Belgium’s healthcare system is one of the best in Europe. It receives generous funding from Belgium’s compulsory health insurance and social security contributions. Provides nearly universal coverage. His 99% of Belgian residents have access to public health care, according to OECD data. The 2019 Healthcare Index ranked Belgium 9th out of 89 countries for the overall quality of its healthcare system. Austria, Denmark, Spain, and France are the only top-rank countries in Europe. Health insurance in Belgium 2023
Who needs health insurance in Belgium?
Residents of Belgium usually have state-subsidized health insurance. This allows you to apply for partial reimbursement of treatment costs in Belgium and other European countries.
To cover the personal portion of medical costs (ie to claim 100% of the costs), some Belgian residents also have additional private insurance.
Belgian public health insurance
Belgian public health insurance is partially funded by social security contributions. For this reason, Belgian residents must first register with the Social Security Office before they can access public health care.
After registering for social security, you must register for one of Belgium’s various public health insurance schemes. These are known as mutually (French) or ziekenfonds (Dutch). Residents who wish to enroll in health insurance are required to enroll in one of these schemes.
Enrolling in one of these schemes reimburses a patient from 50% to 75% of her medical expenses.
Who has public health insurance in Belgium?
Employers and self-employed workers: All foreigners are required to join the national health insurance scheme or private health insurance when starting work in Belgium. You must provide proof of insurance. The same rules apply to Belgian self-employed persons.
Spouses and children: Employees with Belgian health insurance are automatically covered for children up to the age of 18 and dependent spouses (if there is no spouse of their own).
students: EU students have statutory health insurance in their country. Non-EU students should check if their country has an agreement with Belgium. Those who do not qualify for compensation will have to purchase it themselves.
Pensioners and unemployed persons: Pensioners living abroad can access Belgian National Health Insurance through their home country. Check your eligibility before moving to Belgium, as you will need to provide proof of health insurance when registering your residence.
Short-term visitors: her EU/EEA and Swiss citizens planning a short-term stay can get free or discounted emergency treatment in Belgium with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Other visitors can check the requirements at the Belgian embassy in their home country. In some cases, private insurance may be required before a Belgian visa or permit is granted.
Non-EU Citizens: Belgium has agreements with more than 20 non-European countries. These include Canada, Australia, the USA, and Japan. This guarantees the same access to healthcare as Belgians. For more information, see Entry into Belgium.
Who is covere by Belgian public health insurance?
Doctors and hospital consultations: Anyone wishing to seek treatment in Belgium can visit any doctor or hospital, regardless of location or referral. This is especially beneficial for foreign nationals who have received a referral to a quality English-speaking doctor from their peers. Read more about Belgian doctors.
Dental Care: Dental care in Belgium is partially reimbursed if the dentist is on a government-approved list. For more advanced treatments, such as crowns and bridges, dentists usually give different estimates for the work required. These require insurance company approval.
Maternity Benefits: Belgian health insurance covers the costs of giving birth in Belgium, provided you have taken out insurance for a sufficient period of time. Read more about giving birth in Belgium.
How to Apply for Statutory Health Insurance
Once you have completed your resident registration at your local city office, you will be issued a Belgian eID card (electronic ID card).
Your eID is your official ID. All Belgian residents over the age of 15 must carry it at all times. It can be use for a variety of purposes, such as enabling doctors in Belgium. Belgian hospitals to check their insurance status digitally.
Belgian social security must be paid before choosing a health insurance company. Your employer can enroll you in Social Security. Otherwise, you can register at your nearest social security office. Read how to register for Belgian Social Security. The Belgian government also provides detailed guides.
How to choose a public health insurance company
Mutuelles in Belgium cover most medical care, including specialists, hospitals, prescriptions, pregnancy, and maternity.
You must wait 6 months after registration to be eligible for medical reimbursement. However, if he had statutory health insurance in another EU member state in the last six months, he can skip the six-month waiting period.
The largest mutual aid in Belgium is:
In Belgium, Mutuelles only covers up to 75% of his medical bills, but many residents also have private health insurance to cover the rest. This is especially helpful if you have pre-existing medical conditions.
Some employers also offer supplemental health insurance as part of their benefits package. In this case, check if the premium offered covers your actual medical needs.
Private health insurance costs vary. That’s why it’s important to thoroughly research your options before subscribing to a particular package.
If you have children, please consider our special Family Her package to keep your overall costs down. Unlike statutory health insurance, children typically do not have private insurance.
If you travel a lot, we recommend that you purchase a package that covers medical expenses abroad. Please note that EU citizens can use the EHIC card when seeking medical assistance within the EU.