Belize (BZ)
Belize is an English-speaking Central American country known for its barrier reef, rainforest, and cultural mix of Maya, Garifuna, Mestizo and Creole heritage.
Insurance Guide
Which insurances you actually need in Belize, prioritised.
Insurance is critical for expats in Belize given the limited public healthcare capacity, hurricane risk, and general infrastructure constraints. Third-party motor insurance is the only legally mandatory insurance. Health insurance with medevac, property insurance with hurricane cover, and motor insurance are the three essential products for most expats and long-term residents.
Legally Mandatory
- - Third-party motor vehicle insurance (required by law for all vehicles on public roads)
International Health Insurance with Medevac
Covers private hospital care, specialist visits, emergency treatment, and — critically — medical evacuation to the USA, Mexico, or home country for serious conditions.
Who needs it: All expats, retirees, remote workers, families, and anyone without comprehensive employer health coverage.
Annual cost: USD 1,200–4,000/year per adult depending on age, coverage, and deductible
Ensure your policy explicitly covers medevac from Belize. Minimum recommended medevac benefit: USD 100,000. Confirm that dengue fever and tropical diseases are covered, as some policies exclude "tropical diseases."
Third-Party Motor Insurance
Mandatory by law. Covers your liability to third parties (injury and property damage) if you cause an accident. Does NOT cover damage to your own vehicle.
Who needs it: Anyone driving a registered vehicle on Belizean roads.
Annual cost: BZ$300–600/year for a standard private vehicle
Must be purchased before driving. Keep the insurance certificate in your vehicle at all times.
Homeowners / Renters Insurance
Covers structural damage (for owners) or contents (for renters) including from hurricane, fire, and theft.
Who needs it: All property owners in Belize; strongly recommended for renters with valuable possessions.
Annual cost: BZ$1,500–6,000+/year for property owners depending on property value; BZ$600–1,200/year for renters' contents cover
Hurricane coverage is critical—ensure your policy covers both wind and flood/storm surge damage. Coastal properties and cayes may have higher premiums or limited coverage options. Start insurance shopping before June each year.
Local Private Health Insurance
Covers private hospital and clinic costs in Belize. Less expensive than international plans but does not typically include medevac or treatment abroad.
Who needs it: Budget-conscious expats in urban areas who supplement with emergency medevac from an international plan.
Annual cost: BZ$1,500–4,000/year for a basic individual plan
Local plans are more affordable but have lower coverage limits. Good as a supplement to a basic medevac-only international plan.
Comprehensive Motor Insurance
Covers damage to your own vehicle in addition to third-party liability, including theft and hurricane damage.
Who needs it: Anyone with a vehicle worth BZ$15,000+ who cannot self-insure against total loss.
Annual cost: BZ$700–2,000+/year depending on vehicle value
Particularly valuable during hurricane season (June–November). Check that storm surge and flooding are covered, not just wind damage.
Life Insurance
Provides a lump sum or income to dependants on the policyholder's death.
Who needs it: Expats with dependants or significant financial obligations in Belize or abroad.
Annual cost: BZ$1,500–6,000+/year depending on sum assured, age, and health
Consider whether your home-country life policy covers death while resident abroad. Many do not. A Belizean policy or an internationally portable policy may be needed.
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Never drive without at minimum third-party motor insurance—the fine and personal liability exposure is not worth the saving
Buy hurricane (homeowners/renters) insurance before June each year; coverage may be unavailable or very expensive once a storm watch is issued
For medevac insurance: read the fine print on how medevac is triggered—some policies require pre-authorisation which can be impossible in a real emergency
Keep all insurance certificates and policy documents in a waterproof bag with your passports and emergency documents—this is critical before hurricane season
SSB (Social Security Board) contributions provide basic sickness and maternity benefits for employees but do not substitute for private health insurance
Insurance
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