Medicine in Belgium is considered one of the most organized and effective in Europe. The healthcare system here combines a high level of service, accessibility of medical care and compulsory health insurance. Both for Belgians themselves and for foreigners living or temporarily staying in the country, medical services are provided at a decent level. Private and public institutions actively cooperate, providing patients with a wide choice of specialists and clinics.
How the healthcare system works in Belgium
The Belgian healthcare system is based on compulsory health insurance, which can be supplemented by private policies. The costs of treatment are shared between the state, insurance funds and the patients themselves. Services are provided by both public and private institutions, and patients have the freedom to choose a doctor and a clinic.
The main components of the healthcare system in Belgium are:
- Compulsory health insurance through one of the accredited health insurance funds.
- Health insurance funds (mutuelles) that cover part of the cost of treatment and manage reimbursements.
- Co-financing principle: the patient pays for part of the services, the rest is covered by insurance.
- Additional private insurance – for extended coverage including dental care and luxury rooms.
- Public and private clinics operating according to uniform quality standards.
- Elements of medical reform: digitalization, electronic patient records, development of telemedicine.
- Free choice of doctor and institution without referrals.
- An electronic prescription system that simplifies the issuance and reimbursement of medications.
The Belgian healthcare system is considered one of the most efficient in Europe. Patients have access to quality services at reasonable costs. The ability to choose a doctor and type of insurance makes medicine in the country comfortable and flexible.
Interesting fact: even in a private clinic, a doctor in Belgium is required to inform the patient of the cost of the appointment in advance in order to avoid unexpected costs for the patient.
Health insurance in Belgium
Health insurance in Belgium is a must for residents and a welcome precaution for tourists. Without it, you cannot receive full reimbursement for medical services and prescriptions. Insurance is usually arranged through one of the accredited health funds, and private policies are available for extended coverage.
What you need to know about health insurance in Belgium:
- Compulsory insurance is required for all residents, including students and employees.
- Tourists are advised to take out international travel insurance before their trip.
- For residents, insurance is provided through health insurance funds (mutuelle / mutualité) such as Partenamut, Helan, OZ, etc.
- The registration procedure includes registration at the cash desk, signing the insurance contract and receiving the card.
- Monthly premiums depend on income, status (employed/unemployed) and type of insurance.
- Basic insurance covers consultations, hospitalization, some medications and tests.
- Private insurance may cover dental care, private rooms, treatment abroad and services not included in the standard package.
- Travel insurance costs between 20 and 80 euros per trip, depending on the duration and risks covered.
- Student insurance packages are often provided by universities or local insurance companies at reduced rates.
- The validity period of basic insurance is unlimited with regular payments, while tourist insurance is limited to the dates of the trip.
Taking out health insurance is an important step when moving or staying in Belgium for a long time. It guarantees access to medical care and protection against unexpected expenses. It is best to study the conditions of different insurance companies and funds in advance to choose the right option.
Interesting fact: in Belgium you can change your health insurance fund once a year without any fines or loss of insurance coverage.
Public and private clinics
In Belgium, the healthcare system includes both public and private healthcare facilities. The differences between them are in cost, speed of service and accessibility. Public hospitals often offer more affordable care but may require a long wait, while private clinics offer faster service but at a higher cost. To make an appointment, you can use online services or call by phone, and private clinics often also offer online booking options.
The main public and private healthcare institutions in Belgium are:
- Public hospitals:
- University Hospital of Brussels (UZ Brussel)
Address: Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels
Phone: +32 2 477 51 11 Website: uzbrussel.be
Comment: A large university medical centre providing a wide range of services. - Saint-Pierre Hospital
Address: Rue Haute 318, 1000 Brussels
Phone: +32 2 535 33 11Website: hopitalSaintPierre.be
Comment: Renowned for its highly qualified medical care and innovative treatment methods. - Hospital Vivantes (CHU Vivantes)
Address: Rue de la Paroisse 53, 1000 Brussels
Phone: +32 2 226 56 00
Website: chuv.be
Comment: Specializes in a number of medical fields, including cardiology and oncology.
- University Hospital of Brussels (UZ Brussel)
- Private clinics:
- Clinic Saint-Jean
Address: Rue Saint-Jean 127, 1000 Brussels
Phone: +32 2 506 47 11Website: cliniqueSaintJean.be
Comment: Offers premium services with a personalized approach and fast service. - Private clinic ” Kliniek Sint-Jan »
Address: Ieperseweg 14, 8400 Oostende
Phone: +32 59 50 32 00Website: kliniek-sintjan.be
Comment: Modern private clinic with an extensive network of doctors and comfortable conditions. - Clinic « Medicine Douce »
Address: Chaussee de Wavre 451, 1050 Brussels
Phone: +32 2 732 74 64Website: medicinedouce.be
Comment: Specializes in alternative medicine, which attracts patients looking for natural treatments.
