In the event of incapacity for work, your health insurance will only pay you a replacement income if you have paid contributions to the Belgian social security system over the last 12 months.
This 12-month qualifying period may be waived or reduced if you have already paid contributions in another European country on form E104. Note that if you have contributed to another European system, the mutual insurance company will question the European country in which you have worked to find out whether the benefits entitle you to compensation for incapacity for work.
If you have just graduated or if you were employed in another European country, the waiting period can be waived in certain cases and you will be able to benefit immediately from a replacement income in the event of illness, accident or pregnancy.
For maternity protection, the waiting period is 6 months. It may be waived or reduced if you have already paid contributions in another European country on form E104.
Maternity leave is 15 weeks for employees and 12 weeks for the self-employed. The length of leave may vary in the event of multiple births or if the baby is hospitalised.
The co-parent is entitled to 20 days' birth leave, to be taken within 4 months of the day of birth.
If you contribute to another social security system, you must contact the relevant health insurance body.
Don't forget to complete the administrative formalities to register your dependent children with us.
Our advisers are on hand to help you through the process.