Resolutely European, Belgium’s rich cultural diversity and corresponding lifestyle are attractive to expatriates as they combine friendliness with simplicity. And when it comes to healthcare, Magritte’s homeland is not lagging behind its European neighbours: Belgium boasts the 5th best healthcare system in Europe. Standard-setting on all counts, it focuses on access, efficiency and quality healthcare… Here’s what you need to know about Belgium’s healthcare system.
3 things to know about Belgium healthcare
- 1. You often pay first, get reimbursed later. Unlike in many countries where the insurer pays the provider directly, Belgian patients often pay the consultation fee upfront and then receive a reimbursement from their health insurance fund (mutuelle/ziekenfonds).
- 2. You can usually see a specialist without a GP referral. In many healthcare systems, visiting a cardiologist, dermatologist, or other specialist requires a referral from your primary care doctor. In Belgium, patients generally have direct access to specialists and can choose whom they want to see.
- 3. Public and private medicine are heavily intermixed. Belgium’s healthcare system is publicly funded, yet much of the care is delivered by independent private practitioners and hospitals. Universal coverage and private provision coexist to a degree that surprises many newcomers.
Health insurance: Mandatory and nearly universal
In Belgium, around 99% of the population has health insurance coverage. Social security contributions fund access to the public healthcare system.
Both Belgian citizens and expatriates need to take out basic health insurance and register with one the five major Belgian mutual insurance funds (caisses de mutualité) or the Auxiliary Sickness Insurance Fund (CAAMI). These funds, which also offer supplementary insurance options, administer the basic social security system and act as intermediaries between patients and the INAMI (National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance).
While registration is compulsory, expatriates are free to choose the mutual insurance company that best suits their needs.
Ongoing reforms aiming to improve healthcare accessibility, quality and efficiency
Since 2014, Belgian authorities have launched several reforms of the healthcare system. At the heart of these changes is the restructuring of healthcare delivery, the promotion of integrated multidisciplinary care, patient empowerment, improved information exchanges between different care structures through the ‘e-Health’ plans, and the e-DMG (global medical files).
Significant changes are also ongoing in the hospital sector, with mergers of healthcare facilities and the reorganization of infrastructure to improve access and optimize efficiency. Belgium has a wide network of modern and well-equipped hospitals. Many public hospitals have university affiliations.
In the private sector, most facilities are religious, non-profit hospitals. These are integrated into the Belgian social security system and approved by national authorities.
Belgian health insurance registration
Registration with a Belgian mutual insurance fund is compulsory for all residents, including expatriate employees and self-employed workers. To be eligible for Belgian social security, you must first obtain a national registration number from your local municipality. If you are an employee, your employer will register you for the basic scheme: your contributions will then be directly deducted by the National Social Security Organisation (ONSS) from your salary. If this is not the case, you will need to register with the ONSS yourself. Once you are registered with the ONSS, you will receive your SIS (Social Identification System) card.
What is the cost of healthcare services in Belgium?
Like many European countries, the Belgian health insurance system covers approximately 75% of standard (conventional) medical fees, with patients paying the remaining portion.
The Maximum Billing System – Maximum à facturer – MàF – limits the total annual out-of-pocket healthcare expenses per household based on the patients’ income. Once you exceed this threshold, health insurance covers 100% of additional costs.
However, if the healthcare practitioner charges additional fees (up to 300%), common in Belgium, these extra costs are not included in the MàF and must be entirely paid by the patient.
Reimbursement rates can vary depending on the patient’s insurance status, the doctor’s accreditation status and the mutual insurance fund.
The average cost of a consultation with a general practitioner is around €27 and €50 with a specialist. For more information on the cost of healthcare services and reimbursements, click here!
Freedom of choice
In Belgium, patients enjoy complete freedom to choose their healthcare providers both general practitioners and specialists. No need for a referral in order to access a specialist as in the French healthcare system.
Healthcare services are provided by both public and private institutions and by individual practitioners on a fee-for-service basis. Some providers offer fixed INAMI rates while others do not and may charge additional fees.
The best hospitals in Belgium
- UK Leuven (Leuven)
- UZ Gent (Ghent)
- Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc (Brussels)
- UZA, Antwerp
- CHU UCL Namur
Global Health: your trusted health partner in Belgium
Many expatriates in Belgium, Europe and around the world choose to opt for comprehensive, effective and tailor-made private international health insurance.
Global Health specializes in health insurance for expats and offers flexible, effective insurance plans valid both in Belgium and worldwide. With several levels of coverage, our policies can be tailored to your individual needs, preferences, and life plans. Our offer is effective from the first euro spent and includes a wide range of healthcare services, giving you the freedom to choose your preferred healthcare provider anywhere in the world.
Contact our experts today to find the best coverage for your relocation to Belgium!
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