Douglas Olsen
Belgium is a popular destination for international students, offering a unique blend of cultures and languages. For those considering studying in Belgium, understanding the country's healthcare system and insurance requirements is essential. International students must navigate the intricacies of health insurance to ensure they comply with visa regulations and have access to necessary medical care during their stay. Belgian health insurance options vary depending on factors such as the student's country of origin, the duration of their stay, and their specific needs. So, does Belgium require international students to have health insurance? Let's delve into the topic and explore the requirements, options, and recommendations for international students seeking to navigate the Belgian healthcare system successfully.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students' health insurance requirement | Non-EU students need to apply for a student visa and show proof of health insurance if staying for more than 90 days. EU students are already covered by health insurance with their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). |
| Insurance options | - Public health insurance funded partially by social contributions. |
- Private insurance purchased from a provider in Belgium or an international health plan.
- Student insurance for short stays (less than 90 days), costing €66.56 per quarter (as of 2022).
- Resident insurance for longer stays, with contributions ranging from €0 to €785.10 per quarter, depending on income. | | Reimbursement | - A standard health insurance policy reimburses about 60-75% of the cost of a doctor's visit and prescription medication.
- About 75% of the cost will be returned to you in general. | | Additional considerations | - EU/EEA nationals are recommended to have private insurance during their entire stay in Belgium.
- Students with agreements between Belgium and their home country can request documents for health insurance reimbursement. |
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What You'll Learn
EU/EEA students with health insurance in their home country
EU/EEA students who have health insurance in their home country can request a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before travelling to Belgium. This card proves that they have health insurance in their home country and will allow them to access healthcare in Belgium. However, it is important to note that the EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance and does not cover travel-related expenses such as emergency dental treatments or repatriation to the home country. As such, it is highly recommended that EU/EEA nationals also obtain private insurance to supplement their EHIC coverage during their entire stay in Belgium.
Students with an EHIC can register in the 'student' category for health insurance in Belgium, which costs €66.56 per quarter as of 2022. This type of insurance is suitable for students studying in Belgium for less than 90 days. If a student plans to stay in Belgium for longer than 90 days, they will need to register as a temporary resident and join the national healthcare scheme under the 'resident' category. As a resident, the contribution amount will depend on the student's income, ranging from €0 to €785.10 per quarter. Additionally, there may be a membership fee required to join a chosen mutuality, although this can be avoided by registering with the Auxiliary Fund for sickness and invalidity insurance (HZIV) for free.
It is worth noting that most public insurers in Belgium cover around 70% of medical services, so students may want to consider additional voluntary insurance to ensure full coverage. This can be obtained through public mutualities or private insurers, with many expats opting for an international health policy. Private insurance can provide benefits such as quicker access to healthcare and coverage for areas not included in the public health scheme.
While EU/EEA students with health insurance in their home country can access healthcare in Belgium through their EHIC, it is advisable to familiarise themselves with the Belgian healthcare system and the options available to ensure they have comprehensive coverage during their stay.
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Non-EU/EEA students without health insurance in their home country
If you are a non-EU/EEA student without health insurance in your home country, you will need to take out health insurance coverage in Belgium. You will need to register with a Belgian health insurance company and take out a health insurance policy. You will pay a fee for this, and the cost will depend on the insurance company you choose. It is recommended that you research the different advantages and prices before registering.
There are two main options for health insurance in Belgium: public and private. Public health insurance is funded partially by social contributions, which Belgian residents pay taxes towards. The National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (NIHDI) regulates the public health insurance scheme. Private insurance can be purchased from a provider in Belgium or as an international health plan. Private insurance is more expensive but offers the advantage of being able to choose your hospital. It can also provide quicker access to treatment and ensure more of your costs are covered.
If you are staying in Belgium for less than 90 days, you will need to apply for a Schengen Visa. This requires proof of insurance coverage within Belgium and the entire Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000. You can register for insurance in the student category, which costs €66.56 per quarter (as of 2022). If you are staying for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a national long-stay visa (D visa) and show proof of health insurance coverage that covers hospital and medical costs.
It is important to note that it can take around six months to become eligible for state-funded health insurance, so it is highly recommended that you purchase private insurance to cover this period. Additionally, the compulsory health insurance option is not available to new entrants, and standard health insurance policies do not cover all hospitalization costs. Therefore, it may be worth considering additional insurance if you will be living in Belgium for a minimum of one academic year.
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Short-term stays (under 90 days)
If you are an international student planning to stay in Belgium for less than 90 days, you will need to apply for a Belgian Schengen Visa. This requires proof of a minimum of €30,000 coverage within Belgium and the entire Schengen area. If you are over 21, you will also need to obtain an FBI background check as part of your visa application. This can take up to five months, so it is recommended that you apply as early as possible.
