How to Prepare for a Move to Brussels

Written by Expat Finder Tuesday, 14 June 2011 09:14

If you are moving to Belgium, health care is one of the first few things that you will have to consider. You will want to consider all your options carefully, but for an overview to get you started, see below:

Health Insurance

Expat health insurance is mandatory in Belgium, so one of the first few things you will need when you decide to move to Brussels is look out for suitable international health insurance providers. Investing in overseas health insurance makes a lot of sense and you should start your search as early as possible before you make the move.

In Belgium, as part of the process of national social security enrolment, the employed as well as self-employed must contribute to a health insurance fund (mutualité/ziekenfonds). Information about various fund options can be sought from your employers, friends and colleagues. All funds charge the same basic contribution (7.35%), pay similar benefits and provide automatic cover for dependent family (including a spouse who does not have cover and children up to 18 years of age); the only difference being the period for reimbursement. Employers provide supplementary health cover in the form of an employee benefit.

You may seek treatment at a public or private hospital in Belgium. Irrespective of the type of hospital you choose, always carry your passport or your Belgian identification card with you. Your SIS (Système d’Information Sociale) card is necessary if you are undergoing treatment using the public health system. However, if you subscribe to a private international medical insurance scheme, carry your receipt as proof of insurance. Remember to check which insurance plans are accepted at your chosen hospital before you are admitted.

Hospitals & Clinics

Refer to the Yellow Pages for a comprehensive list of hospitals and clinics. However, the best way to locate a reliable medical facility is through friends and colleagues who will be able to give you an idea about the functioning of the hospital and its emergency unit.

There are two kinds of hospitals in Belgium. The first you may encounter is a hospital (hôpital or ziekenhuis) that has its own staff on duty 24 hours a day. The staff here is in charge of a patient’s treatment and it is unlikely that your own General Practitioner will oversee your treatment. The other type is a private hospital known as clinic (clinique/kliniek) where your General Practitioner is in charge of your treatment and the role of the staff is limited to care giving. Most doctors are associated with at least one or two clinics.

Doctors & Dentists

Doctors advertise in the Yellow Pages, but the best way to find a reliable doctor is by asking your friends, family and colleagues. Many doctors in Belgium speak English so you don’t have to worry on that account.

General Practitioners are the best people to refer you to a specialist should you need one. A number of well trained dentists practice in Belgium, though you typically have to pay them directly. Proposals for major dental treatment must be submitted by the dentist to the health insurance company or National Health Service before the work is done.