In Belgium, it is standard practice to have a 'family' doctor who is a general practitioner, whom you visit when you are ill or when you need a medical prescription.
It is this doctor who opens your Global Medical file and can refer you to specialist doctors. Doctors' fees can vary depending on whether or not they are 'conventioned', but the reimbursements are fixed.
Belgian Social Security is funded by State subsidies and social security (NSSO – National Social Security Office) contributions, which are deducted from your salary if you are employed or covered by social legislation if you are self-employed.
The mutuality acts as an intermediary between the INAMI (National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance) and its clients and makes it possible to:
"Conventioned" healthcare providers respect the official price set by the 'Medicomut agreement', which is an agreement between doctors and health insurance companies setting the official fees. '
"Non-conventioned" healthcare providers charge supplements on top of the official price. These supplements are never covered by compulsory insurance.
Do not hesitate to ask your doctor what their status is or check the tool of the INAMI. These supplements may vary from one service provider to another, and it is the service provider who sets the price. Please note: these supplements are never covered by compulsory insurance.
You are free to choose your own general practitioner. Municipalities and embassies are sometimes able to provide you with more information on the doctors in your area.
They normally work on an appointment basis and sometimes offer walk-in consultations without an appointment. If you need a doctor outside consulting hours, there is generally an on-call doctor available in your region.
Don't forget to open a Global Medical File (DMG), which contains all your medical data (operations, chronic illnesses, current treatments, etc.). You'll benefit from the doctor responsible for your file.
In Belgium, in addition to general practitioners, a network of specialists is also available to the public. Your GP can provide you with information based on your needs.
Preventive and curative dental treatment (consultation, oral examination, pit and fissure sealing, tartar removal, periodontics and X-rays) are partially covered by compulsory insurance. You must visit the dentist at least once a year to be eligible for reimbursement.
For orthodontic treatment, a medical request must be submitted to the medical advisor of your insurance company before the age of 15.
For a higher reimbursement of your medical costs, we offer supplementary insurance: Dentalia Up.
Dentalia Up dental insurance
Would you like to benefit from affordable dental care, including preventive and curative care, dental prostheses and implants, orthodontics, as well as cancer and accident cover? Visit our page dedicated to all our insurance solutions to find out more about Dentalia Up insurance.