How does healthcare work in Belize, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Belize?

What is the quality of healthcare in Belize?

• In Belize, there are both public and private healthcare institutions, which often work together.
• Many expats go abroad for major surgeries. For mayor surgeries expats will go to (for example) Mexico or Guatemala.
• Because the main language is English, you don't have to worry about communication problems in Belize.
• Public hospitals can be found in every district of Belize, but they do not provide equally good care everywhere.
• Belize does not have good institutions to support people with chronic diseases, especially heart disease. Expats usually travel to neighbouring countries to get proper care.
• Belize has a long tradition of natural medicines. These traditions are still widely used. If you want to know more about this, you can ask for Bush Doctors or Shamans.
• For emergency medical care, you can call Triple R (Rickilee, Response and Rescue), a volunteer organization that costs nothing. You can also call the Island Emergency Services - which does cost money.

How does the public healthcare system work in Belize?

• Public health care in Belize is organized by the Ministry of Health & Welness. The public healthcare system is quite cheap and for example offers easy access to doctors in hospitals. Public hospitals and many clinics have even stopped charging fees altogether. Unfortunately, there is not much money available in the public healthcare institutions, which means that the equipment is often outdated or absent. On top of that the hygiene is not always good, waiting times are long and it can be difficult to find a specialist.
• Before you settle somewhere, it is smart to find out what the supply of health care is in the area.
• A National Health Insurance is also being rolled out in the country, which includes both public and private institutions. The aim is to cover 100% of the population with this insurance. Emigrants can also register for the National Health Insurance under certain conditions (permanent resident, social security card).
• The best public hospital is found in Belize City, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital - here fees are still charged. Most specialists are present here and the facilities are relatively good. However, there are also less good reviews about the hospital and one cannot expect the same care as in the West. Emigrants are further advised to take out good private insurance to be able to use private healthcare, but especially to be covered for repatriation or medical evacuation in the event of unexpected medical emergencies.
• To participate in the public healthcare system, one must register with the Social Security Board (SBB). A citizen service number or permanent residence permit is required to participate in the system and an automatic contribution must be made from the salary.

How does the private healthcare system work in Belize?

• Most foreigners opt for private healthcare. Here one can expect more personal attention, modern equipment and faster treatment.
• The range of private healthcare institutions consists of for-profit and non-profit institutions. In general, private healthcare is quite expensive.
• In Belize, is wise to opt for private health insurance. Make sure that medical evacuation and repatriation are also covered.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Belize?

• General practitioner care is good and personal in Belize. The costs are reasonable, but can increase considerably with multiple visits.
• There is no standard system for general practitioners in the country. Most people find a private GP through other expats. For example, check local social media groups, or talk to others around you to find a good GP. Most clinics can be found in the larger cities such as Belize City.

How is the dentist arranged in Belize?

• Dental care in Belize is good. There is both public and private dental care, but there are more options in private care.
• The costs are reasonable and you get personal attention and good care in return. Most clinics can be found in urban areas.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Belize?

• In Belize you can receive prenatal care, with a doctor or midwife. This care consists of several tests and ultrasounds.
• Most deliveries take place in the hospital or in health centers. There are few home births. In the hospital you have the choice of a normal birth or via caesarean section.
• Abortion is illegal in Belize and is severely punished. There is little public support for abortion.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Belize?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Belize?

• Belize is generally a friendly country, but there are areas where you should be extra careful.
• Belize City has relatively high crime rates, especially in certain neighbourhoods, where armed robberies and drug-related crimes are common. Expats are advised not to walk alone at night and avoid busy tourist areas.
• On the islands and in expat communities (such as Placencia and Caye Caulker), crime is much lower and many foreigners feel safer.
• Belize is located in a hurricane-prone area. Tropical storms and hurricanes can cause considerable damage from June to November. Flooding and mudslides can also occur.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Belize?

• Belize has a tropical climate with many mosquitoes and therefore mosquito diseases. It is a problem all year round, but especially in the rainy season. It is important to be well protected against mosquito bites by wearing mosquito repellent clothing or using spray. In urban areas, tap water is usually safe to drink, but in rural areas, bottled water is recommended.
• Due to the high temperatures and humidity, you can quickly become dehydrated or suffer from sunstroke. Drink plenty of water!
• Check the recommended vaccinations with a vaccination doctor.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Belize?

• The roads in Belize vary in quality. Main roads are often paved, but many side roads are unpaved and can be difficult to navigate, especially during the rainy season.
• Traffic rules are not always followed properly, and some drivers drive aggressively or under the influence.
• In cities and on the islands, taxis and golf carts are popular means of transport. Note that taxis do not use meters, so agree on a price in advance.
• In rural areas, there are often stray animals such as cows and dogs on the road, which can cause dangerous situations.
• On islands such as Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, cycling is popular, but in cities, the roads are often not bicycle-friendly.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Belize?

• Is the trip to Belize and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Belize if you are going to live there for a while?

• For some visas, having your own health insurance is mandatory. Even when this is not mandatory, most expats still have their own private health insurance to cover basic costs and to avoid having to pay for the costs themselves in the event of an accident that requires expensive medical evacuation, for example.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.