15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare 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," said an expat in Corozal/Belize City.

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

"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.

"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 living in Hopkins Village.

"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 living in Belize.

"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 who moved to San Ignacio.

"I will forewarn you, if you have any serious health issues, the medical infrastructure in Belize is not very strong. Most people go home for serious medical issues or they go to Mexico," commented one expat who moved to Belize.

"The only medication that my husband takes, which he got by prescription back in Canada, he can buy over the counter here at a fraction of the cost," said one expat living in Carmelita Gardens.

"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," mentioned one expat in Hopkins Village.

"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," commented one expat living in Hopkins, Belize.

"The quality of medical facilities and medical care in Belize is considered to be substandard by international standards. The country lacks the resources needed in order to provide adequate levels of medical care, and it has limited access to specialized medical care and advanced treatments. While basic medical care is available, receiving treatments or care outside of the country may be necessary for more complex cases," wrote one expat.

"Hospital are in Dangriga, Belmopan and Belize City. There are 4 Private Hospitals that offer excellent services. In Placencia there are 2 doctors - Public and Private. There are 2 different Ambulance Services in the area and both offer excellent service. Quality of care in the Private Hospitals is very good. Public is so so," commented one expat who moved to Placencia.

"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 living in Belize.

"two visits to an optometrist, both went well. One trip to a clinic for a reaction to bug bites. It went well too," wrote one expat.

"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Belize. Access to healthcare has been limited due to the closure of many healthcare facilities, and the availability of medical supplies and personnel has been reduced. The government has implemented a number of measures to help mitigate the spread of the virus, including the introduction of a national health insurance scheme and the provision of free testing and treatment for those who are infected. Despite these efforts, the healthcare system in Belize is still struggling to cope with the demands of the pandemic. Many people are unable to access the care they need due to the lack of resources and the high cost of medical care," commented one expat who moved to Belize.