Health Care Plans

I will ask around because I too am interested in this topic.  I know several people who have had some significant work done in Merida........   I am still covered by a have to let that go in the big HMO in USA, but will probably be required to replace it next year.

Jody
For the first year you can get travel insurance, with a medical emergency evacuation plan. Your Canadian Health care is still valid for 6-7 months after you leave ( check the provincial website, each province is different). In BC for example, you can get a 2 years (leave of absence) and have coverage while away, provided you come back for emergency care.

I got a travel plan from BCAA for 12 months for about $450.00. For anyone who does the 6 month snowbird thing - this is probably all you need. Blue Cross also has plans.

For longer term coverage here are some options that I found:

http://www.expatglobalmedical.comhttp://www.bupa-intl.com/https://www.sagicor.com/groupweb/pdfdocs.asp

I can't personally recommend any of these - but have heard varying comments from others here in Belize who use them. Some people complained that they can deny coverage for pre-existing conditions - and others that the companies refused the claim.  But being from up North- as we all see from our American friends the problems that they have dealing with insurance companies.
The good thing about Belize is that your routine medical care from a local doctor is very inexpensive.  It cost me less to have my blood work done here and regular doctors visits than my monthly premium did in BC. (BZ$40 a visit)
So I pay cash for the regular visits and only carry coverage for the emergency medical which would take me to BC. It worked out to be more economical that trying to get total coverage.

My partner who is a US citizen, keeps his US HMO/medicare, which is valid in the USA only, but also carries an emergency medical travel plan, which would take him back to the US for treatment.

Thanks Nichi for the info.

My broken foot last November cost us BZD 742.00.
That included emergency room visit with emergency physician, x-rays, assessment and setting/cast with orthopaedic surgeon, crutches, 10 Ibuprofen and 10 Tylenol extra strength caplets, 3 follow up visits, more x-rays, and a cane for when I was finally allowed to have both feet on the ground :-)
All at Belize Medical, where I felt in very capable and very caring hands at all times.
Not sure how much this would cost in Canada.

Contact RFG Insurance and ask about BUPA