Is travel insurance required in Belgium?
Travel and medical insurance is mandatory if you need a Schengen visa for Belgium. If you don’t need a visa, travel insurance is optional but strongly recommended as medical costs can be high for foreigners, especially as you will need to pay for any prescriptions.
Requirements for a good Belgium travel insurance
To obtain a Schengen visa to Belgium your insurance must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses
- It should cover all member states of the Schengen Area
- It should cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons
Reasons to take a travel insurance for Belgium
While a travel insurance is not explicitly required for obtaining a Belgium visa, it is undoubtedly a wise decision to secure this safeguard for your Belgian escapade. This advice extends beyond those with a history of medical concerns. Unexpected events can occur at any time, even during a business trip or leisurely vacation. Here are a few scenarios that would make you wish you had a travel insurance in place:
- Lost or Stolen Luggage: Imagine the dismay of discovering your carefully packed suitcase missing after a long journey. A travel insurance can reimburse you for the cost of lost or stolen luggage, alleviating the financial burden of replacing essential belongings.
- Accidental Mishaps: Even the most cautious travelers can encounter unforeseen accidents. Travel insurance provides coverage for medical expenses incurred due to accidents, ensuring that you receive the necessary treatment without worrying about hefty medical bills.
- Medical Emergencies and Repatriation: A sudden illness or medical emergency can turn your Belgian adventure into a stressful experience. A travel insurance can arrange for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation back home, ensuring that you receive the best possible care and are safely reunited with your loved ones.
In addition to these scenarios, a comprehensive travel insurance can also cover a range of other situations, such as trip cancellations, delayed or lost baggage, and legal assistance. By investing in travel insurance, you are safeguarding your peace of mind and ensuring that unexpected events don’t derail your Belgian adventure.
EHIC & GHIC: European and Global Health Insurance Cards
Citizens of the EU can obtain a free European Health Insurance Card. For UK residents, the Global Health Insurance card is the alternative.
These free cards are issued by your national health insurance provider and gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries or the United Kingdom under the same conditions and at the same cost (free in some countries) as people insured in that country.
The EHIC or GHIC will entitle you to receive treatment at the same cost as Belgian citizens. The EHIC or GHIC Card is NOT an alternative for travel insurance! It doesn’t cover private healthcare, repatriation or stolen goods. Make sure to have a EHIC or GHIC card if you don’t have travel insurance!
What should you do when you get ill or injured in Belgium
In case of medical emergencies, you should immediately contact your insurance company. A team of professionals will be ready to assist you 24/7 and guide you to the best suited medical centre nearby.
Is healthcare in Belgium free?
No, healthcare and hospital treatment in Belgium isn’t free. However the mandatory health insurances for Belgians cover quite a lot. The EHIC or GHIC will entitle you to receive treatment at the same cost that Belgian citizens must pay.
When visiting a doctor, you’ll have to pay a fixed forfait. In case you need a hospital stay, you will be faced with an admittance fee, daily charges and additional charges for treatment. You’ll be required to pay the fees up front and then you can claim to be partially reimbursed from the Belgian health insurance fund while you’re in the country.
When you’re getting treatment, make sure the doctor gives you a receipt as proof of the amount you’ve paid.
