Lots of people choose to work here and many others decide to move to Belize as a lifestyle choice. For many expats and would-be travelers to Belize, one of the key things to consider is how to access healthcare in this new location. This is why we’ve compiled this brief guide Healthcare in Belize guide so you can understand how to access quality healthcare in Belize.
According to the Central Intelligence Agency (the CIA), about 15% of the population of Belize is made up of immigrants; many of them from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Mexico, etc. Now, while the healthcare system here may not be on par with what’s available in your home country, in some cases, there are still some very good hospitals in Belize, making basic healthcare perfectly accessible and affordable.
Belize Healthcare System
Belize has a two-speed healthcare system, made up of both private and public sectors. And just as you would expect, the private healthcare sector, though more expensive, comes out on top. Accessing quality routine healthcare services or getting a diagnosis from a consultant is not something that will be difficult to come by. Both medical services and medicines in Belize are also quite affordable, comparatively speaking. However, if you’ll need top-class healthcare or an extensive medical treatment that’s out of the ordinary, you’ll want to consider places like the US or Mexico like many other expats do when the need arises.
The Belize Medical Tourism Association was formed in 2013. The plan was to lure in foreign healthcare professionals and investors to supercharge the health sector. The initiative is driven by the trio of the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (Beltraide), and the Ministry of Health. Going forward, this might help reduce the frequency at which Belizeans travel abroad for medical treatment while making the country a medical tourism hub in its own right.
Best Hospitals in Belize
So, where do expats go when they need medical care in Belize?
This part of our guide covers the very best medical centers in Belize. If you’re looking for clean and efficient hospitals in Belize with well-trained doctors and medical practitioners, here are our top picks;
- Belize Medical Associates: This hospital is located in Belize City and is the closest to world-class level medical care in Belize. Services include cardiology, general surgery, pediatrics, gynecology/obstetrics, etc. They are located at 5791 St. Thomas Street, Kings Park, Belize City, Belize, and can be reached on phone via +501 223 0302.
- Belize Healthcare Partners Limited: This hospital is located at Corner Chancellor & Blue Marlin Avenues, Belize City, Belize, C.A, and operates a clinic, pharmacy, and laboratory. It’s open every day except Sundays and offers some of the best medical services in Belize.
- La Loma Luz Adventist Hospital: This is a private non-profit hospital, managed by the Seventh Day Adventist mission. It is located at Western Hwy, Santa Elena, Belize, opens 8 AM to 6 PM every day, and can be reached via +501 824-2087.
Health is wealth, even for expats.
But while you can’t put a price on your health, one of the best things about Belize’s healthcare system is its affordability. Belize has three regional hospitals and seven other public hospitals which altogether amount to roughly 700 public hospital beds in Belize. These are however behind the best private hospitals in Belize, in terms of both equipment and expertise. Hopefully, things will get better as more expats make their entry into the scene. Generally, diagnosis and minor treatments are considerably cheaper in many instances and you won’t need a doctor’s prescription to buy medicines in many of the pharmacies located around the country. You can also get local insurance coverage which depending on the terms may cover medical expenses in some of Belize’s best private hospitals, as well as, Mexico, or even the US.
Ready to relocate to Belize? Contact Wrobel & Co, Attorneys-at-Law, and we’ll get you started today.
To learn more about retirement in Belize, visit our Belize Retirement FAQ page here.
This information was provided as a courtesy of Wrobel & Co. Attorneys-at-law. It is intended to inform, not to advise. No one should try to interpret or apply any law without the assistance of legal counsel. Please click here for the full disclaimer.
