Health Care in Consejo
Summary: Learn about the health system in Consejo: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Consejo.
The healthcare system in Consejo is a mix of public and private facilities. The public healthcare system, known as the National Health Service (NHS), is widely used by both locals and foreigners, while the private healthcare system is often preferred by expats and digital nomads for its higher quality of service and shorter waiting times.
Belize's Healthcare System
The public healthcare system in Belize, the National Health Service (NHS), is accessible to everyone including foreigners. However, the quality of care in public hospitals can vary, and for serious medical emergencies or major surgeries, many people recommend using private hospitals. Public hospitals in Consejo are typically crowded and may lack some of the advanced medical equipment found in private hospitals. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Belize, but many prefer to use private hospitals due to the higher standard of care and shorter waiting times. Private hospitals in Consejo are well-equipped and staffed with highly trained medical professionals, making them a preferred choice for serious medical emergencies and major surgeries.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Consejo
Consejo is a small village and does not have its own hospital. However, there are several recommended clinics and hospitals in nearby areas. These include:
- The Northern Medical Specialty Plaza, a private hospital located in Orange Walk Town, approximately an hour's drive from Consejo.
- The Corozal Community Hospital, a public hospital located in Corozal Town, about 20 minutes drive from Consejo.
- The Belize Healthcare Partners Limited, a private hospital located in Belize City, approximately two hours drive from Consejo.
Emergency Services in Consejo
Emergency services in Consejo are limited. There is no dedicated ambulance service in the village. In case of an emergency, residents typically call the nearest hospital or clinic, which may send an ambulance if one is available. However, there can sometimes be delays due to the distance and availability of ambulances.
Health Insurance Companies in Consejo
There are several popular private health insurance companies in Belize that are also used by residents of Consejo. These include RF&G Insurance, Atlantic Insurance, and Belize Insurance Centre. These companies offer a range of health insurance plans to suit different needs and budgets. However, many expats and digital nomads prefer to use specialized expat health insurance providers, which offer coverage that is more tailored to their needs, such as coverage for medical evacuation and international medical treatment.
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.