Our family has always been fortunate to be covered by medical insurance. As I grew up in the U.S. I was mentally conditioned to gain and have medical insurance. In my family, getting a good job, meant a job with medical benefits. So when we moved to Belize, we terminated our $900 a month premium for U.S. medical insurance. Mentally, it was the hardest thing to give up. How could I live without medical insurance?
 |
| Dr. Sanchez's office |
Well, it had to happen at some point... I needed to see a medical doctor. This was a fear of mine as I was also mentally conditioned that the best medical care was only found in the U.S. I recently experienced a minor auto accident. I knew I had whiplash, but the headaches weren't going away. Also, I had recently experienced a high fever and stomach problems which I self treated with my "medical bag-o-tricks" I brought from the States. I'm not a doctor, I only have the knowledge of my past sicknesses and what my body responds best to. This stomach thing wasn't going totally away after 7 days. So with constant headaches and intestinal problems, I knew I had to find a doctor.
 |
| Dr. Jose Sanchez |
Here in Belize, you don't make an appointment for a doctors visit. You just go and wait your turn. When I heard this, I was picturing my many past experiences at the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles with never ending lines. I've also had many past experiences waiting hours for a doctor to see me when I had an "appointment". So you can imagine the thought of just going to the doctors office and waiting until it is your turn did not sit well with me. After a few recommendations from friends, I chose to see Dr. Jose Sanchez.
 |
| Dr. Sanchez' exam room |
Upon entering the door at Dr. Sanchez's office, I was greeted by the receptionist and Dr. Sanchez. He shook my hand, and we walked right back into his office/exam room. NO waiting! No long lines! Dr. Sanchez took time to learn about me and genuinely listened to me. He examined my neck, and stated I have a pulled neck muscle and it will take a bit longer for it to heal. But just out of precaution, he would like to order some x-rays. For my intestinal issues, I was honest that told him I started a broad-based antibiotic 5 days prior. If I was in the States, a typical doctor would be upset with me and question where did I get the antibiotics. But this wasn't the case. He actually told me I did the right thing and he was glad I started the antibiotics; stating the one I used was the one he would have chosen! He felt I may have a case of E-coli. He wanted to monitor the bacteria so he ordered some lab tests. After a 25 minute visit, my bill for Dr. Sanchez services was $20 U.S. I walked across the street to the lab, where I obtained the tests for $7.50 U.S., the results were ready in a hour, during which I ran some errands. After picking up the test results, I visited Dr. Sanchez for a second time, (this time my wait was 5 minutes), and he asked me to continue the antibiotics for a few more days and then retake the lab test.
To get the x-ray Dr. Sanchez made me an appointment at a lab in Belmopan (25 miles away) for the next day. In Belmopan the whole process took 40 minutes and I walked out with films and the x-ray results. Total radiologist bill...$27.50 U.S.
 |
| Lab Across the street from Doc. |
For the next few days, Dr. Sanchez had me re-take some labs to monitor the bacteria progress. After 15 days, I got a clean bill of health. I saw Dr. Sanchez four times, for which he only charged me for the first visit $20 US. I never waited longer than 10 minutes to see the doctor. I received 3 lab tests totaling $22.50 US, and a cervical x-ray for $27.50 US. Comparing these costs to when we were covered by medical insurance, my co-pays were equal or more than what I was charged here in Belize. In addition, no insurance hassles or approvals or waiting weeks to get an appointment. It was a no hassle experience. I actually have to say my Belize heath care experience has been more enjoyable here than back in the US!
Although there are some medications you must get a prescription for, I can easily obtain over the counter all my ongoing medicines prescribed in the U.S. My medicines, which would cost me $75 co-pay in the States, totals $7.50 US a month in Belize. Interesting.
A big sigh of relief and no more worries about seeing a doctor outside of the States. Actually, I'll be more apt to visit a doctor here in Belize, knowing all the hassles and waiting associated with US healthcare are not here.
