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Expat Exchange - Health Care in Placencia 2024
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Placencia, Belize


Health Care in Placencia

By Joshua Wood, LPC

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: Health Care in Placencia: Locate providers, hospitals, and medical centers to find the best health services available for expats and nomads.

The healthcare system in Placencia is a combination of public and private healthcare services. The public healthcare system is provided by the Ministry of Health and is available to all citizens of Belize. It is not typically used by foreigners, but they are allowed to use it if they have a valid visa. People generally do not recommend using public hospitals in Placencia for serious medical emergencies or major surgery, as the facilities are often overcrowded and understaffed. The quality of care at public hospitals in Placencia is generally lower than at private hospitals.

Belize's Healthcare System

Belize's public healthcare system is provided by the Ministry of Health and is available to all citizens of Belize. It is not typically used by foreigners, but they are allowed to use it if they have a valid visa. People generally do not recommend using public hospitals in Placencia for serious medical emergencies or major surgery, as the facilities are often overcrowded and understaffed. The quality of care at public hospitals in Placencia is generally lower than at private hospitals.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Placencia

The most popular hospitals and clinics for expats in Placencia are:

  • Placencia Medical Clinic (private) - located in Placencia Village
  • Placencia Polyclinic (public) - located in Placencia Village
  • Southern Regional Hospital (public) - located in Dangriga, approximately 1 hour by car from Placencia
  • Belize Medical Associates (private) - located in Belize City, approximately 3 hours by car from Placencia

Expats typically use private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as the quality of care is generally higher than at public hospitals. Private hospitals in Placencia are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals.

Emergency Services in Placencia

There are ambulance services in Placencia, and they can be called by dialing 911. Ambulances usually arrive quickly, but there can be delays depending on the time of day and the severity of the emergency.

Health Insurance Companies in Placencia

The most popular private health insurers in Placencia are Atlantic Insurance, Belize Health Care Partners, and Belize Medical Insurance. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, rather than specialized expat health insurance providers.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global
SJB Global

Placencia, Belize

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