Healthcare Guide for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers in Belize

Summary: Digital Nomads in Belize share their experiences with health insurance, healthcare in Belize, local hospitals and specialists, quality of medical care and more.

What are healthcare services like in Belize?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Belize, they replied:

"Word of mouth is a great way to find a doctor if you need one. Our pharmacist has a neurogist that comes to her place of business twice a month from Belize City. He is a wealth of information. Also, be willing to travel to Belize City or Chetumal Mexico to see specialists. We are very pleased with the care we have received thus far. Most of our prescriptions cost us less or equal to our copay in the US without having the cost of a monthly premium on top of that. We are going to look into getting an international health insurance just in case one of us has an emergency that can not be handled here or in Mexico," remarked one member in Corozal/Belize City.

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What is the quality of medical care in Belize like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Belize, they replied:

"Belize offers a variety of medical services. The majority of the public health services are provided by the Ministry of Health, located in Belmopan. Belize is home to a number of private hospitals and clinics, many of which offer specialized care, including cardiology, oncology and neurology services. Belize also offers highly trained medical professionals, including physicians, nurses and medical technicians. Pharmacies in Belize are well stocked and most medicines are affordable. Emergency services are also available, although it may take longer for these services to reach remote areas or small villages," said a member in Belize.

"I am located 10 kms from 3 towns that provide adequate health care, but Santa Familia itself does not. So their healthcare is non-existent, but I don't care, I'm a 10-minute drive from 3 towns with good healthcare," explained one person living in Carmelita Gardens, Belize.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Belize?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Belize is generally considered to be expensive. Private healthcare in particular is not readily available, which makes it difficult to access quality health services. Insurance premiums can be high, and access to care can be scarce outside of urban areas. Access to medical supplies and medications is also a challenge in Belize, leading to inflated costs for individuals in need," wrote one digital nomad living in Belize.

"In the US I have Medicare and a supplemental insurance, which is fine and I have had no problems with coverage. In Belize, I do not purchase medical insurance because it is very expensive. ," said one foreigner in Hopkins Village.

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What are emergency services like in Belize?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Belize wrote:

"La Loma Luz - Santa Elena. I am not aware of the emergency services. Quality of care is adequate, but my last experience was 12 years ago! Private hospital," wrote one digital nomad living in San Ignacio, Belize.

"We have not had to avail services from anywhere but private doctors. There is a small hospital in Corozal but we do not know much about it. We live outside of town in a more rural area but we have been told that there are ambulances. There are several private clinics in town," said one foreigner in Corozal/Belize City.

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Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"We went to Belize City to see a cardiologist. We were extremely pleased with the quality of care we received. Complete bloodwork and EKG's and ultrasounds were done all on site and the doctor spent over an hour with us going over all of the results. This is better care than what we received in the US. Also, we were able to get a appointment within less than a week. The cost for everything for both me and my husband was equal to what I paid for one month's premium of my health insurance back in the states. That insurance would have also cost me copays on the tests themselves," explained one expat living in Corozal/Belize City, Belize.

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Are common prescription medications available in Belize?

"Yes, common prescriptions are available at our local pharmacy. They are inexpensive and you often do not need a prescription. Anything prescribed by the local doctor is available locally. If you had an unusual illness of needed a particular medication, it would be wise to bring additional supplies, but once here you can speak to the pharmacist and likely they can arrange to bring it in for you," said one member in San Ignacio.

"We have gotten almost all of our medicines from the states here and have not needed a prescription for even one. A lot of them cost less than what we were paying with some being the same as our copay with our insurance back in the US. There was one of my husbands we could not find but the cardiologist we saw determined he noonger needed to take it. If they don't have the exact same drug, they have one that is compatible. Again, we have been very pleased. There are several pharmacies but we have found Evergreen to be the one we like best. Also, you can get prescriptions in Mexico with no problem as well," explained one expat in Corozal/Belize City.

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Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Belize?

"Hopkins has a new ambulance service and emergency care. There is a local clinic with a doctor nearby. There is also a hospital in Dangriga, about 40 minutes away," commented a person living in Hopkins, Belize.

"There is newly established Emergency service minutes away that can be reached by phone. Hopkins has a small medical clinic also. There is a hospital and Clinic in Dangriga, about 40 minutes away," explained one digital nomad living in Hopkins, Belize.

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As a foreigner living in Belize, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, foreigners living in Belize have access to public healthcare. The public healthcare system in Belize is comprised of hospitals, clinics and health centers located throughout the country. These facilities provide a wide range of services such as primary healthcare, maternity services, laboratory analysis, radiology, pharmacy and emergency care. In addition to this, government-funded medical insurance covers all Belizeans, and foreigners are eligible to apply for the scheme on a case-by-case basis. Quality of care varies from one location to the next, with some facilities offering modern equipment and relatively quicker response times than others," explained one digital nomad living in Belize.

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What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Belize if they have access to public healthcare in Belize. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"My private/public system doctor had me get tested when I had a flu bug. It was done professionally and with good social distancing practice. They also put me on a prophylactic regimen of drugs just to be sure, Test came back negative," remarked one member in San Ignacio.

"Basic care is hard to get. Lack of skilled doctors and equipment are very concerning . For retirees or expats that are older it's bot an option," explained one expat living in San Ignacio, Belize.

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Healthcare & Health Insurance in Belize

What are healthcare services like in Belize?

What is the quality of medical care in Belize like?

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Belize?

What are emergency services like in Belize?

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

Are common prescription medications available in Belize?

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Belize?

As a foreigner living in Belize, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

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