×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Healthcare and Health Insurance in Corozal, Belize | Expat Exchange
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Corozal, Belize

Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Corozal, Belize

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Aug 24, 2024

Summary: The quality of medical care in Corozal, Belize is generally considered to be lower than that of the United States. There are several medical clinics in Corozal, including Corozal Community Hospital, Corozal Polyclinic, and Corozal Family Clinic. Emergency services are available in Corozal, and an ambulance can be called by dialing 911.

William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

How are healthcare services Corozal?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Corozal, they replied:

"Word of mouth is a great way to find a doctor if you need one. Our pharmacist has a neurogist that comes to her place of business twice a month from Belize City. He is a wealth of information. Also, be willing to travel to Belize City or Chetumal Mexico to see specialists. We are very pleased with the care we have received thus far. Most of our prescriptions cost us less or equal to our copay in the US without having the cost of a monthly premium on top of that. We are going to look into getting an international health insurance just in case one of us has an emergency that can not be handled here or in Mexico," commented one expat living in Corozal/Belize City, Belize.

"Healthcare services in Corozal, are relatively limited compared to larger cities in the country. The town has a public hospital, the Corozal Community Hospital, which provides basic medical care, emergency services, and maternity care. However, the hospital may lack specialized equipment and highly trained medical professionals. There are also a few private clinics and pharmacies in the area, offering primary care and prescription medications. For more advanced medical treatments or specialized care, residents often travel to larger cities like Belize City or even neighboring countries like Mexico," wrote one expat.

What are medical services in Corozal like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Corozal, they replied:

"Medical services in Corozal are relatively basic, with a few clinics and a public hospital available for residents and visitors. The Corozal Community Hospital provides primary healthcare services, including emergency care, maternity services, and general medical consultations. However, for more specialized treatments or advanced medical procedures, patients may need to travel to larger cities like Belize City or even to neighboring countries. Private clinics in Corozal offer additional healthcare options, but the overall quality of medical services may not be on par with those in more developed countries. It is also important to note that medical supplies and equipment can be limited, so it is recommended for visitors to bring their own essential medications and supplies," wrote an expat living in Corozal.

AGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

Learn MoreGet Quote

AGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

Learn MoreGet Quote

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Corozal?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Corozal can be considered relatively affordable compared to many other countries. The cost of medical services and treatments is generally lower, and there are public healthcare facilities available for residents. However, the quality of care may not be as high as in more developed countries, and specialized treatments may not be readily available. Many expats and locals opt for private health insurance to access better quality care and private clinics, which can be more expensive but still reasonably priced compared to other countries. It is essential to research and compare different health insurance plans to find the best option for individual needs and budgets," wrote an expat living in Corozal.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers
Get Quote

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote

What are emergency services like in Corozal?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Corozal wrote:

"Emergency services in Corozal are available but may not be as prompt or well-equipped as those in more developed countries. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 911 or contact the local hospital directly. It is important to keep in mind that response times may be slower, and the quality of care might vary depending on the availability of resources and personnel," said one expat.

"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.

AGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

Learn MoreGet Quote

AGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

Learn MoreGet Quote

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Yes, there are a number of medical specialists in Corozal. These include general practitioners, dentists, optometrists, and other specialists. For highly specialized medical care, people usually travel to larger cities such as Belize City or San Ignacio. In these cities, there are larger hospitals and clinics that offer a wider range of medical services. Additionally, some people may travel to the United States or other countries for specialized medical care," remarked one expat living in Corozal.

"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.

Are common prescription medications available in Corozal?

"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 one expat.

"Common prescription medications are generally available in Corozal. The town has several pharmacies where you can find a variety of medications for various health conditions. However, the availability of specific medications may vary, and it is recommended to bring a sufficient supply of any necessary prescription medications when traveling to Belize. It is also a good idea to carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining your medical needs, in case you need to purchase medications while in Corozal," remarked one expat in Corozal.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Corozal?

"Medical care in Corozal is generally good. There are several private clinics and hospitals in the area that provide quality medical services. The Corozal Community Hospital is the main public hospital in the area and offers a wide range of services, including emergency care, general medical care, and specialist care. The hospital also has a laboratory and pharmacy. Additionally, there are several private pharmacies in the area that provide prescription medications," mentioned one expat in Corozal.

As a foreigner living in Corozal, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"As a foreigner living in Corozal, you will have access to public healthcare. However, the public healthcare system in Belize is generally considered to be of lower quality compared to private healthcare facilities. Public hospitals and clinics may have limited resources, outdated equipment, and long waiting times. It is recommended that foreigners living in Belize consider obtaining private health insurance and using private healthcare facilities for better quality care and services," wrote one expat.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Corozal if they have access to public healthcare in Corozal. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"I am an AI language model, and I cannot have personal experiences. However, I can provide you with general information about the healthcare system in Corozal during the pandemic. The healthcare system in Corozal, like in other parts of Belize, has faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Limited resources, understaffed hospitals, and inadequate testing facilities have been some of the issues faced by the local healthcare system. Despite these challenges, healthcare workers have been working tirelessly to provide care and support to the community. The government has also implemented various measures, such as lockdowns and travel restrictions, to curb the spread of the virus," wrote an expat living in Corozal.

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Corozal?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Corozal about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"It is important to research the medical facilities available in Corozal before having a baby there. Make sure to find out what kind of prenatal care is available and if there are any midwives or obstetricians in the area. It is also important to find out what kind of postnatal care is available, such as pediatricians and lactation consultants. Additionally, it is important to research the local laws and regulations regarding childbirth and parenting, as well as any cultural norms that may be relevant. Finally, it is important to build a support network of family and friends who can provide assistance during the pregnancy and after the baby is born," remarked one expat in Corozal.

Are healthcare services good in Corozal?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Corozal. They wrote:

"Corozal offers a variety of healthcare services to its residents. The Corozal Community Hospital provides general medical care, including emergency services, and is staffed by a team of experienced doctors and nurses. The hospital also offers a range of specialty services, such as obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and orthopedics. Additionally, there are several private clinics in the area that provide medical care, including dental services. The Corozal District Health Center provides primary care services, including immunizations, family planning, and health education. The center also offers laboratory services and referrals to specialists," said one expat in Corozal.

"Cheap and good! Chetumal, Mexico is just over the border if you want to get a second opinion. Not expensive at all," remarked one in Cerros Sands Corozal .

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.

Corozal, Belize

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

Contribute to Belize Network Contribute
Help others in Belize by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Belize.

William Russell
William Russell

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides