Belgium Medical Insurance
Those moving or travelling to Belgium will undoubtedly have many questions regarding how the Belgian healthcare system works, as well as whether private health insurance is necessary. This guide provides information about health insurance in Belgium for foreigners and locals, as well as about the country’s healthcare system. Read on to learn more, or click below to obtain a no-obligation, free quote.
Healthcare system in Belgium
The quality of healthcare in Belgium is of an extremely high standard. Belgian hospitals and medical facilities routinely rank among the best in Europe. Belgium has an extremely well-rounded healthcare system, and is able to provide high-quality treatment; there is even a pharmacy rotation throughout the country ensuring that in any given area you should be able to obtain medicine 24 hours a day. However, it is worth noting that almost all dentists are private and not covered under the national insurance fund.
The medical system in the country is funded through a government-run mandatory insurance scheme, the premiums for which are automatically deducted from an individual's salary. This state-run insurance will typically reimburse up to 75% of the costs associated with treatment, which is one of the reasons that Belgium also has a booming insurance industry, where people obtain top-up and private policies with higher levels of coverage than the mandatory insurance provides.
For example, inpatient care comes at a fixed daily cost, and you pay for additional medicines, tests and treatments individually. Both Belgian nationals and foreigners with state-funded insurance will have to pay anything that exceeds the public health insurance limits.
Belgium health insurance for expats
When a foreign national gains employment in Belgium, they are required to choose between joining the national health insurance scheme or obtaining private health insurance. The reason for this legislation is due to the fact that Belgian hospitals are extremely expensive, and if an individual does not have health insurance they will likely not be able to afford treatment at one of these medical facilities, so the Belgian government is ensuring that all individuals in the country are able to afford, and have access to, quality healthcare services.
In order for a foreign national to join one of the national insurance funds, they must obtain written confirmation from their employer stating that they work and live in Belgium. After this, it is up to the individual to choose which insurance fund they would like to be covered by. Though this may seem like a difficult choice, as many of the insurance funds in Belgium are linked to a specific religion or political party, there are virtually no differences between the state-run insurance funds due to all the government legislation imposed on those policies.
However, many foreign nationals choose not to obtain coverage with the Belgian national insurance scheme due to the fact that it will not provide coverage outside of the country and opt for the international private health insurance option instead. International policies will cover them not only in Belgium but also in other countries, making it a preferred choice for expatriates planning to travel often.
Can I use an EHIC card in Belgium?
Temporary visitors to Belgium from the EU/EEA/Switzerland can receive discounted healthcare through their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), as per the agreement between their country and Belgium. There are certain healthcare costs that EHIC doesn’t cover, such as medical transport back to your home country, mountain rescue, or private treatment. Those without an EHIC and visitors from outside the EU will need to purchase private health insurance for Belgium.
Private health insurance in Belgium
We can provide comprehensive Belgium expat health insurance plans to foreign nationals in Belgium that will afford you with the highest levels of coverage available. Plans that we provide are globally portable and guaranteed renewable for life, giving you the assurance that no matter what happens you will always have the coverage that you need. Plans can be tailored to meet your exact requirements and in many cases, we are able to offer Belgium international health insurance policies with no deductibles or excesses.
In addition to this, the policies will offer you a number of additional benefits including coverage for out-patient treatment, dental and maternity protection, complementary medicines, specialist consultations, alternative therapies and emergency evacuation. All of these give you the assurance that no matter what happens and where in the world, you will always have the protection that you need. Contact us today for a free quote and insurance consultation!
