Insurance requirements for studying in Belgium
Insurance information for Belgium
If you are going to study and live in Belgium, you want to be fully prepared before starting your adventure. Among other things, you want to make sure your insurance covers everything you need, without paying too much.
In Belgium, individual medical insurance is mandatory. And this also applies to international students. If you come to study in Belgium you therefore need to take out health insurance before or as soon as possible after arriving. This will give you the right to receive a full or partial refund, depending on the service provided, for your medical costs and certain medicines. If you so wish, complementary illness insurance also exists. Although not mandatory, this covers part of all the costs not reimbursed by regular medical insurance.
who are in possession of valid health insurance in their home country, may use the European Health Insurance Card (see FAQ EHIC). This is a free card that gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland under the same conditions and at the same cost (free in some countries) as people insured in that country. Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance. EHIC does not guarantee free services. As each country’s healthcare system is different services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country
Students from outside the EU/EEA will have to take out health insurance . With your proof of enrolment, you can subscribe to a health insurance policy at the insurance company of your choice. Health insurance funds will cover around 75% of the costs for doctors, hospitals and clinics; around 20% of prescription costs; basic dental costs. There are however alternatives with no such co-payments or deductibles.
Is this enough?
It is important to understand that the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is not always enough, Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance, and that the local offered health insurance will probably not cover:
- (Additional) medical costs, i.e. dental, you will have to pay 25% of many medical expenses
- Repatriation
- Liability
- Home contents and baggage
- Accidents
- Legal aid
- Worldwide cover
You will need an insurance policy also covering, but also arranging for you, for example:
- You returning home if a close relative is seriously ill or dies;
- Up to two close relatives visiting you in if you fall seriously ill;
- Your medical repatriation to your home country for hospitalization or rehabilitation treatment;
- or in the worst possible situation, returning a body home for burial.
Via our partner Aon, you can easily discover details that apply to your specific situation. To get advice and insight in the costs of insurance, you can freely request an instant quote.
About Belgium
Belgium has some of the best universities in Europe, which shine in areas like Political Science, Economics, Humanities, and Medicine. International students can choose from many English-taught programmes. For language lovers or aspiring polyglots, there’s the opportunity to learn international languages like Dutch, German, and French. This will be a huge advantage in the Belgian job market after graduation.Thanks to its highly globalised status, Belgium is very friendly and welcoming towards internationals from all over the world. You should find it relatively easy to settle down and find your rhythm. In your spare time, you can explore beautiful historic places and buildings as well as unique attractions, like the Mini-Europe miniature park.
Frequently asked questions
Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance
(European Health Insurance Card - Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion - European Commission (europa.eu))
An EHIC gives the student the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in another EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.
When you are in possession of a valid EHIC during your study period in Belgium, it only provides coverage for emergency medical expenses. Please note that this does not include any costs for medical evacuation, physical therapy, acupuncture or emergency dental expenses. You are also not covered for your personal possessions, liability, legal aid, emergency assistance and extra travel expenses.
The validity of the EHIC depends on your home country and your insurer in your home country. It may not cover the full period of studies. Please verify the validity of your EHIC with your insurer in your home country for your study period abroad in Belgium.
However, the coverage of the European Health Insurance Card or private insurance may not be sufficient, especially in case of repatriation and specific medical intervention. In that case, a complementary private insurance might be useful.
Taking out an additional insurance during your study abroad in Belgium is specially needed for the risks that are not covered for with your EHIC. This to be certain that you are properly insured during your study period.As each country’s healthcare system is different services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country like Belgium.
