Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Belgium
- Mutuelle/ziekenfonds membership is mandatory within 3 months of arrival.
- Belgium uses a reimbursement system—you pay upfront, get 75% back from your mutuelle.
- Hospitalization insurance (hospitalisatieverzekering) is essential—add €30-80/month.
- EU workers: covered under Belgian system via employer contributions (~13% of salary).
- Brussels has excellent international clinics; English widely spoken in healthcare.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Belgium?
Belgium requires mutuelle (health insurance fund) membership for all residents. You must join within 3 months of registration at your commune. Options include public mutuelles (CM, Solidaris, Liberale) or private funds (Partena, Helan). Social security contributions (~13% employer, ~13% employee) fund the system. Non-EU visa applicants need proof of coverage for the D visa—international insurance accepted initially, but mutuelle enrollment required after residency.
Insurance is required for:
- All residents—mutuelle membership mandatory within 3 months
- Anyone wanting single-room hospital coverage—standard only covers shared rooms
- Expats concerned about high out-of-pocket costs (€10-30 per GP visit after reimbursement)
- Families—pediatric dental and orthodontics poorly covered by basic insurance
- Non-EU visa applicants—D visa requires proof of coverage before arrival
Public vs Private Healthcare in Belgium
Public Healthcare
INAMI/RIZIV (via mutuelle)
- Access: All legal residents via mandatory mutuelle membership
- Cost: €100-150/year mutuelle fee + ~13% social security (employed)
Reimbursement system: pay €25-50 for GP, get €18-40 back. Higher reimbursement for low-income (BIM status). Excellent specialists but expect 2-6 week waits. Hospitals: UZ Brussel, UZ Leuven, CHU Liège are top academic centers.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: €30-80/month hospitalization, €150-350/month comprehensive international
Hospitalization insurance (DKV, AG Insurance, AXA Belgium) is extremely common—covers private rooms, surgeon supplements. International plans (Cigna, Allianz) useful for expats needing worldwide coverage. Many EU institution employees use special schemes (JSIS, RCAM).
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Belgium. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Worldwide coverage and strong customer service
Not ideal for: Budget-focused expats staying only in Belgium
Allianz Care
Best for: High-deductible savings and EU-based service
Not ideal for: Those wanting minimal out-of-pocket costs
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions and mental health coverage
Not ideal for: Those seeking the lowest premiums
IMG Global
Best for: Budget international coverage
Not ideal for: Those wanting premium service levels
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Belgium
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Worldwide coverage and strong | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | High-deductible savings and EU-based | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions and mental | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Budget international coverage | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Belgium
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- Hospital supplement fees (honoraires supplémentaires) can double your bill—hospitalization insurance essential.
- 3-month deadline to join mutuelle—late enrollment means backdated contributions.
- Dental coverage is minimal—budget €500-1,500/year for dental or get separate coverage.
- Self-employed pay full social security (~20% of income) with no employer contribution.
- Some specialists charge above-tariff (non-conventionné)—not reimbursed by mutuelle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a mutuelle and hospitalization insurance?
Mutuelle (CM, Partena, etc.) is mandatory basic health insurance providing ~75% reimbursement for medical costs. Hospitalization insurance (DKV, AG) is optional but highly recommended—covers private hospital rooms and surgeon supplement fees that can add €1,000-5,000 to a hospital stay.
How much do I actually pay to see a doctor?
GP visit: €25-30 upfront, ~€18-22 reimbursed = €7-10 out of pocket. Specialist: €40-80 upfront, varies by reimbursement. Emergency room: €20-50 after reimbursement. Prescriptions: small co-pay (€1-15 depending on medication category).
Do I need international insurance if I have Belgian mutuelle?
For Belgium-only coverage, mutuelle + hospitalization insurance is sufficient and often cheaper. International insurance makes sense if you travel frequently, want worldwide coverage, or prefer direct billing without reimbursement hassle. EU workers are covered in all EU countries via EHIC.
What's the Professional Card for non-EU self-employed?
Non-EU nationals wanting to work self-employed need a Professional Card (carte professionnelle). Requires business plan, proof of qualifications, and health insurance. Processing takes 2-4 months. Once approved, you register with a social security fund (caisse d'assurances sociales) and mutuelle.
How does healthcare work for EU institution employees?
EU staff (Commission, Parliament, etc.) have their own scheme (JSIS/RCAM) and are exempt from Belgian social security. Coverage is generous but Belgium-only. Many supplement with international insurance for worldwide coverage or keep coverage from their home country for visits.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.