Belize - Health

Belize Health for Visitors

Healthcare in Belize is provided through both public and private healthcare systems and is not of the highest standard compared to the US or EU. Medical care for minor conditions is generally available in urban areas. Trauma or advanced medical care is limited, even in Belize City; it's extremely limited or unavailable in rural areas. Serious injuries or illnesses often necessitate evacuation to another country.

Belize City provides the highest level of medical care due to its dense population and clientele. This urban center has several dental and private medical, lab, and diagnostic facilities.

Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, Belize's primary referral facility, can handle the majority of serious medical issues [Tel. 501-223-1548].

There are seven other public hospitals, including three regional hospitals: the Southern Regional Hospital in Dangriga, the Northern Regional Hospital in Orange Walk Town, and the Western Regional Hospital in the nation’s capital The City Of Belmopan. The public hospitals provide basic medical specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and OB-GYN.

There are several small medical clinics and a small hospital on Ambergris Caye.

Private hospitals in Belize: La Loma Luz Hospital in Santa Elena [Tel: +501 8242050], Belize Medical Associates [Tel: +501 223-0302], and Belize Healthcare Partners [Tel: +501 280-5000], both are located in Belize City.

There are two hyperbaric chambers in Belize for the treatment of decompression and diver-related issues. Both offer 24-hour emergency services. Both chambers are double-lock hyperbaric chambers and are found in San Pedro Town.

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccinations.

Vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, as well as typhoid, are recommended.

Food and Water Concerns:

Tap water is potable in some towns and resort areas, but tap water in the cayes or in the south of Belize is not recommended for drinking. Drink bottled water which is sold at all gas stations, grocery stores, etc.

Mosquito-borne Diseases:

Dengue is a risk in many parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Belize is one of the countries reporting an increased number of cases of the disease.

Belize has a history of previous Zika virus transmission.

Because of the pregnancy risks, travelers should consult the CDC Travelers’ Health website for the most current recommendations for Zika.

Prevention:

• Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin. Re-apply according to the manufacturer's directions.
• Wear neutral-colored (beige, light grey) long-sleeved clothing.
• Pre-soak or spray the outer layer of clothing and gear with permethrin.
• Ensure that the hatch and window screens work properly.

Other Diseases:

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Belize. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Belize, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available.

Belize ranks number one in Central America for Aids.

Prescription Drugs:

Many prescription drugs cost less in Belize than in the U.S., though pharmacies may not stock a wide selection of drugs and some drugs cost more in Belize than in the U.S. or Canada.

Prescriptions are not usually needed for antibiotics and some other drugs that require prescriptions in the U.S., even some painkillers containing codeine. However, pharmacies owned by physicians or operated by hospitals may require or suggest a consultation with the doctor.

Emergency Numbers:

See Emergencies.

Useful links:

• Ministry of Health and Wellness
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Last updated:  December 2023