Health Insurance in Belgium, Europe

Information expatriation

Capital City: Brussels
Total area: 32,545 km2
Population: 10,584,534 (2007)
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +32 xxx

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Belgium

Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk: World Health Map
BLOG: Expat Health insurance Information

Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:

·      Belgium has a universal healthcare system that provides coverage for all residents through compulsory health insurance.

·      It is funded through mandatory contributions from employers and employees, as well as general tax revenue.

·      Citizens are free to choose between mutual health insurance funds that contract with doctors and hospitals.

·      Primary care is delivered through private practices of general practitioners (GPs) who act as gatekeepers.

·      Hospitals offer secondary and tertiary care both on an inpatient and outpatient basis.

·      The system focuses on high quality primary care, universal coverage and equal access.

·      Healthcare spending accounts for over 10% of GDP with life expectancy above the EU average.

·      Private health insurance provides additional benefits like faster elective care access.

·      Long-term sustainability challenges exist due to aging costs and a shortage of doctors/nurses.

·      Reforms aim to control pharmaceutical spending, invest in preventative care and digitize records.

·      Out-of-pocket costs still impact the poorest groups for dental, optical or home care.

Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:

·      Obtain mandatory health insurance (usually through employer) for access to public system.

·      Register with a general practitioner (GP) who will provide primary care and referrals.

·      Consider supplemental private insurance for faster specialist access or coverage abroad.

·      Bring adequate supplies of any prescription medications, as some may require approval.

·      Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date, especially for travelers/tropical diseases.

·      Only drink bottled, boiled or filtered water as a precaution.

·      Learn some basic medical terms in French, Dutch or English for communicating needs.

·      Monitor lifestyle/climate adjustments and potential impacts on health.

·      Rural areas have fewer after-hours services - choose a major city if possible.

·      Register address with your embassy in case medical evacuation is required abroad.

·      Consider costs of urgent specialty care not covered locally if needing treatment offshore.