AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Talk Belize Chat Area medical services on AC

ok, another of my many upcoming questions (i appreciate all help you guys and ladies have given me).

my mother in law will go nuts if i can not give good answers on medical services on AC before i bring my wife down there. I have read posts about a "doc" downthere, but can anyone give me details?

Thanks much again

Not sure what you are asking about a "doc" down there. Do you have any pre existing medical conditions that you have concerns about? Medical care has come a long way over the years. Several very competent physicians on the island and mainland. Some choose to go to Merida for medical care as well. Do you have U.S. insurance coverage?

we will have insurance but my wife is a diabetic

There are many diabetics living in Belize.

What is the major concern?

Is she that brittle that she will need lots of emergency care? I only ask so you will get the whole need out there and it can be answered for you
Come to Belize, enjoy your time and hopefully she is not so brittle a diabetic that she can't enjoy too.

If you wife's diabetic condition is controlled it probably would not be a problem. When you are down checking things out for your move, would suggest you talk to physicians on the island or go to Belize City. Universal Health is quite good. My husband and I are over 65 and do make appts. for check ups when we are back in the States ( we have U.S. insurance). On occasion we have had to have medical treatment in Belize and have been quite satisfied with the care we have recieved. It would certainly not be a deterrant for moving there.

Which form of diabetes? Type I or II? I have Type II and have never had any problems while down there. However, if I did, I would feel comfortable with the doctors that are there.

she has type 1, well controled but understandably a concerned mother (who is a nurse). the closest hospital is belize city?

You will find yourself wanting to make regular visits to your 'now' home for family visits.
You can pick up her insulin while there. Your mother-in-law can bring her medical supplies to her if she is willing. Bring her glucometer and strips (or whatever she uses) along and bring a few months supply.

Hospital, yes...mainland. She can get there by plane in daylight hours, if needed.

Nurses tend to be extremely careful.
Diabetics generally know their own limits.

You as a husband should know her needs in case of insulin reaction. If you both know it, she will be fine. Do you have trouble in her daily life now? Diabetes is so common. My mother has had it, insulin dependent, almost all of her life.
Be watchful. If she is old enough to be out of the nest, she is old enough to take care as a diabetic
Again, go and enjoy

Have you been to Belize at all? How long are you staying?

She takes very good care of herself. I presume supplies can be mailed down. We have been down twice and are considering making the big move there permanently. Looking at business to buy.

Hey Dave

The "Doc" you see mentioned on the board is a vet!

But seriously, there are many diabetics living here. I have seen times when there is no insulin to be found in the whole country, so always have at least a months supply if possible. Also the test kits, strips are in short supply here and very costly.

I agree with Lovey, Universal Health services are great if you need check ups or treatment.

You might want to consider buying medical insurance. I use Amedex. It is affordable. It is catastrophic health insurance. It doesn't pay for normal check-ups but if you need to be medivaced (sp?) overseas it is a lifesaver.

Amedex.com