While the wildlife in Belize is beautiful and attracts many visitors from all over the world, travellers are urged to be aware of the risks that they pose. While visitors can drink water in most areas, it is wise to ask the locals if you are unsure, as it really does depend on the part of the country you are travelling in. In most urban areas tap water is filtered and considered safe to drink, however, bottled water is recommended and ice should be avoided.

While street food is usually safe, it does not ensure that you will not get a dose of Belize Belly, as the local microbes may be unusual enough to give your system fits. Local specialities such as Ceviche should be avoided in the first week; this is in order to give your body time to adjust.

When it rains in Belize water will sometimes settle and become potential breeding grounds for the Aedes Egypti mosquito and because the dengue fever is still around, it is necessary for travellers to protect themselves.

Most Belizeans are entitled to free or reduced cost health care at a system of government-run hospitals around the country and there are also certain doctors with private practices who render free services. A visit to the doctor will set you back approximately $15-$20 US, as well as the cost of any prescribed medicines. A day in hospital will cost you $20-$50 US.

In Belize today, practices such as Spiral C.T scans, X-ray services, mammogram, 4D ultrasound and bone mineral density are more readily available. Natural and herbal medicines are also traditional in Belize. The risk of cholera, typhoid and other serious diseases that are present in other regions are considered low in Belize. The honey bees in Belize are all virtually Africanised and are extremely dangerous, therefore bug spray is highly recommended.

Sand flies are present in mangrove swamp areas and in sand in certain areas, particularly in the Hopkins area, Caye Caulker, San Pedro and Placencia. While sand flies do not bother some people, their bites can cause leishmaniasis disease, causing sores that develop scars on the skin. It is recommended that if the sand fly bites do not seem to heal, that the visitor seeks out the help of a tropical medicine specialist. There are also several thousand cases of Malaria reported in Belize per annum; the areas affected are mainly in the South and remote areas of the North and West. Belize is also home to about two dozen poisonous snake varieties, nine of which are considered lethal, as well as scorpions responsible for very painful stings.

If you should require emergency medical care then you should call 911 for an ambulance.