Episode 18: Healthcare in Belize — The Realistic Picture

Healthcare is one of the top concerns for anyone considering Belize long-term. Today we're giving you the realistic picture.

Myth of the Week:

"Belize has terrible healthcare. I'd never get treated there."

That's wrong. Belize has competent doctors and nice facilities for routine and moderate care. Where it falls short is specialized care, emergency trauma, and complex procedures. It's not terrible—it's limited. There's a difference.

David's perspective: "When I need open heart surgery, I want a surgeon who does so many procedures he can perform mine with his eyes closed. Due to Belize's small population, a heart surgeon might only do one to three procedures a month."

What Healthcare Is Available:

• Public hospitals in major towns (Belize City, Belmopan have the largest)
• Private hospitals and clinics throughout the country, including tourist areas like San Pedro, Placencia, and Cayo
• Pharmacies well-stocked with many medications available without prescription

For routine care: Checkups, minor injuries, common illnesses, dental—you can get good care locally at reasonable prices. A doctor visit might be $50-75 BZD. Basic bloodwork, X-rays, minor procedures—all available.

Where It Falls Short:

• Specialists: Limited oncologists, cardiologists, neurologists. For serious diagnosis, you're likely traveling.
• Emergency trauma: Facilities and response times aren't what you'd find in a major U.S. city.
• Complex surgeries: Available in some cases, but many expats choose to go abroad for anything significant.
• Medical equipment: Some diagnostic equipment isn't available locally.

What Expats Actually Do:

Most use a hybrid approach:

• Routine care locally: Checkups, minor issues, prescriptions
• Medical tourism for bigger stuff:
  • Mérida, Mexico — Popular choice, 3-4 hours from Belize, excellent hospitals, lower cost than U.S.
  • Guatemala City and Chetumal are also options
• Fly back to U.S./Canada for major procedures
• Telemedicine: Increasingly used for consultations with specialists abroad

Listener Question: What Kind of Health Insurance Should I Have?

International health insurance: Companies like Cigna Global, IMG, GeoBlue offer plans covering you in Belize and abroad. Costs vary by age and coverage—maybe $200-$600/month for decent coverage.

Belize local insurance: Available but limited in scope. Good for routine care, may not cover medical evacuation or treatment abroad.

U.S. Medicare: Does NOT cover you outside the U.S. Don't rely on it.

Medical evacuation coverage: CRITICAL. Emergency transport to a better facility can cost $50,000+. Get evac coverage.

Many expats combine international insurance with high deductibles and pay out-of-pocket for routine care (since it's affordable locally).

Prescription Medications:

• Many medications available over the counter at much lower cost than the U.S.
• Pharmacies generally well-stocked
• Some specialized medications may need to be imported or obtained on trips abroad
• If you're on critical medications, bring a good supply and have a backup plan

Real examples: David pays US$9/month for generic Lipitor and US$12/month for generic Flomax in Belize.

How to Plan:

1. Get international health insurance with evacuation coverage — non-negotiable
2. Identify your Plan B medical destination — Know where you'd go for serious care (Mérida, Houston, Miami, wherever)
3. Build relationships with local providers — Find a good GP and dentist
4. Stay on top of preventive care — Don't wait until something is serious
5. Budget for medical travel — It's part of expat life here

Bottom Line:

Healthcare in Belize is adequate for daily life and minor issues. For serious care, you need a plan. That's not a deal-breaker—it's just reality. Plan for it and you'll be fine.

Connect:

📧 david@1stchoicebelize.com
🏠 RE/MAX 1st Choice Belize]]>