🇧🇪 Belgium Healthcare Guide
Belgium's healthcare system is well-funded and EHIC covers EU visitors, but the country's linguistic split catches visitors off guard — hospitals in Flanders operate primarily in Dutch, while those in Wallonia and Brussels function in French. Having your medical history and medications saved in both Dutch and French takes five minutes to prepare and covers you whichever side of the language border you end up needing care on and accessible.
Quick facts
- Emergency number: 112
- Healthcare system: universal-public
- Average GP visit: $35 USD
- EHIC/GHIC accepted: Yes
- Language barrier: low
Healthcare overview
Belgium’s healthcare runs on a pay-then-claim model (conventionné system), where patients pay the full consultation fee upfront and receive a partial reimbursement later through their mutuelle. EHIC holders can use this system, but the upfront cost of a GP visit in Brussels or Antwerp is typically €25–40 before reimbursement. Having your EHIC and health summary saved and accessible before each visit saves time at registration, since the process differs slightly between Flemish and Walloon practices.
Pay-then-claim system
You pay the GP directly and claim back 75% from your home insurer or mutuelle. Keep all receipts (attestations).
Flemish vs Walloon regions
Healthcare administration differs between regions. In Flanders, GP practices tend to use Dutch; in Wallonia and Brussels, French.
Vaccinations
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
Prescriptions and pharmacies
Belgian pharmacies (apotheek in Dutch, pharmacie in French) are well-stocked and regulated, with a pharmacist available for consultation. Many medications that are OTC in the UK or US require a prescription in Belgium, including stronger anti-inflammatories. Carry your original prescriptions and check Belgian equivalents in advance, particularly for combination products.
Prescription transfer from EU
EU prescriptions are generally accepted at Belgian pharmacies, but the pharmacist may substitute a local brand equivalent.
Tips for travellers
Belgium’s university hospitals in Brussels (Saint-Luc, Erasme), Leuven (UZ Leuven), and Ghent (UZ Gent) provide excellent specialist care for chronic conditions. EHIC holders can access public specialists with a GP referral, though wait times run 1–3 weeks for non-urgent appointments. Having your full treatment history saved and accessible in French, Dutch, or English (depending on region) means specialists can continue your care without duplicating tests.
University hospital access
UZ Leuven, UZ Gent, and Saint-Luc in Brussels are the main specialist hubs. A GP referral letter expedites your appointment.