Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Belize
- No insurance required—but absolutely essential given extremely limited healthcare infrastructure.
- Only English-speaking country in Central America—healthcare communication is easier than neighbors.
- Belize City has Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (public) and Belize Medical Associates (private)—both basic.
- Cayes and jungle areas have minimal healthcare—evacuation to Belize City, Mexico, or Miami required for anything serious.
- QRP (Qualified Retired Persons) program is popular but healthcare is the major drawback.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Belize?
Belize doesn't require health insurance for visas, including the popular QRP retirement program. However, given Belize's extremely limited healthcare infrastructure—especially outside Belize City—international insurance with evacuation coverage is absolutely essential. Many QRP retirees maintain US or international insurance specifically because Belize can't handle complex medical needs.
You likely need private insurance if:
- All expats—Belize has very limited healthcare; insurance is mandatory for practical purposes
- QRP retirees—despite visa being easy, healthcare is the main challenge for retirement in Belize
- Caye residents (Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker)—only basic clinics; Belize City or evacuation for serious issues
- Jungle/Cayo District residents—remote areas have minimal healthcare; planning essential
- Divers—hyperbaric chamber on Ambergris Caye; ensure decompression coverage
Public vs Private Healthcare in Belize
Public Healthcare
MOH (Ministry of Health)
- Access: Belizean citizens and residents
- Cost: Free or minimal fees at public facilities
Belize's public healthcare is severely limited. Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in Belize City is the main public hospital—handles emergencies and basic care but is understaffed and undersupplied. Regional hospitals in Belmopan, Orange Walk, and Dangriga are very basic. Public clinics exist in smaller towns but can only handle minor issues. English is spoken (official language), but medical capabilities are limited regardless of language. Expats typically avoid public healthcare except for emergencies.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: $80-180/month (international); limited local options
Private healthcare in Belize is limited but better than public. Belize Medical Associates (Belize City) is the main private clinic—handles outpatient care, minor surgery, diagnostics. La Loma Luz Hospital (Santa Elena/Cayo) serves the western region. Ambergris Caye has San Pedro PolyClinic II and Belize Healthcare Partners—basic care only. For anything complex, evacuation is required. Common destinations: Chetumal, Mexico (2-3 hours from Belize City); Mérida, Mexico (5 hours); Miami (2 hours flight); Guatemala City (via Flores). Costs are moderate—higher than Guatemala/Honduras but lower than Costa Rica.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Belize. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Caye/island residents needing guaranteed air evacuation to Belize City or Mexico
Not ideal for: Belize City residents near KHMH—local care handles most needs
Allianz Care
Best for: QRP retirees wanting regional coverage extending to Mexico's Chetumal hospitals
Not ideal for: Those comfortable with Belize's limited but adequate mainland facilities
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions with guaranteed evacuation to Houston—essential for cayes
Not ideal for: Healthy retirees on the mainland where basic care is accessible
IMG Global
Best for: Budget coverage for digital nomads exploring Belize's English-speaking Caribbean vibe
Not ideal for: Island residents where robust evacuation coverage is critical
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Belize
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Caye/island residents needing guaranteed | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | QRP retirees wanting regional | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions with guaranteed | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget coverage for digital | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Belize
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Evacuation is your healthcare plan: For any serious condition—cardiac events, major trauma, cancer, complex surgery—you will evacuate. Belize simply doesn't have the facilities. Common evacuation routes: air ambulance to Miami (most common for serious cases), road to Chetumal, Mexico for moderate issues, or Guatemala City. Ensure your insurance covers evacuation to your preferred destination.
- Caye living healthcare reality: Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are popular expat destinations but healthcare is minimal. San Pedro has basic clinics and a hyperbaric chamber (for divers). Serious issues require: puddle-jumper flight to Belize City (15 minutes), then ambulance to KHMH or BMA, then possibly evacuation to Mexico/Miami. In emergencies, this chain adds critical time.
