Health Insurance System in Belgium

Belgium’s health insurance system is known for broad coverage and a high standard of care.

The health insurance system is financed by relying primarily on social security contributions and taxes, and thus the system guarantees all citizens access to full medical care without incurring heavy financial burdens.

We will present to you through Europedia 24 europedia24.com what is the health insurance system within Belgium, who are the categories eligible to obtain this system, and what are its types.

Categories allowed to obtain health insurance in Belgium

There is no specific group in Belgium that is entitled to obtain health insurance, because health insurance is compulsory for all residents. It includes all citizens, whether Belgian or foreigners residing in the country.

Accordingly, health insurance is considered necessary within Belgium in order to guarantee access to healthcare services, as well as to cover the costs associated with medical treatments and prescriptions.

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Types of health insurance in Belgium

Health insurance in Belgium is divided into two main types: public health insurance and private health insurance, and both aim to provide all services to all citizens within the country.

General health insurance in Belgium

Public health insurance in Belgium is also called Mutual Benefit, and is a health insurance program that aims to provide universal coverage to the majority of Belgian citizens.

This type of health insurance in Belgium is subject to the supervision of the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance, and is provided to a number of specific categories, which are as follows:

1. Employees, self-employed people and their families.
2. Students.
3. Unemployed individuals.
4. People receiving social benefits.

Public health insurance in Belgium bears many of the costs of health care services for these aforementioned groups. The health care services covered by public health insurance are as follows:

• Doctor visits.
• Hospital stay.
• Surgical operations.
• Prescribed medications.
• Obtaining preventive care such as vaccinations and others.
• Providing specialized treatments.
• Rehabilitation.
• Mental health services.

But the most important question remains: How to apply for public health insurance in Belgium? There is no need to worry, as it is very easy.

People wishing to apply for public health insurance in Belgium must choose a mutual scheme in order to enroll, as there are several exchanges available and each offers similar coverage with some differences in benefits and services.

However, when choosing a public health insurance provider, you must take into account many basic things that will help you make the right choice, which are the following:

1. The location of the office must be taken into account.
2. Check the availability of services in your preferred language.
3. Learn about the additional benefits and services that can be provided.
4. Compare the services and payment rates provided to choose the best.

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Private health insurance in Belgium

Private health insurance is the second type of health insurance in Belgium, which individuals resort to in order to complete health insurance coverage, which public insurance cannot cover.

The choice of private health insurance in Belgium is up to each person’s decision, it is not mandatory, and it provides many additional benefits and services compared to the public health system.

Some of the services provided by private health insurance are access to alternative treatments, as well as more comprehensive coverage for dental and vision care.

Of course, Belgium includes many private health insurance companies that provide many additional services and benefits, especially for the benefit of people who hold the insurance policy. For example, these companies include the following:

• AG Insurance Company.
• DKV Belgium company.
• Vanbreda Risk & Benefits.
• Company Allianz Care.
• Bupa Global.
• Cigna Global.
• Globality Health.

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Health insurance fees in Belgium

Health insurance fees in Belgium vary from one person to another, based on their income, as health insurance fees are deducted based on a specific percentage of the individual’s income.

The fee is automatically deducted from the salary or profits of self-employed workers, so this percentage varies from person to person based on income level and employment status.

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Steps for obtaining health insurance in Belgium

In order to obtain health insurance in Belgium, you must take a set of basic steps that will make it easier for you to apply. These steps are as follows:

1. Registration in Social Security, whether you are an employee, self-employed, or student, through the Social Security Fund of your choice, whether governmental or private, with the necessity of submitting the required documents, most notably the passport and residence permit.
2. You must join a health insurance plan, which is a non-profit organization that provides comprehensive health care coverage, with the required fees paid monthly.
3. Obtaining a health insurance card that contains personal and medical information, which gives you compensation ranging between 50% and 75% of health care cost coverage.
4. The necessity of choosing between public and private health insurance.
5. Obtaining supplementary or private health insurance if you initially choose public health insurance.

Health insurance in Belgium for refugees

The Belgian government is committed to providing full health care to refugees and migrants in the country, based on national health policies.

Refugees who hold temporary health residency in Belgium are entitled to obtain health insurance in Belgium, which includes general medicine and specialized services.

Most humanitarian organizations and private medical clinics also provide special health programs for refugees, which include routine check-ups.

This is not limited to medical care only, but most centers also provide psychological treatment, especially for people who need psychological support.

Health centers and humanitarian organizations are keen to provide health services to refugees who are irregular or do not have legal status, in addition to programs aimed at educating refugees about health and disease prevention.

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Important tips for obtaining health care in Belgium

In case you want to obtain health insurance in Belgium, and benefit from full health and medical care in the country, you should follow the following tips:

1. It is necessary to choose a health care provider, whether a doctor, hospital, or pharmacy, to meet your needs.
2. Make sure to bring your health insurance card and ID card when visiting a health care provider.
3. You must obtain an itemized bill for the health services you receive.
4. It is necessary to adhere to the doctor’s instructions and adhere to appointments for booking and receiving medications.

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Frequently asked questions about health insurance in Belgium

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