Quick Start: Emergency Care in Belgium
Life-threatening emergency?
Call 112 immediately for an ambulance, fire brigade, or emergency assistance. You can also go directly to the nearest hospital emergency department (ER).
Need urgent medical care, but it's not life-threatening?
- During office hours: Contact your general practitioner (GP)/huisarts
- Evenings, weekends, or public holidays: Call 1733
- You can also visit www.w8post.be to find the most appropriate out-of-hours medical service.
Helpful App
Download the official 112 BE app. It allows you to contact emergency services quickly and can share your location when needed.
When Should You Call 112?
Call 112 if someone is experiencing a serious or potentially life-threatening condition, such as:
- Severe chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Serious injuries after an accident
- Heavy bleeding
- Signs of a stroke
- Severe allergic reactions
An ambulance can be dispatched to your location and transport you to the nearest appropriate hospital. Belgium charges a fixed ambulance fee, regardless of the distance travelled.
What to Do for Non-Emergency Medical Problems
Not every medical issue requires a trip to the emergency room.
During Office Hours
Your first point of contact should be your general practitioner (GP), known in Dutch as a huisarts. Your GP can:
- Diagnose most health concerns
- Prescribe medication
- Refer you to specialists if needed
- Provide follow-up care
Outside Office Hours
If your GP is unavailable:
Call 1733
The 1733 service helps residents find urgent medical assistance when GP practices are closed. This includes:
- Evenings
- Nights
- Weekends
- Public holidays
Visit the Out-of-Hours GP Service
Use www.w8post.be to find the appropriate after-hours medical service near you. The website is available in English and can direct you to the best care option for your situation.
Emergency Rooms in Leuven
Leuven has two hospitals with 24/7 emergency departments.
Heilig Hart Leuven
Regional Hospital Heilig Hart
Consciencestraat, 3000 Leuven
This hospital offers emergency care around the clock for urgent medical situations.
UZ Leuven Gasthuisberg
University Hospital UZ Leuven Gasthuisberg
Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven
One of Belgium's largest university hospitals, providing emergency medical services 24 hours a day.
What Happens at the Emergency Room?
When you arrive at the emergency department:
- A healthcare professional will assess your condition.
- Cases are prioritised according to medical urgency.
- Patients with less severe conditions may experience longer waiting times.
- Treatment is provided as needed.
- You may either:
- Be discharged and referred back to your GP, or
- Be admitted to the hospital for further treatment.
Language Support
Both emergency departments in Leuven can assist patients in English. If another language is required, staff will help find an appropriate solution whenever possible.
What Should You Bring?
If possible, bring:
- Your ID card, passport, or residence permit
- Health insurance information
- Hospitalisation insurance details (if applicable)
- Debit or bank card
- Any relevant medical documents
Work-Related Accidents
If your injury occurred at work, bring the documents provided by your employer so the insurance company can process your claim correctly.
Understanding Emergency Medical Bills in Belgium
Unlike some countries, you usually do not pay immediately at the emergency room.
Instead:
- The hospital sends an invoice afterward.
- If you are covered by Belgian health insurance, part of the cost may be reimbursed.
- If you have hospitalisation insurance, additional coverage may apply.
- If you do not have health insurance, you may be responsible for the full cost of treatment.
Finding an Emergency Pharmacy
Need medication urgently?
Belgium operates a rotating system of on-call pharmacies (wachtdienst apotheek).
You can find the pharmacy currently on duty:
- Via www.apotheek.be
- Via www.w8post.be
- By calling 0903 99 000 (paid service)
In some exceptional situations, medication may be provided directly by the hospital.
Helpful Dutch Vocabulary
| English | Dutch |
|---|---|
| Emergency | Noodgeval |
| Emergency room | Spoed / Dienst spoedgevallen |
| Ambulance | Ambulance |
| Doctor | Dokter |
| General practitioner (GP) | Huisarts |
| Hospital | Ziekenhuis |
| Pharmacy | Apotheek |
| On-call pharmacy | Wachtdienstapotheek |
| Prescription | Voorschrift |
| Health insurance | Ziekenfonds |
| Pain | Pijn |
| Accident | Ongeval |
| Injury | Verwonding |
| Work accident | Arbeidsongeval |
| Urgent care | Dringende zorg |
| Weekend medical service | Wachtdienst huisarts |
Frequently Asked Questions
What number should I call in a medical emergency in Belgium?
Call 112 if the situation is life-threatening or requires an ambulance.
What should I do if I need a doctor on the weekend?
Call 1733 or visit www.w8post.be to find the appropriate out-of-hours medical service.
Can I go directly to the emergency room?
Yes. If you believe your condition requires urgent medical attention, you can go directly to the emergency department of a hospital.
Can I receive care if I don't speak Dutch?
Yes. Emergency departments in Leuven can assist patients in English and will help arrange communication support when necessary.
Do I need to pay immediately at the hospital?
Usually not. Most hospitals send an invoice after your treatment.
What if I don't have Belgian health insurance?
You can still receive necessary emergency treatment, but you may be charged the full cost of care.
How do I find a pharmacy at night or on Sunday?
Use www.apotheek.be, www.w8post.be, or call 0903 99 000 to locate the on-call pharmacy nearest you.
Useful Resources
- 112 Emergency Services App
- 1733 Out-of-Hours Medical Assistance
- Wachtpost Leuven: www.w8post.be
- Heilig Hart Leuven
- UZ Leuven
- Urgent Dental Care: www.mijntandarts.be
- Pharmacy Services: www.apotheek.be