- Clinic Saint-Jean
Both public and private clinics in Belgium offer a wide range of medical services. Public institutions provide affordable services but may require a long wait, while private clinics offer high-quality services but at a higher cost. The choice between them depends on your preferences, financial capabilities and the urgency of the medical care.
Interesting fact: in many private clinics in Belgium you can choose the doctor with whom you want to undergo examination or treatment, which allows you to personalize the process.
Cost of medical services
The Belgian healthcare system combines government regulation and private initiative, which affects the cost of medical services. Most services are partially reimbursed through compulsory health insurance, but patients pay part of the amount themselves. Costs depend on the patient’s status (resident or tourist), the category of doctor (conventional or not) and the presence of additional insurance.
Approximate cost of medical services in Belgium:
| Service | Minimum cost (EUR) | Maximum price (EUR) | What does insurance cover? |
| Appointment with a general practitioner | 25 | 35 | Up to 75% of the cost |
| Appointment with a specialist | 45 | 80 | Up to 70% with a referral |
| Blood test | 10 | 40 | Up to 80%, depends on analysis |
| X-ray | 25 | 100 | Up to 70% if prescribed by a doctor |
| Dental treatment | 30 | 200+ | Partially, depending on the service |
| Operations (minor) | 300 | 2,000 | A significant proportion during hospitalization |
| Hospitalization (1 day) | 150 | 600 | Up to 80%, with a referral |
| Childbirth | 500 | 2,000 | Up to 80%, with additional insurance – more |
| Private ambulance | 100 | 200 | May not be covered |
| Psychotherapy (1 session) | 45 | 90 | Usually not covered |
The cost of medical services in Belgium is not the lowest, but thanks to the insurance system, expenses can be significantly reduced. Most citizens and residents receive reimbursement from the health insurance fund, but it is important to keep receipts and certificates. For tourists, the costs are higher, especially without insurance, so it is better to take out a medical policy with international coverage in advance.
Interesting fact: if a doctor is conventional (works under an agreement with the state), his rates are strictly regulated, and you get a higher percentage of return.
Emergency medical care
In Belgium, the emergency system works quickly and smoothly, regardless of the patient’s nationality. In case of a life-threatening or serious condition, you should call an ambulance on the general European number 112. Services respond quickly, and the staff speak several languages, including English and French. Foreigners are also provided assistance, but it is important to have an insurance policy with you.
Contacts and actions in emergency cases:
- Emergency number: 112 (single number for ambulance, fire and police, free, works throughout the country)
- Ambulance: when calling 112, you must clearly state:
- your location (city, street, landmarks)
- type of incident (illness, injury, loss of consciousness, etc.)
- condition of the victim
- language of communication
- Emergency care in hospital: you can go directly to the Urgences (French) / Spoedgevallen (Dutch) department at your nearest hospital
- For foreigners without insurance: assistance will still be provided, but the bill will be issued later; partial compensation is possible upon return to your home country
- Pharmacies on duty at night and on weekends: you can find out on the website apotheek.be or by calling 0903 99 000
- Medical information helpline: 1733 (non-emergency medical care – consultation that does not require an immediate ambulance call)
- Home doctor consultation: available through emergency services, especially at night and on weekends
In emergency situations in Belgium, you can count on professional medical assistance. The main thing is not to panic, clearly explain the situation to the operator and follow the instructions. Even without knowledge of French or Dutch, you will be able to communicate with the dispatcher thanks to the multilingual service.
Interesting fact: number 112 works without a SIM card and even from a locked phone – the main thing is that there is a network signal.
Pharmacies and buying medicines in Belgium
In Belgium, pharmacies are an important part of the healthcare system. Most medicines, including those that are sold over the counter in other countries, can only be purchased with a prescription. Pharmacies are open until evening on weekdays, but there are always pharmacists on duty who are open at night, on weekends and on holidays. Pharmacies often speak English and can provide basic advice.
