Belgium Health Insurance
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At the crossroads of Western Europe, the Kingdom of Belgium,
with a population of 10.4 million (CIA, 2012) is nestled
between France and the Netherlands, bordering the North Sea.
Belgium showcases a rich history, captured in well-preserved
medieval architecture, fascinating castles and gothic
cathedrals. Known as the ‘essence of Europe’
Belgium is famous for its mouth-watering chocolates,
scrumptious waffles and variety of beers, with the latter
brewed into more than 800 different flavours. The capital,
Brussels is the administrative heart of both NATO and the
European Union, influencing the city’s make-up, with
more than 20percent of the city’s population estimated
to be foreigners, many working for international entities.
Adding to Belgium’s social and cultural diversity is the
variety of languages spoken throughout the country. Dutch,
French and German are all officially recognized languages,
although English is also widely spoken. Similarly,
Belgium’s landscape is also diverse, from the Ardennes
hills located in the south and an intricate network of canals,
to northern plains covered in marshes. As the country has few
natural resources, Belgium imports large quantities of raw
materials to manufacture for export, and is therefore
vulnerable to world market volatility. However, the
private-enterprise-based economy is modern and open, supported
by a diversified industrial and commercial base, and a highly
developed transport network. Capitalizing on its central
geographic location, Belgium has benefited significantly from
its proximity to Germany, and relies heavily on trading with
European countries, with which roughly three-quarters of its
trade occurs.
Belgium Health Care and Insurance
Belgian’s have access to high-quality healthcare
facilities, which routinely rank as some of the best in
Europe. The quality and scope of healthcare in Belgium means
that almost any medical situation can be addressed at several
facilities, especially at the large university hospitals. Both
public and private hospital facilities operate within the
sector, staffed by well-trained doctors subject to strict
rules governing on-going professional development. Not all
facilities provide emergency services however, and some that
do provide such treatment are not always open 24 hours a day.
Those presenting at a hospital are generally wait-listed if
non-emergency care is required. Upon arrival at a hospital,
patients without a social insurance card and Belgian
identification card are requested to show proof of private
comprehensive health insurance prior to treatment being
administered. The level of care available in Belgium is
reflected in health outcomes of the populace and quality of
life indicators such as life expectancy, maternal and infant
mortality rates. Estimated life expectancy in Belgium is
statistically among the best rates in the world at 76 years
for men and 82 years for women (CIA, 2012). Maternal mortality
at 5 deaths for every 100,000 live births, and infant
mortality at 4.28 deaths for every 1,000 live births (CIA,
2012) are also strong indicators of quality living and health
conditions, and are some of the best in Europe.
Belgium has effectively created a flexible, public-private
partnership in the form of a national social security scheme
to pay for health care. Health insurance in Belgium is
mandatory, which is partially funded by employers and
employees contributing a portion of an individual’s
gross salary to the scheme. Cover for dependent family
members, pensioners, those on maternity leave and the
unemployed is automatically provided without requiring
contributions; however, this is only true of citizens.
Foreigners immigrating to the country without a job must
provide proof of international health insurance before being
issued a residence permit. The government forces this
requirement on all expatriates due to treatment being
otherwise relatively unaffordable without coverage. Many
expatriates who are working and contributing to the national
health scheme through their employment arrange additional
insurance cover over-and-above that available under the
scheme, as any insurance benefits do not apply outside of
Belgium, exposing individuals to significant healthcare
expenses if a medical situation arises whilst relocating or
travelling to another country. Those new to Belgium’s
national social security scheme must wait six months before
claiming for medical treatment, unless previously covered
under a scheme of another EU country; another reason to ensure
continuity of coverage through having a comprehensive health
insurance policy is in place.
