Prescription Medication In Belize: What's The Deal?

If you're travelling to Belize and need to take prescription medication, it's important to plan ahead. While you may be able to get your medication in Belize, it's not guaranteed that it will be available or that it will be affordable. The standard of medical care in Belize is not the same as in the United States, and some medications that are available over the counter in Belize may require a prescription in the US. It's a good idea to consult official government sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Availability of prescription medication

Belize has a multiple-layer healthcare system, including public and private hospitals. The standard of medical care in Belize does not meet the same standards as the United States, and there are no level-one trauma centres in the country.

Many prescription drugs available in the US are available without a prescription in Belize. Pharmacies in Belize carry most medications from major manufacturers such as Abbott, Pfizer, Merck, Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, and others. However, some drugs may not be available in Belize. If you are on medication, it is recommended that you visit the country to check that you can obtain it there. If not, a local doctor may be able to recommend an alternative.

The cost of medication in Belize is generally 25% higher than in the US, although there are exceptions. Generic drugs manufactured in Europe, Asia, and Latin America are cheaper, and some importers source generics from England and Spain, which can be half the price of brand names. Basic medications such as antibiotics and painkillers are not taxed, keeping prices lower.

If you need a prescription medication, it is recommended that you visit a local doctor. A consultation with a general practitioner will cost about $15, and they can provide a prescription. Specialist doctors charge double this rate.

If you are a US citizen and become seriously ill or injured in Belize, a US consular officer can assist in locating appropriate medical services and informing your family. However, payment of hospital and other expenses is the responsibility of the traveller.

Tips for travellers

• Take extra prescription medication in case of travel delays.
• Take a letter from your doctor describing your medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic name of the prescribed drugs.
• Check that any medications you are carrying are not considered illegal narcotics in Belize.
• Keep medications in their original containers, clearly labelled.

Cost of prescription medication

The cost of medication in Belize varies depending on the type of drug and its country of origin. Most brands are North American or European, and some are sourced from Latin America. Medication prices in Belize are generally 25% higher than in the US, although there are exceptions. Basic medications such as antibiotics and painkillers are not taxed, which makes them more affordable. For example, a box of 30 pills of the allergy medication Levocetirizine costs around $30, while its generic version imported from the UK costs half the price.

Some medications are more expensive in Belize than in the US or Canada, while others are less expensive. For instance, Advair, an asthma medication that typically costs $300-$400 for a 30-day supply in the US, was available in Belize for only $48. However, some people have reported difficulties finding specific generic or trade name drugs in Belize, and it is recommended to check the availability of required medications before relocating to the country.

Pharmacies in Belize carry most medications from major manufacturers such as Abbott, Pfizer, Merck, Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, and others. In addition, some pharmacies in Belize may accommodate visitors who have misplaced or left their prescriptions at home, as many Belizeans cannot afford to see a doctor, and pharmacies function as a source of medical advice and dispensary for common ailments. However, larger pharmacies may insist on a prescription.

It is worth noting that the quality of medical care in Belize has been improving, but it generally receives poor grades. The country has dedicated doctors who provide personal attention to their patients. However, there is a lack of healthcare facilities, specialised physicians and staff, and advanced equipment.

Getting a prescription from a local doctor

If you need a prescription medication, the best option is to visit a local doctor. General practitioners are located across the country and will only charge about US$15 for a consultation and prescription.

General practitioners are usually solo practitioners. They are more affordable than specialists, whose rates are double. If you are on a tight budget, you may want to consider visiting a local government polyclinic or hospital instead.

All cities and towns in Belize have public hospitals where you can seek medical attention for a low fee of about US$2.50. Basic medications like antibiotics and painkillers are provided free of charge at hospital pharmacies, although some hospitals may charge a small fee of US$5.

Regional hospitals in Belmopan, Orange Walk Town, and Dangriga offer walk-in services after working hours and on weekends. They have air-conditioned facilities with medical officers and specialists on duty around the clock. These hospitals also provide free basic medications for emergencies such as asthma attacks or high blood pressure crises.

If you are a retiree or expat living in Belize on a budget, consider settling in northern Belize, where you can easily access more affordable pharmaceuticals and medical care in Mexico. If you live near the border with Guatemala, you will find pharmaceutical costs more similar to those in Belize, but medical care, including dental work, is more economical.

Public hospitals and medical care

Belize has a two-tier healthcare system, with both public and private healthcare available. The public healthcare system is operated by the Ministry of Health (MoH), which is the largest provider of public health services in the country. The MoH offers affordable care to the majority of Belizeans, with a focus on providing quality healthcare through various public programs and institutions.

Public hospitals and polyclinics are available in every major city, town, and other major population centers and villages. The cost of visiting a public hospital is very low, at about $2.50, but you may have to wait for hours to be seen. Basic medications such as antibiotics and painkillers are provided free of charge at hospital pharmacies, although some hospitals may charge a small fee of around $5.

The quality of care in public hospitals varies. While Belize has dedicated, caring doctors, the country lacks the healthcare infrastructure of North America. There are no Level One trauma centers in Belize, and the U.S. Embassy recommends that citizens verify their medical coverage, including the cost of medical evacuation, before visiting or relocating to Belize.

The majority of the country's 24/7 hospitals are located in Belize City, including the Karl Heusner public hospital. There are also public hospitals in San Ignacio, Corozal, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda, which offer 24-hour care. There are currently no hospitals on the cayes or in Placencia or Hopkins, but a new 45-bed public hospital is under construction in Ambergris Caye.

There are seven other public hospitals in Belize, located within the capitals of each of the seven other districts. These include 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, Belmopan. These three regional hospitals provide more services than the capital hospitals of Corozal and Toledo District.

In total, there are about 700 public hospital beds across the country. The public hospitals provide basic medical specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and OB-GYN. The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital also provides neurology, ENT, physiotherapy, orthopedic surgery, and other services.

The cost of medical care in public hospitals is well below that of North America, at roughly half the price. A visit to a medical practitioner for basic ailments will cost about $70, including medication such as antibiotics, cough medicine, or allergy medicine.

While public healthcare in Belize is available to all, a large portion of funding has been allocated to Belize City, and the public hospitals outside of the city face challenges with equipment problems, medical supply shortages, and operation management issues. Most of the public health clinics in rural areas suffer from inadequate staffing, lack of financial resources, and a lack of equipment and medicine, resulting in reduced access to quality care.

Bringing medication into the country

If you are taking prescription medication into Belize, it is recommended that you carry a letter from your attending physician that describes your medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic name of the prescribed drugs. Any medications should be left in their original containers and be clearly labelled. It is also important to check with the Embassy of Belize to ensure that any required medications are not considered illegal narcotics. For example, Belize considers marijuana to be an illegal narcotic, and individuals with a prescription for marijuana will still be arrested if found in possession of it.

It is worth noting that some medications that require a prescription in the US are available without a prescription in Belize. However, it is always best to check in advance if you can get your specific medication in Belize, as some medications may not be available. If you are unable to obtain your medication in Belize, a local doctor may be able to recommend an alternative.

If you are bringing medication into Belize, it is advisable to pack extra supplies in case of travel delays. Additionally, if you are travelling with diabetes supplies, suture/syringe kits, or needles/syringes, you will need a letter from your doctor on letterhead stationery.

It is also recommended that you bring copies of all your prescriptions, including the generic names of the medications, and keep them with you during your travel. This will help ensure that you can obtain the correct medication if needed and facilitate the refill process in Belize.

Frequently asked questions