According to a recent study (The Health of Nations) Belgium offers the best healthcare to its citizens than any other country in the world. The standard of care is outstanding, and the health system is modern and efficient. For a population of approximately 10 million people, there are 380 hospitals recognized by the Ministry for Public Health supplying more than 80.000 beds (39% in the public sector and 61% from the private sector). There are over 30,000 doctors practicing in Belgium. 

» Hospitals and Medical Treatment

In the capital, there are 30 private and public hospitals, three of which are University Hospitals: Cliniques Universitaires Erasme (ULB), AZ-VUB Jette (VUB) and Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc. They are all well equipped and can handle any medical problem.

Most  of the hospitals have people on staff who are fluent in English. General practitioners and specialists are also prepared to take care of their patients in most European languages.

Basic medical treatment is provided at every hospital. Even more specialised care, requiring high-tech equipment and specific skills, are concentrated in certain benchmark sites. Co-operation between the sites and the mobility of medical staff ensures patients are provided with personalised attention. There is privileged access within the network to the whole range of care available, from the most routine to the most sophisticated.

The Institut Jules Bordet, is a renowned centre for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. It’s a multidisciplinary hospital with a triple mission: treatment, teaching and research. The Children's Hospital (Huderf - Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola - Queen Fabiola University Children's Hospital), is another highly reputed centre for the treatment of children's illnesses and takes nearly 40% of their patients from outside the Brussels region. 

In the field of burn treatment, Brussels is also renowned. The Burn Center run by the Military Hospital Queen Astrid is highly reputed by its expertise in burn treatments providing intensive care for patients (civilians) coming from Belgium and abroad. When a catastrophe arrives the center is able to offer treatment to any patient coming from the disaster region. The emergency unit is composed of an unique team of higly qualified professionals, all specialists in this medical area.  

The major hospitals and clinics have emergency services providing medical care and advice at any time of the day or night, on weekends and public holidays.

For more information on hospital matters, please visit www.hospitals.be


» Health Insurance

Health insurance is compulsory for both employees and self-employed individuals. Employees’ contributions are directly deducted from the salary by the employer, while self-employed people are required to pay voluntary contributions into a social security fund.

Employees should also join a “mutual insurance association”, which reimburses part or all of the medical expenses such as visits to a general practitioner, dental costs, hospital care, surgical procedures, maternity costs, etc. When you receive treatment you pay the doctor and receive a form that can then be presented to the mutualité for partial reimbursement. Doctors' fees may vary, but the reimbursement is regulated and stays the same for any particular service.

In Belgium you can choose your own doctor, unlike some other countries. A list is available in the yellow pages of the telephone directory or you may consult the the full list of general practitioners.