Medical services such as hospitalisation, rehabilitation
services, pregnancy and childbirth, specialist treatment and
prescriptions are covered under the national scheme. Benefits
for the self-employed only extend to ‘major risks’
which the Government determines as mental illness, cancer,
tuberculosis, hereditary diseases, childbirth, birth defects
and most types of surgery. The country has a complex system
for medical reimbursements. Eighteen categories are defined
for procedures and services, with each having a specific level
of reimbursement attached to it, varying from zero to
100percent of costs covered. For most, a co-payment of
25percent applies for doctors’ visits. Patients must pay
fees for general practitioners and specialist services
directly to the medical facility or their doctor at the time
of each visit, except in the case of low-income patients. The
majority of citizens arrange additional Belgium health
insurance in order to have a higher level of coverage allowing
them to arrange reimbursement of out-of-pocket payments and
claim for costs not covered under the scheme, such as
ambulatory services.
Despite comprehensive coverage of physician care, acceptable
wait times for non-emergency services and free choice of
general physicians and specialist doctors, Belgium faces a
number of challenges with its health system, particularly
around dealing with the future cost of healthcare. Aggregate
health expenditure is expected to continue rising, and is most
likely to grow at a greater rate than inflation. In addition,
over the next 25 years the number of elderly relying on the
health system will more or less double, putting increased
pressure on government finances to maintain quality of care.
Affordability of social security, sustainable development and
the integration of migrant works and asylum seekers are also
challenges which the government is expected to address.
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Belgium's medical insurance industry is a fast paced ever evolving market however our staff are experts and at your disposal. |
Expatriates and Travelers in Belgium
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Belgium Travel Insurance Concerns
Measles transmission is still common in Europe, as with many
parts of the world. Those who remain unvaccinated are at risk
of contracting and spreading the highly contagious disease.
Due to this risk, those travelling throughout Europe,
including to Belgium are recommended to have routine childhood
vaccinations if not already administered or up to date. The US
Centers for Disease Control also recommends the pre-exposure
vaccine for Hepatitis B for those traveling to or residing in
Belgium. Costs of treatment for illness or injury in the
country is considerably high, therefore international medical
insurance is required to cover such expenses and guarantee
repatriation to a home country should a medical condition
necessitate such action. Ambulatory services in Belgium can be
contacted by dialing 100.
Expatriates and visitors should be alert to minor crime. The
rate of serious crime in the country is low; however,
motorbike-mounted criminals are increasingly common, breaking
vehicle windows and snatching valuables from passengers while
cars are stationary at traffic lights. Muggings and
pickpocketing are also common, especially in the capital and
particularly around the major transport hubs. Should Belgium
police assistance be required, the number for emergencies is
101 for police and 112 for distress calls from a mobile
telephone. Demonstrations frequently occur in the capital,
most often aimed at the offices of NATO, the European Union
and specific embassies. Demonstrations can be large and
occasionally turn violent, prompting travel advisories to warn
nationals against attending rallies and advising that any
relevant areas be avoided when protests are possible. .
Belgium shares a threat of terrorism with the rest of Europe,
specific threats have been made and terrorist acts conducted
on infrastructure and in public areas frequented by foreigners
in major European cities. The authorities have arrested a
number of individuals in Belgium for terrorism related
offences over recent years and interrupted several planned
attacks As with the rest of Europe, expatriates and visitors
are advised to maintain a sensible level of security
consciousness in Belgium, staying informed of potential risks
to personal safety and monitoring local information sources
for any heightened levels of threat.
Belgium Expat Health Insurance
Public health services in Belgium are extensive and of high
quality, however the cost of treatment is considerably
expensive. Private insurance is purchased by a significant
portion of the populace to cover services not included in the
national scheme. Those looking to permanently reside in
Belgium are required to provide proof of insurance before
being issued a residents visa. International Medical Insurance
delivers a comprehensive range policies including medical
evacuation and repatriation benefits, as well as cover for
private hospital fees, general practitioner costs and
maternity services. To ensure the cost of medical treatment in
Belgium does not result in financial burden, contact an
International Medical Insurance consultant for an
obligation-free quotation.
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