Insider's Guide to the Health System in Belize

Belize has a public and private healthcare system, with both offering quality medical care. The public healthcare system is called the Belize Health Services and is available to all citizens and legal residents of Belize. Foreigners are allowed to use the public healthcare system, however, it is not commonly used by expats and digital nomads. Public hospitals are generally recommended for minor medical issues, but not for serious medical emergencies or major surgery. Public hospitals in Belize are generally clean and well-equipped, but may lack the latest technology and medical supplies.

Belize's Private Healthcare System

Belize's private healthcare system is more commonly used by expats and digital nomads. Private hospitals are generally more expensive than public hospitals, but offer more modern facilities and technology. Private hospitals are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals in Belize are generally clean and well-equipped, with the latest technology and medical supplies.

Belize's Top Hospitals

The most well-known hospitals in Belize include:

• Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (public) in Belize City
• Belize Medical Associates (private) in Belize City
• Belize Healthcare Partners (private) in Belize City
• Belize Medical Center (private) in San Ignacio
• Belize Surgery Center (private) in Belmopan
• Belize Cancer Center (private) in Belize City

Health Insurance Companies in Belize

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

Insider Tips from Expats in Belize: How to Navigate the Health System

"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," commented one expat living in Carmelita Gardens, Belize.

"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," mentioned one expat living in Belize.

"While there is a public healthcare clinic here in Hopkins the doctor is only here a few days a week and I have never had reason to see him/her. There is a private clinic about a 10 minute drive from here and the public hospital in Dangriga town is about a 25 minute drive," said an expat in Belize.

"Belize in general is very third world when it comes to health care. Most people go to neighbouring countries like Guatemala and Mexico for health care," remarked one expat in Belize.

"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," said one expat living in Belize.

"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.

"Our first choice is to go to the local pharmacist, who is very knowledgeable and helpful," mentioned one expat living in Belize.

"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 an expat in Belize.