Healthcare
One of the biggest worries for retirees is access to quality healthcare at an affordable price. Healthcare in Belize is like healthcare in rural America. In many ways it’s okay, but not great, but good enough.
For trauma care, you will find yourself traveling to the big city. Or returning to your home country via emergency evacuation. There are many pros and cons to Belize’s healthcare and many stories of amazing care to nightmare care. Individuals should determine what works best for them.
Many expats who move to Belize find themselves moving more, losing weight, and getting off the medicines they took for high blood pressure or cholesterol. Local restaurants are like eating at someone’s home. Food is made to order. It’s fresh.
Packaged food is considered more expensive (and sometimes does not store well.) As a result, many people eat less of it. For many, Belize is a healthier lifestyle than they used to lead. People move more and sit less. Many villages are pedestrian friendly, and one may find themselves rarely getting in a car. All this means some people’s aches and pains go away. The warm and healthy lifestyle of the tropics is good for their bones and soul. People discover they visit the doctor less.
In Belize, the government’s motto is “healthcare for all” but it doesn’t necessarily mean good health care for all. The government does not have much money so hospitals typically do not have all the tools they need for high-quality care. There may be long waits. Sometimes, proper hygiene is a challenge. Outdated equipment. However, you do not have to go to the hospital for your medical care though. Every village and town have a clinic and the quality of the doctor varies. One cannot say “this town has a great clinic and doctor” and “this one does not” because it is always changing. The government rotates the doctors.
One year, there may be a great doctor and you go to your clinic and get the quality care you want and need. And its free. However, there is an understanding that if you are a non-Belizean and can afford it, you should give a small donation. ($25US/$50BZ is considered a good donation. Don’t go overboard or you’ll break the economy, and your donation will be expected as opposed to a pleasant gesture.
I had a small wound that I just wanted the doctor to double check to make sure it was healing properly and that nothing was infected. He was out but the nurse was helpful and confirmed my injury was healing appropriately. She did say I should make sure I am using antibiotic ointment. I said that I was. She apologized and said the clinic was out or she would give me some. After I left, I went to the store, purchased some triple antibiotic ointment and donated it to the clinic. I’ve had a few other experiences and gladly felt comfortable going to the doctor at our town’s clinic.
Sadly, that doctor moved on and was replaced with a mediocre one. You may find yourself in the same situation and prefer to go to another village or even a private doctor until another doctor is rotated in that you think is qualified. It is best to do your research on the doctor to learn for yourself how experienced that individual is, and you make the decision.
There are some healthcare workers that come to Belize from North America and many expats take for granted that those workers are better trained, etc. but again, one should do their research. In one village, there was an American nurse that “everyone loved” but no one realized that she had lost her license in more than one state. I am not sure Belize has the time, energy, or resources to verify that kind of thing.
Just like where you come from, doctors vary in expertise. Just because someone is a private doctor does not mean they are better. Although many people prefer the private doctor experience as opposed to a busy clinic or hospital. A private doctor visit typically costs $25US. The private doctor experience is usually less time consuming.
There are two private hospitals located in Belize City-Belize Health Care Partners and Belize Medical Associates. This is where many people go for more serious medical needs. You may be surprised to learn that the doctors are the same ones from the government hospital in Belize- Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. However, the doctors prioritize the private hospital patients. Another difference is the after care. The private hospitals have about 15 beds. Many times, only a few patients overnight. A yearly check-up and bloodwork at the private hospital runs about $50US. A few nights in the hospital and surgery may be about $5,000US.
While Belize’s healthcare system has growing pains, most people agree that dentists are good and affordable at $40US for a cleaning and check-up.
There is no podiatrist in Belize. But in Guatemala City there is a state-of-the-art podiatrist that is nicer than any of the podiatrists I have been to in the U.S. The staff were polite and professional. The doctor was quite knowledgeable, spent 30-minutes with me one on one and spoke English. My cost? $50US.
Many people living in Belize travel to Guatemala City, Guatemala or Merida, Mexico for more serious or elective procedures rather than returning to their home countries. Crossing countries is common and similar to how Americans travel between states or Canadians travel between provinces. Like the Europeans, Belizeans pop across countries with ease. It is even common for Belizeans to travel to those countries for their own medical care. (Both Guatemala and Mexico are known for better quality healthcare that’s economical priced.)
For health insurance, many expats go with an international policy, with a high deductible (since the healthcare costs are generally inexpensive) and just pay out of pocket. Rates and plans vary but it’s feasible to pay $1,500US a year with a $10,000US deductible and spend (for a healthy person) less than $500US on healthcare expenses. Others choose to pay a little higher premium with a lower $5,000 deductible. Most have a buffet of choices and you can pay more or less depending on what you are looking for and your current health situation.
Here are a few healthinsurance options:
BUPA Global: https://www.bupaglobal.com/en
Cigna International: https://www.cigna.com/international/individual-plans
RF&G Life: http://www.rfglife.com/
Sagicor: https://www.sagicor.com/en-bb/personal-solutions/insurance/health-insurance