If you are an EU/EEA national, you can request a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in your home country. This card gives you access to certain healthcare services in Belgium, but it does not cover everything, and it is not a substitute for travel insurance. It is recommended that you also have private medical insurance.
If you are a non-EU/EEA national, you can purchase private international student insurance coverage for your time in Belgium. This can be done online quickly and easily, and it is highly recommended by all universities.
There are several options for private health insurance in Belgium. AXA offers short-term international health plans that cover general health and emergencies. International Citizens Insurance also offers private insurance plans for expats. When choosing an insurance plan, it is important to consider factors such as portability and translation services.
If you are an employee in Belgium, you are automatically covered by the national healthcare insurance when your employer pays for your social contributions. However, it usually takes about six months to become eligible for state-funded health insurance, so it is highly recommended that you purchase private insurance for short-term stays.
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Long-term stays (over 90 days)
If you are an international student planning to stay in Belgium for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa (D visa) and show proof of health insurance coverage that covers hospital and medical costs. You can either purchase private insurance or register for public health insurance.
Private Insurance
You can purchase an international health plan or buy insurance from a private provider in Belgium. Private insurance plans for international students in Belgium start from as little as €25 per month for comprehensive coverage, including inpatient and day-patient care. You can also opt for more affordable plans that cover significant medical events, with prices starting at €22 per month.
Public Health Insurance
Public health insurance in Belgium is partially funded by social contributions, which Belgian residents pay through taxes. The National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (NIHDI) regulates the public health insurance scheme. To register, you must first obtain your residence permit card at the City Hall. There are two main options for public health insurance:
- Auxiliary Fund for Sickness and Invalidity Insurance (HZIV): This is a public organisation that offers compulsory insurance, and it is usually free, depending on your income. This is the default insurance fund for most residents who have not chosen another insurance fund (called a "mutuality") to join.
- Mutualities: These are insurance funds that residents can join for a membership fee, typically between €20 to €25. Mutualities offer more extensive coverage than the auxiliary fund. Most public insurers in Belgium cover around 70% of medical services, so many residents opt for additional voluntary insurance through public mutualities or private insurers.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you are an EU/EEA national, you can request a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in your home country, which will provide you with the same cover as the Belgium health fund. However, it does not cover travel protection, emergency dental treatments, or repatriation to your home country, so it is recommended that you also have private insurance.
Schengen Visa
If you are a non-EU student staying for less than 90 days, you will need to apply for a Schengen Visa, which requires proof of insurance within Belgium and the entire Schengen area. The minimum coverage required is €30,000.
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Private vs. public insurance
Health insurance is compulsory in Belgium. If you are an international student in Belgium, the type of health insurance you need depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay. EU/EEA students are covered by health insurance with their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). However, it is recommended that they also have private insurance to cover travel protection, emergency dental treatments, and other services not covered by the EHIC. Non-EU students staying in Belgium for less than 90 days must apply for a Schengen Visa and may need to show proof of health insurance. Those staying longer than 90 days will have to register as temporary residents and join the national healthcare scheme.
Now, let's compare private and public health insurance in Belgium:
Private Insurance
Private insurance can be purchased by expats from an international provider or a private provider in Belgium. It is a good option for those who cannot yet access public insurance or who want additional coverage. Private insurance can provide access to premium health services like private hospital rooms and certain specialist treatments, such as private mental healthcare. It also allows you to choose your hospital and healthcare providers. Additionally, expats may prefer international health policies as they can provide coverage for global healthcare needs.
Public Insurance
Public health insurance in Belgium is funded partially by social contributions, which Belgian residents pay through taxes. It covers essential healthcare, including doctor visits and hospital care. However, most treatments require copayments, and some services, such as contraceptives and certain dental procedures, are not covered. To access more extensive coverage, residents often opt for additional voluntary insurance through public or private insurers. To benefit from the public health insurance scheme, individuals must register with one of the insurance funds, known as "'mutuelles'" in French or "ziekenfonds" in Dutch.
In conclusion, both private and public insurance options have their advantages in Belgium. Private insurance offers more flexibility and premium services, while public insurance provides essential healthcare coverage funded partially by social contributions. Many residents opt for a combination of public insurance with additional private coverage to suit their specific needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students need health insurance in Belgium. Students from outside the EU travelling for more than 90 days will need to apply for a national long-stay visa, which requires proof of health insurance coverage.
International students in Belgium can choose between public or private health insurance. Public health insurance is funded partially by social contributions, while private insurance can be purchased from a provider in Belgium or from an international provider.
The cost of health insurance for international students in Belgium will depend on the chosen provider and plan. Some sources indicate that students will need to pay a membership fee of approximately €49 to €180 per year, plus a health insurance contribution of 3.55% deducted from their pay. Other sources advertise international health insurance plans starting from €22 to €25 per month.
