How to Access Healthcare Services as a Student in Belgium
Belgium is known for its top-notch healthcare, and as an international student, you’re fully entitled to it. But figuring out how to access medical services and what health insurance you need can feel confusing at first. This guide will walk you through everything step by step — from getting health insurance to seeing a doctor — so you can stay healthy and stress-free while studying in Belgium.
Why Health Insurance Is Mandatory
All students in Belgium must have health insurance to comply with visa regulations and access medical care. By law, every resident, including international students, must register with a health insurance fund, called a mutuelle (or mutualité).
- Membership allows you to pay only part of your medical costs upfront.
- The mutuelle reimburses the rest based on national rates.
- Without membership, you cannot obtain or renew your residence permit.
Once registered, you’ll receive a membership card. For every doctor visit or prescription:
- Pay the fee upfront
- Submit the receipt to your mutuelle for reimbursement
Typically, you’ll recover 75% of doctor fees and around 80% of medication costs. Many students also get supplementary private insurance to cover remaining costs.
Healthcare Costs and Coverage in Belgium
Belgium’s healthcare system reimburses a large part of your medical expenses, but you’ll still need to pay some costs out-of-pocket. Here’s what international students can typically expect:
- General Practitioners (GPs): Basic consultations are partially covered. You may pay a small fee upfront, usually around €25–€50.
- Specialists: If your GP refers you, specialist consultations are covered, with reimbursement varying depending on the treatment and your insurance plan.
- Dentists: Dental care is partially reimbursed. Major treatments, like fillings, braces, or crowns, may only be partially covered or require supplementary private insurance.
- Hospital Care: Most hospital treatments are fully covered under public insurance. However, certain services or private accommodations may require additional payment.
- Medications: Most prescription drugs are reimbursed, but you’ll usually pay part of the cost upfront.
How to Enroll in a Belgian Health Insurance Fund
Starting university in Belgium means you need to register with a mutualité to cover medical costs and reimbursements from day one.
1. Compare Belgian Health Insurance Funds
Belgium offers several major mutualités, including Partenamut, Mutualité chrétienne, Solidaris, Mutualité neutre, Mutualité libérale, CAAMI Before registering, compare:
- Membership fees (usually €20–30 per year)
- Customer service options (some provide English support)
- Accessibility of local offices near your university
- Reimbursement speed and ease of using online tools
Tip: Talk to other international students to learn which mutualité offers the most reliable services in your city.
2. Prepare the Required Documents
To register with a mutualité, you’ll typically need the following:
- Passport or national ID
- Student visa or residence permit
- Proof of university enrollment (certificate of admission)
- Belgian bank account details (IBAN)
- Proof of address (rental contract, utility bill, or official attestation)
Having all documents ready will speed up your enrollment process.
3. Register Online or In Person
You can choose how you want to register:
- Online registration: Visit the official website of your chosen mutualité. Approval usually takes 3–5 business days, after which you’ll receive a digital membership certificate by email.
- In-person registration: Go to your local mutualité office during working hours (typically Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm). You’ll get a temporary certificate immediately and receive your membership card within a week.
4. Use Your Mutualité Benefits
Once enrolled, you’ll receive a membership number to use for all medical appointments. When you visit a doctor or buy medication:
- Pay the fee upfront
- Submit your receipt via the fund’s app, online portal, or by post
- Reimbursements (usually 75–80%) are deposited directly into your bank account within 10–15 days
You can also track claims in real time through your mutualité’s online account.
How to Access Healthcare Services in Belgium
Once you are registered with a Belgian health insurance fund (mutualité), you can start using the country’s healthcare services. Here’s what international students should know:
A. General Practitioner (GP)
To consult a GP in Belgium, you don’t need a referral. However, it’s recommended to choose one doctor and register with them for consistent care. Many GPs speak English, but learning basic medical terms in French or Dutch (the official languages) can make communication easier.
B. Emergency Care
In case of a medical emergency, you can go directly to a hospital emergency room (ER). With valid student health insurance, most emergency treatments are covered, though small out-of-pocket costs may apply. Always keep your mutualité membership card with you.
C. Specialist Care
If you need to see a specialist, you will usually need a referral from your GP. This applies to areas such as cardiology, dermatology, or physiotherapy. For mental health support, Belgium also offers specialized centers and professionals who provide counseling and therapy services.
Health Insurance for EU and Non-EU Students
A. EU Students
If you are from the EU, you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for healthcare in Belgium. This card gives you access to most healthcare services at the same cost as a Belgian citizen.
B. Non-EU Students
Non-EU students are required to register with a Belgian mutuelle for full health insurance coverage. Private health insurance is also an option if you cannot access the public system.
Conclusion
Accessing healthcare as a student in Belgium is straightforward, but it’s important to register with a health insurance provider and understand the costs involved. By selecting the right insurance plan and knowing how to navigate the healthcare system, you can ensure you stay healthy during your studies in Belgium.