CJ L. Says:
What is healthcare like in Belize?
IL Belize Correspondent Shane Kenny Says:
Hi CJ,
Healthcare in Belize gets a relatively low score each year in our Annual Global Retirement Index, but it has been steadily improving in the last few years.
With fewer than 400,000 residents, Belize doesn’t have an income tax revenue base adequate to fund a large number of public hospitals, and most expat residents say the country needs more healthcare facilities, more specialized physicians and staff, and better equipment.
But the country has dedicated, caring doctors who focus on their patients, freely offer their cellphone numbers, and still make house calls. In Belize medical attention is more personal, although clearly not as advanced as in North America.
The majority of the country’s 24/7 hospitals—including the Karl Heusner public hospital—are located in Belize City.
The Belize Government continues to invest in its public healthcare system, and there are several private medical options, but overall there is still much work to be done.
For expats that do not have healthcare as a top concern, Belize’s private medical options may be sufficient.
There are two excellent private hospitals in Belize City: Belize Medical Associates and Healthcare Partners. Since their healthcare service fees are reasonable, most expats prefer the better, more comprehensive care provided at these private hospitals.
The cost of medical treatment in Belize is almost always low. Nearly all routine visits to the doctor cost less than $50, and most private hospital rooms are $300 a day or less, which is a small fraction of the cost in the US.
If you have long-term health issues, be sure to evaluate the regional emergency healthcare before deciding to relocate to Belize. Visit each region in the country and ask expats about their doctors, local clinics, hospitals, and emergency care options.
You might also consider joining me and IL’s other Belize experts on February 7, from 11 a.m. till 2 p.m. Eastern Time for the Belize Now online seminar, where we’ll talk about every aspect of life in Belize—including healthcare.
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