What is it?
Staff members and postdoctoral grant holders
If you are employed by VUB or receive a postdoctoral scholarship through VUB and are subject to the Belgian social security system, you should join a recognised Belgian health insurance fund (“mutuality” / “ziekenfonds”) after arrival. This gives you access to reimbursements under the Belgian compulsory healthcare system. You are free to choose a health insurance fund.
Joining a mutual health insurance fund (mutuelle or ziekenfonds) is an essential part of life in Belgium, as it guarantees access to health coverage. Workers are free to join any one they choose. The associations represent the different political and religious groups in Belgian society: they can be christian, liberal, socialist or independent.
Membership of a mutual insurance fund means you have health coverage under the Belgian healthcare system and that any medical care you receive is eligible for reimbursement.
In Belgium, this compulsory insurance is a nearly universal system of basic insurance coverage that covers a large part of your medical expenses.
It covers a large share of people’s healthcare costs, such as a doctor’s visit, hospitalisation and certain other medical services. The payment of various benefits (sickness, incapacity for work, maternity, etc.) is also included.
This compulsory insurance is financed by social security contributions and the state and you only pay a small amount per year. All you need to do is to register at a mutual health insurance fund. Your choice of insurer does not have an impact on the reimbursements and benefits you receive from the compulsory insurance, because the rates are set by the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI/RIZIV) and are the same for everyone.
Choose one depending on your needs, your family situation, and the level of service you require. You will find a list of all the mutual insurance funds in your area here Which health insurance fund do you choose? | MyFamily
Supplementary insurance of the mutual health insurance fund
Supplementary insurance allows you to top up your basic universal health coverage and benefit from additional reimbursements for treatment that is not or only partially covered by compulsory insurance. These treatments include dental care, prescription glasses, and alternative therapies (osteopathy, physiotherapy, etc).
This supplementary insurance cover varies depending on your mutual insurance fund. You can choose your level of cover depending on your needs. The cost depends on the options you choose and the mutual insurance fund you join.
VUB employees and grant holders are automatically covered by VUB’s collective healthcare insurance from their first working day. This is complementary insurance and does not replace the required basic health insurance coverage.
This insurance, generally referred to as ‘hospitalisation insurance’, covers the following three categories:
- Hospitalisation costs at VUB facilities; it protects you against the cost of an (unexpected) hospital admission. This could be a day hospitalization or long-term admission. Either way, our hospitalization insurance you avoid unpleasant financial surprises afterwards.
- Costs related to the outpatient treatment of serious diseases;
- Ambulatory care (UZ Brussel and VUB services).
It is possible for family members to pay to join, children at a reduced rate of 5.5 euros per child and 11 euros per adult.
Unpaid researchers and visiting profiles
Unpaid researchers and visiting profiles are generally not employed or paid by VUB and may therefore not be subject to the Belgian social security system. As a result, the usual affiliation conditions and costs of a Belgian health insurance fund may differ from those applicable to staff members or grant holders.
Depending on your situation, a comprehensive international private health insurance policy may be a suitable option. The policy must provide adequate healthcare coverage in Belgium and meet any applicable residence or immigration requirements.
Before choosing a private policy, check that it:
- covers medical care and hospitalisation in Belgium;
- is valid for the full duration of your stay;
- clearly states the geographical scope and coverage limits;
- explains exclusions, waiting periods and reimbursement conditions;
- is accepted for your applicable residence or immigration procedure.