my prescription meds. It might take a couple of days, but he assured me he could get them. Additionally, he let me purchase a prescription medication for a rash I got at the beginning of rainy season," said an expat in Hopkins Village.
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Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Belize?
"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.
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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," said one expat.
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...
"Basic care is hard to get. Lack of skilled doctors and equipment are very concerning . For retirees or expats that are older it's bot an option," remarked one expat living in San Ignacio.
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," said one expat 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," wrote a person living in Placencia.
Are healthcare services good in Belize?
We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Belize. They wrote:
"Cheap and good! Chetumal, Mexico is just over the border if you want to get a second opinion. Not expensive at all," explained one expat living in Cerros Sands Corozal .
"Since we are in the U.S. for some of the year, we have had no difficulty keeping our healthcare up-to-date. We subsist primarily on Medicare," said one expat in Hopkins Village.
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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:
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- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Belize appreciate most about the local culture?
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- Is there a lot of crime in Belize?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Belize accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Belize like?
- How are healthcare services Belize?
- What are medical services in Belize like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Belize?
- What are emergency services like in Belize?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Belize?
- How are local medical facilities in Belize?
- As a foreigner living in Belize, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
