Quick Start: What You Need to Know
If you're new to Belgium, here's the short version:
- Register in Belgium and obtain your residence documents.
- Join a Belgian Health Insurance Fund (HIF) (called a ziekenfonds or mutualiteit).
- Pay your membership contribution if applicable.
- Visit a doctor when needed and keep any receipts.
- Submit costs for reimbursement through your health insurance fund.
- Check whether your employer provides hospitalization insurance.
- Explore any extra benefits your HIF offers, such as sports club reimbursements, wellness allowances, or family benefits.
How Healthcare Works in Belgium
Belgium has a high-quality healthcare system that is linked to the country's social security system. Most people who work in Belgium contribute to social security through deductions from their salary. These contributions help fund healthcare reimbursements, pensions, unemployment benefits, and other social protections.
Healthcare in Belgium is not completely free. In most cases:
- You pay the healthcare provider directly.
- Your health insurance fund reimburses part of the cost afterward.
- The amount reimbursed is set by law and is generally the same regardless of which public health insurance fund you choose.
For example, if you visit a GP, specialist, or buy prescription medication, you usually pay upfront and receive a reimbursement later through your health insurance fund.
Who Needs Health Insurance in Belgium?
Anyone who lives and/or works in Belgium is legally required to be affiliated with a health insurance fund.
There are two main ways to be registered:
Beneficiary (Rechthebbende)
A beneficiary is someone who:
- Lives in Belgium
- Works in Belgium
- Studies in Belgium under certain conditions
- Receives qualifying benefits
Dependent (Persoon ten laste)
A dependent is a family member who is covered through someone else's insurance, such as:
- A spouse or partner
- Children
- In some situations, other dependent family members living in the household
What About EU Citizens?
If you work in another EU country or Switzerland and remain insured there, you may continue to be covered during that period. Make sure you have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Choosing a Health Insurance Fund in Belgium
You are free to choose the health insurance fund that best fits your needs. While the legally required reimbursements are the same across all public health insurance funds, the additional benefits can differ significantly.
Option 1: Mutual Health Insurance Funds
There are several large health insurance organizations in Belgium.
Advantages:
- Additional benefits and services
- Extra reimbursements
- Wellness and prevention programs
- Family support services
Disadvantages:
- Monthly membership contribution required
Option 2: HZIV / CAAMI
The government-run health insurance fund.
Advantages:
- No membership fee
- Covers mandatory healthcare reimbursements
Disadvantages:
- No additional benefits or supplementary services
Which Health Insurance Fund Is Best for Internationals?
The right choice depends on:
- Your family situation
- Your budget
- The extra benefits you value
- Whether you prefer English-language services
Many internationals choose providers such as CM or Helan because they offer information and support in English.
Tip: Compare benefits carefully before making a decision. Some funds offer reimbursements for sports memberships, wellness treatments, children's activities, vaccinations, and more.
Want to read more about whether your HIF is a good value for your money? Check out this article.
What Does Your Health Insurance Fund Cover?
Once you are registered and your membership is active, your health insurance fund can help reimburse costs related to:
- GP visits
- Specialist consultations
- Prescription medication
- Hospital stays
- Pregnancy and maternity care
- Certain medical treatments and therapies
Depending on the fund you choose, you may also receive additional reimbursements for:
- Sports and fitness memberships
- Preventive healthcare
- Children's activities
- Mental health support
- Wellness services
How Reimbursements Work
The reimbursement process is usually straightforward:
Step 1
Visit your doctor, specialist, pharmacy, or healthcare provider.
Step 2
Pay any required costs.
Step 3
If reimbursement is not processed automatically, submit your receipt through your health insurance fund's online platform, mobile app, or local office.
Step 4
Receive reimbursement directly into your bank account.
Many healthcare providers in Belgium now submit information electronically, making the reimbursement process faster and easier.
Do You Need Hospitalization Insurance?
Basic health insurance covers many healthcare costs, but it does not cover everything.
Hospitalization insurance (hospitalisatieverzekering) is optional supplementary insurance that provides additional protection if you are admitted to hospital.
Benefits may include:
- Better coverage of hospital expenses
- Access to a private room
- Coverage for certain treatments linked to a serious illness
- Follow-up care and rehabilitation support
Check Your Employment Package
Many employers in Belgium offer hospitalization insurance as an employee benefit.
Before purchasing a separate policy, ask your HR department whether you are already covered through your employer.
Helpful Dutch Vocabulary
| Dutch | English |
|---|---|
| Ziekenfonds / Mutualiteit | Health Insurance Fund |
| Gezondheidszorg | Healthcare |
| Huisarts (HA) | General Practitioner (GP) |
| Specialist | Specialist Doctor |
| Apotheek | Pharmacy |
| Apotheekker / Apotheker | Pharmacist |
| Voorschrift | Prescription |
| Terugbetaling | Reimbursement |
| Ziekenhuis | Hospital |
| Spoedgevallen | Emergency Department |
| Hospitalisatieverzekering | Hospitalization Insurance |
| Persoon ten laste | Dependent |
| Rechthebbende | Beneficiary |
| Europese ziekteverzekeringskaart (EHIC) | European Health Insurance Card |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is health insurance mandatory in Belgium?
Yes. Anyone who lives and/or works in Belgium is generally required to join a health insurance fund.
Is healthcare free in Belgium?
No. Most healthcare services require you to pay part of the cost yourself. Your health insurance fund then reimburses a portion of the expense.
Can I choose my own health insurance fund?
Yes. You are free to choose any health insurance fund operating in Belgium.
Are reimbursements the same for every health insurance fund?
The legally required reimbursements are the same. However, supplementary benefits differ between funds.
What is the difference between basic health insurance and hospitalization insurance?
Basic health insurance is mandatory and covers standard healthcare costs. Hospitalization insurance is optional and provides additional coverage for hospital stays and related expenses.
Do children need their own health insurance fund?
Children are generally covered as dependents and do not pay membership fees.
Which health insurance fund is best for internationals?
There is no single best option. Many internationals choose CM or Helan because of their English-language services, but the right choice depends on your personal needs and preferred benefits.
Helpful Resources
- Compare Belgian health insurance funds
- CM International
- Helan
- Health insurance companies (Dutch and French only)
- Belgian Federal Public Service Health
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Last tip: Don't wait until you need medical care to arrange your health insurance. Register with a health insurance fund as soon as possible after settling in Belgium so you can access healthcare and reimbursements when you need them.