How to order and receive medications:
- Opening hours: pharmacies are usually open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 18:30 (sometimes until 19:00), on Saturdays – until lunchtime
- Pharmacies on duty (pharmacie de garde / apotheek van watch):
- work at night and on weekends
- information can be found on the window of any pharmacy, by calling 0903 99 000 or on the website apotheek.be
- Over-the-counter drugs:
- antipyretics, painkillers, vitamins, cold and allergy remedies can be purchased without a prescription
- Prescription drugs:
- can only be purchased with a prescription from a Belgian doctor
- the electronic prescription is sent directly to the pharmacy, the patient is informed of the code
- Where to get the recipe:
- during a consultation with a general practitioner or specialist
- in emergency cases – in the Urgences department
- Service language:
- many pharmacists speak english
- packaging and instructions are often only available in Dutch or French
- Online order:
- Prescription drugs are not sold online
- vitamins and dietary supplements can be ordered with delivery on the pharmacy website
- Price:
- part of the cost is compensated through the insurance system
- When paying, you are asked to present an eID or SIS card (insurance)
In Belgium, it is easy to get the medication you need, but it is important to take into account the restrictions: most drugs require a prescription. Check in advance whether the medicine you need is available, especially if it is a specific one. And don’t forget to keep your prescription and insurance card with you.
Interesting fact: some pharmacies have a machine where you can get medications after closing time – with a prescription and a code.
Medicine for immigrants and tourists
It is important for foreigners in Belgium to understand in advance how the healthcare system works and what is required to receive medical care. Tourists are advised to take out insurance before arrival, as medical services without it will be expensive. Immigrants who have received a residence permit are required to join the compulsory health insurance system and choose a health insurance fund.
Features of medicine for tourists and immigrants in Belgium:
- Tourists:
- For a short-term visit, travel insurance is required
- A visa to the Schengen countries requires a policy worth at least 30,000 euros
- without insurance everything is paid independently at full cost
- In emergency cases, assistance is provided regardless of the presence of insurance, but an invoice is issued
- Immigrants:
- When moving to Belgium, you must take out compulsory health insurance
- the insurance policy is issued through one of the health insurance funds (mutual / mutualiteit)
- until the insurance is activated, you can get temporary insurance through private companies
- European EHIC card:
- EU citizens can benefit from healthcare with the EHIC card
- coverage is limited: only emergencies and basic expenses
- Private policies:
- to cover additional expenses (dentistry, private clinics, luxury ward) additional insurance is taken out
- Language barrier:
- Most institutions speak French, Dutch and English
- It is useful for tourists to have a translation of the names of chronic diseases and medications taken
- Support for migrants:
- In large cities, there are community health centers and NGOs that help undocumented migrants.
Both tourists and immigrants in Belgium can receive quality medical care, but the approach to organization is different. Tourists should think about insurance in advance, and immigrants should immediately join the compulsory insurance system. It is also useful to learn about private policies and the specifics of local clinics.
Tip: Many private clinics offer faster appointments than public ones, even for foreigners with temporary insurance.
Useful tips
- How to find a suitable doctor in Belgium?
It is best to look for a doctor through the website of the health insurance fund, recommendations from friends or the Doctena.be service. It is important to consider the language of communication, the area and the doctor’s specialization. - Do I need to make an appointment in advance?
Yes, especially if it is a private clinic or a specialist appointment. Online booking is the most convenient way. - Where to look for a clinic or doctor online?
Sites like www.doctena.be , www.mutualites.be , www.sante.belgique.be allow you to find a doctor, make an appointment and even find out the cost of services. - Is it possible to see a doctor without a referral?
To a general practitioner – yes. To most specialists – also possible, but the insurance fund may compensate a smaller amount without a prior referral. - What documents are required for admission?
A passport and health insurance card are usually sufficient. Immigrants and tourists should have their insurance and a copy of it with them. - How to get a medical card and where is it stored?
The medical card is created during the first visit to the doctor and is available through the digital eHealth system. The patient can control access to the data themselves. - What if I don’t speak French or Dutch?
Many doctors speak English, but if not, it’s worth getting a translator or writing down key phrases. In larger cities, help is more often available in English. - Is it possible to get a consultation online?
Yes, telemedicine is actively developing. Some doctors conduct video consultations through platforms like Doctena or Qare. - How to choose between a state and private clinic?
State ones are cheaper, but with queues. Private ones are faster, but more expensive – especially without additional insurance. - Is it possible to register a child with a pediatrician without local registration?
Yes, if you have insurance – even travel insurance. Some pediatricians accept patients without it, but the service will be paid.
The Belgian healthcare system is considered one of the most effective and accessible in Europe. Public and private clinics, a wide range of specialists, flexible insurance solutions and digital technologies make medical care convenient for both locals and foreigners. It is important to take into account the specifics of insurance, admission rules and language nuances.
Belgium shows that quality medicine can be organized wisely: co-financing, electronic services and highly qualified personnel work in favor of the patient. If you approach the issue consciously, health care here becomes truly comfortable and predictable.