One of the toughest things to do when leaving Canada and deciding to live abroad is leaving the comfort of the Canadian medical system. It's down right scary! As Canadians we are raised with the belief and security that if we get sick or hurt the 'system' will take care of us. And for the most part it is a good system...not perfect but pretty darn good.
We we moved to Belize we were given the option of keeping our BC Medical coverage for two years. This is an option that you can use only once in your lifetime and of course, you continue to pay the premiums. Well, those two years have long since expired and we've been on our own for quite some time. I'd be lying if I said it didn't make me a little nervous sometimes. I actually became really aware of it when I visited Canada last month. I had to buy 'Visitor to Canada' medical travel insurance! The cost to use that pretty darn good system is insanely high when you don't have coverage. So, like any responsible tourist to Canada, I bought the insurance.
We we moved to Belize we were given the option of keeping our BC Medical coverage for two years. This is an option that you can use only once in your lifetime and of course, you continue to pay the premiums. Well, those two years have long since expired and we've been on our own for quite some time. I'd be lying if I said it didn't make me a little nervous sometimes. I actually became really aware of it when I visited Canada last month. I had to buy 'Visitor to Canada' medical travel insurance! The cost to use that pretty darn good system is insanely high when you don't have coverage. So, like any responsible tourist to Canada, I bought the insurance.
Now, back home again in Belize (and thankfully no reason to use the insurance in Canada) I thought I would share some thoughts on the medical setup in Belize. Now, our experience has been limited but it's pretty hard to go four years without some need for a doctor, dentist, or pharmacist. Especially living with Adam. I wouldn't say that he's accident prone but he certainly has had his share of broken bones and mishaps over the years. I guess I could roll him in bubble wrap and set him in front of the TV but life isn't as interesting that way.
If I were to give anyone advice about the system here it would be to try it out with baby steps. Make an appointment with a doctor to have your blood pressure checked or something equally non-invasive. Ask a bunch of questions, snoop around the office, talk with the staff. Same goes with a dentist, a pharmacist and an optometrist. And if you don't like what you find, call the next one on the list and go snooping again. Same goes for your local hospitals or clinics. We had to have blood work and x-rays done as part of the immigration process. That gave us an excuse to visit the local hospitals. We made a point of 'getting lost' in a couple of hallways to get a feel for the places. Honestly, these little exploration trips went a long way to help me feel more comfortable understanding what resources are available to us when we really need them.
I think this 'be prepared' thinking comes from my years doing first aid and rescue training. Drills and practice take the mystery out of a crisis. I am certainly not saying that I know it all and the advice from local friends goes a long way but in the end it's a very personal choice. I've come to realize that I am very comfortable with basic health care in Belize. There are many, many well educated and very competent professionals here. But realistically there are limitations, especially with the facilities and equipment available in a country with a population as small as Belize. Most people here agree that higher end care can be obtained in neighboring Mexico or Guatemala. We haven't had to go there yet (and hopefully never will) but I feel fairly comfortable that we would be well cared for.
I think this 'be prepared' thinking comes from my years doing first aid and rescue training. Drills and practice take the mystery out of a crisis. I am certainly not saying that I know it all and the advice from local friends goes a long way but in the end it's a very personal choice. I've come to realize that I am very comfortable with basic health care in Belize. There are many, many well educated and very competent professionals here. But realistically there are limitations, especially with the facilities and equipment available in a country with a population as small as Belize. Most people here agree that higher end care can be obtained in neighboring Mexico or Guatemala. We haven't had to go there yet (and hopefully never will) but I feel fairly comfortable that we would be well cared for.