Belize Medical Care

Hi, this Connie and my 2nd posting here. We were all set to start making plans for a vacation in Belize to check it out for our retirement community, as well as what it would be like for our two 20-something grown children who are moving with us as well. I have been concentrating (and relaying to my family) all of the fabulous 'pros' regarding living in Belize, and so much so, that I didn't stop to look up any of the 'cons' until last night. Of course, there would be a BIG ONE that totally flipped our options to include Belize (and literally months of research.) My husband is 76 and I am 65. While both of us are in good health primarily, my husband had a stroke about 18 months ago, with no residual effects, and I've been a Chronic Pain Patient for the past 40 years, and it's a degenerative disease in my neck and lower back, it is just getting worse as time goes on. I'm fine as long as I have no problems in getting my medications, but after reading about the lack of good medical care in Belize itself, and the time it would take to get to good medical care, that kind of put the kibosh on Belize for us. I'd be interested in hearing any stories that anyone would be nice enough to share about any medical issues that arose while living in Belize, what they were and what happened. I'm surprised that Belize is a top-rated area for retirement, which means a lot of Baby Boomer Seniors, who typically need more medical care than someone in their 30's. So, wondering how anyone has handled medical emergencies? Thanks so much for anything you can share. Connie PS: If anyone looked at alternate places that you loved almost as much as Belize, but the medical situation was better, I'd appreciate any and all feedback.

Not many people responding to posts these days.
I have not had any personal experience with medical care in Belize, as of yet. I have heard good and bad, like anywhere else. I know of an individual who had a neurosurgical procedure done in Belize without any problems. I have heard a lot of good things about primary care, as well as dentistry. Most routine services are available, virtually all meds are available and cheaper than US/Canada.
If I needed open-heart or similar, I would probably come back to the states, it's only 3 hours.
You will run into the same issue pretty much everywhere tropical - Bahamas, USVI, Caymans, Costa Rica. That is not to say the medical care is sub-standard everywhere, but it might be harder to find a competent physician or health care facility that you are comfortable with. Panama, I have heard, is rated very well. No personal knowledge though.