Best expat health insurance quotes in Belgium

Belgium has a universal, insurance-based healthcare system with strong public and private sectors. Expats working in Belgium are covered by state insurance policies, and many top up their coverage with private or international health insurance.

All legal residents of Belgium must register for either public or private health insurance. Those not covered by health insurance can still access the Belgian healthcare system but they may have to pay up to 100% of any costs of medical treatment and prescriptions.

It’s best to start your private health insurance policy just before you arrive in Belgium. If you have a coverage gap between your insurance at home and your new policy, this could leave you with out-of-pocket expenses in case of emergency.

Usually private health insurance policies are on an individual basis. If you want to cover a partner or family members, you can add them on when you build your policy. If you have several dependents, it’s worth shopping around for the best family plan.

When you first design a health insurance plan, you can choose what you will pay yourself and what the provider will pay. Which treatments your plan covers depends on if you’ve met your deductible, whether you have a provider network, and other factors.

Health insurance premiums are based on age, medical history, level of coverage needed, and whether you include extra benefits. Overall, healthcare costs in Belgium are low to average compared to other European countries.

The claims process in Belgium varies between insurers. Some deal directly with healthcare providers and pay bills on your behalf while others require you to pay upfront and send an invoice after. If you’re concerned about having to pay upfront, look for a provider who can sort out claims directly.