- QRP program popularity vs. healthcare: The QRP (Qualified Retired Persons) program attracts many US/Canadian retirees with duty-free imports and tax benefits. But: many QRP participants underestimate healthcare limitations. Some maintain US addresses for Medicare eligibility, or fly to Mexico/US for routine care. Plan your healthcare strategy before committing to QRP residency.
- Hyperbaric chamber access: Belize has world-class diving (Blue Hole, barrier reef). Hyperbaric chambers exist on Ambergris Caye (San Pedro) and sometimes function in Belize City. However, availability can be inconsistent. DAN (Divers Alert Network) insurance is strongly recommended for divers—they can coordinate chamber treatment or evacuation if local options fail.
- Jungle/Cayo accessibility: The Cayo District (San Ignacio, Belmopan area) attracts expats for lower costs and nature. Healthcare is very limited—La Loma Luz Hospital is the main facility. Medical emergencies may require helicopter evacuation or long drives on variable roads. If you live in remote Belize, satellite communication and evacuation plans are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Belize's QRP retirement program work?
The QRP (Qualified Retired Persons) program lets retirees 45+ live in Belize with benefits. Requirements: $2,000/month income from pension, social security, or investments deposited to Belizean bank. Benefits: Duty-free import of personal effects, vehicle, and boat (one-time); exemption from Belize income tax on foreign earnings; permanent QRP residency. No health insurance required for the visa. Processing takes 3-6 months through the Belize Tourism Board. Popular because of English language, Caribbean lifestyle, and proximity to US. Healthcare limitation is the main drawback.
What healthcare exists on Ambergris Caye?
Limited. Ambergris Caye (San Pedro) has: San Pedro PolyClinic II (basic care, minor emergencies), Belize Healthcare Partners (expat-oriented clinic, moderate capabilities), Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro PolyClinic (public, basic), and the island's hyperbaric chamber. Capabilities: minor injuries, common illnesses, stabilization, basic diagnostics. For anything requiring surgery, specialists, or advanced care: puddle-jumper to Belize City (15 min) then hospital or evacuation. Many Ambergris residents keep boats/planes ready for Chetumal, Mexico (faster than going through Belize City for some situations).
Should QRP retirees keep US Medicare?
It's complicated. Medicare doesn't cover care outside the US (with very limited cruise ship exceptions). However: some QRP participants maintain US addresses (often with family) to preserve Medicare eligibility for when they return to the US or for planned US medical trips. Strategy depends on your situation: if you plan to return to the US for serious care, maintaining Medicare makes sense. If you commit fully to Belize/international care, Medicare is less relevant but international insurance with US coverage becomes essential. Many retirees do both: Medicare for US trips + international insurance for Belize and evacuation.
How does Chetumal, Mexico compare to Miami for evacuation?
Chetumal (Mexico, 2-3 hours from Belize City by road): Hospital General de Chetumal and private clinics—significantly better than Belize, handles many conditions that Belize can't, Spanish-speaking (though many doctors know English), much cheaper than Miami. Good for: moderate emergencies, planned procedures, specialist consultations. Miami (2 hours flight): World-class facilities (Jackson Memorial, Baptist Health, Cleveland Clinic Florida)—handles everything. Good for: serious trauma, complex surgery, cancer treatment, anything requiring top-tier care. Most international insurance covers both; many expats use Chetumal for moderate issues and reserve Miami for serious conditions.
Is Belize healthcare really that limited?
Yes. Belize has ~400,000 people and healthcare infrastructure to match a small town, not a country. Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (the main public hospital) has basic capabilities but chronic staffing and supply issues. Belize Medical Associates (main private) is more like a large clinic than a hospital. There are no MRI machines in Belize—patients go to Guatemala or Mexico for advanced imaging. Complex surgery, oncology, cardiology, and most specialties require leaving the country. English language is the advantage; facilities are the limitation. Plan accordingly.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.