Immigration and Health Insurance Requirements in
Belize
Immigration Requirements
Belize offers two types of Residence status, Temporary Residence and Permanent Residence.
Temporary Residence is for persons who have made or in the process of making a substantial commercial investment in Belize but due to commitments outside Belize cannot meet ordinary Permanent Residence restrictions.
A Temporary Residence status is given for a period of only one (1) year, and becomes renewable at the end of that given period.
For persons applying for Temporary Residence , you are required only to show evidence of investments in Belize valued at not less than BZ$500,000.or approximately US$250,000.
Permanent Residence is for persons who want to make Belize their home and will be staying in country for long period of time.
Eligibility Requirements:
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Have been legally residing in Belize for a minimum of 1 year at the time of submitting your application.
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During this year you have not left the country for more than 14 days in total.
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You must proof to the Immigration Office that you have been and you will be able to continue being financially stable.
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You have not been convicted by a competent court in any country of a criminal offence for which yo may have been liable to a sentence of imprisonment of twelve month or more and has not received a free pardon in respect of the offence.
This official government link in Belize that provides the most updated requirements:
https://immigration.gov.bz/residence/residence-qualify/
Health Insurance Requirements in Belize
Health insurance is not mandatory in Belize, but the government strongly recommends that all residents have international health insurance priced in USD or EUR to guard against medical inflation and ensure access to local and overseas medical care.
State Health Insurance System in Belize
The state health insurance system in Belize is called the Belize Social Security Board or SSB and it is a social insurance program that provides coverage to all citizens and permanent residents of Belize. SSB is funded through social security contributions deducted from wages.
The advantages of having AccessHMO Health Insurance membership in Belize
Your freedom to choose any licensed doctor for treatment.
Peace of mind in having solid Medical Evacuation coverage to, in case of medical emergency, fly to the nearest, more medically advanced facility in a nearby country such as Costa Rica, Mexico or the U.S. if necessary.
Access to private doctors and specialists including pediatrics
AccessHMO health insurance plans provide access to higher quality, English speaking medical facilities with board certified specialists.
Shorter waiting times for appointments and to schedule medical procedures
AccessHMO health insurance plans usually provide shorter waiting times for appointments and scheduling medical procedures. This saves our clients precious time to enjoy more of Belize.
Flexibility and Coordination
AccessHMO health insurance plans are tailored to the budget and needs of the individual clients which allows greater flexibility and choice of benefit and coverage levels.
In conclusion, while health insurance is not mandatory for residents in Belize, private health insurance offers greater coverage and benefits than SSB. It is important to compare different insurance options to find the plan that best fits your budget and needs.
AccessHMO’s licensed professionals stand ready to answer your questions and address your individual needs to find the most suitable health insurance plan with options such as medical evacuation from Belize for medical treatment back in the U.S. and also available for Canada or Europe.