15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare 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," 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," wrote one expat.

"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 who moved to 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. ," said an expat 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," commented one expat living in Belize.

"Dangriga, about 40 minutes away by car, has a public hospital, Southern Regional Hospital. About 2.5 hours away is Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City," said an expat in Hopkins Village.

"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," commented one expat living in Corozal/Belize City, Belize.

"Belize City is the primary hub for medical care in the country, with the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital being the largest and main referral center for definitive care. San Ignacio and Belmopan are also home to a variety of specialists, ranging from OB/GYN to general and orthopedic surgeons to opthalmologists and dentists. Additionally, there are smaller medical facilities in smaller towns across the country that offer general medical care and referral systems in place for complex medical conditions. Further specialized care is often sought in larger cities such as Mango Creek and Punta Gorda," wrote one expat.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Corozal/Belize City.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Hopkins Village.

"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.

"As far as prescriptions go, if you already have an ongoing relationship with a US doctor and prescription by mail service [which will only ship to a US address], you will probably want to keep that until you are sure that you are going to enjoy living in Belize. You can sign up with a mail forwarder such as Traveling Mailbox, US Global Mail, etc. You can then check on the Belize prices and availability for your prescriptions after you have been here a while. Factor in shipping costs to compare your actual cost per pill, as prices are almost always stated in a Belize pharmacy. Alternatively, you can have parcels and packages shipped to one of the several freight forwarders like Arrow Freight Enterprises (Spanish Lookout, Cayo), with a Texas or Florida address. There are lots of choices, so you may want to ask for recommendations from folks who live near your location here in Belize," remarked one expat in Belize.

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Belize. Most pharmacies in Belize carry a wide variety of medications, including those used to treat common illnesses and conditions. However, some medications may not be available in Belize, so it is important to check with a local pharmacist before traveling to ensure that the necessary medications are available. Additionally, some medications may require a prescription from a local doctor in order to be dispensed," remarked one expat living in 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.

"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," mentioned one expat in Belize.

"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 who moved to Hopkins, Belize.

"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," remarked one expat living in 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," remarked one expat living in Belize.

"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," mentioned one expat 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," commented one expat who moved to Carmelita Gardens, Belize.