Health Care In Belize

Handling your basic health care needs in Belize is quite easy thanks to the public system.

Below are some of the steps and considerations you should be aware of when planning to move to Belize. With a little forethought, you can be prepared to meet all your health care needs.

Take Advantage of the Public System

Health care through the public system is available to everyone in Belize, both residents and visitors. This is typically sufficient to deal with routine healthcare and minor ailments.

The treatments are relatively quick and very inexpensive. A visit to the doctor will usually cost $15 to $20.

Many Belizeans rely solely on this system for their health care.

Consider Private Insurance

Many expats, retirees and wealthier locals prefer having the option of seeing specialists. These providers are usually at private practices.

While private healthcare is less expensive than in some other countries, the costs can add up, especially if you have a serious condition. Therefore, it is common to carry private medical insurance.

Purchase Private Insurance

There are a few private insurers you can work with if you retire to Belize. Additionally, you may be able to use the same insurance you have in your home country.

Talk to your current insurance provider to determine if that is an option. Additionally, talk to your country’s embassy in Belize. They will have information on international insurance.

Although you may be able to find slightly cheaper health insurance than in the United States, don’t expect to save big on this expense.

These are some of the most popular insurance options:

Cigna Global Health Insurance

Seven Corners

Pacific Prime Broker

Find a Great Doctor

In Belize City, the largest city, there are two very well-regarded practices: Belize Medical Associates and Belize Healthcare Partners. In other areas, simply ask for recommendations. Word of mouth is a great way to learn about good doctors in the area.

Find a Pharmacy

Many pharmacies in Belize are well-stocked with common medicines and are easy to work with. Simply look for a convenient pharmacy near you and consider asking neighbors for some recommendations.

As with most of the health care in Belize, it is easiest to find well-supplied pharmacies in major urban centers.

Return Home for a Time

Many American retirees in Belize travel home for a few days each year to take advantage of their Medicare benefits. This is an especially common practice for people who have conditions that the Belizean health care system is not well-equipped to handle.

Have a Plan for Serious Emergencies

Although the health care Belizean hospitals can provide is fairly good, the country’s infrastructure is not sufficiently capable of handling major emergencies.

There is no level equivalent to a Level I trauma center in the country. Additionally, if you contract a very serious disease, the care may not be sufficient. Have a plan for where you will go if something major happens.

Evaluate Evacuation Coverage

The solution for many people with serious conditions is to be flown to the U.S. for health care. However, this can be expensive. Consider evacuation coverage. This will help pay for an ambulance flight, which may cost $15,000 or more. This is especially worthy of consideration if you have any major chronic conditions.