Check the Your Europe web site

Sickness and invalidity benefits are covered by separate insurance funds (mutualité/mutualiteit). The employee has a free choice of fund. Contributions are deducted from salary.

The costs of medical treatment are partially reimbursed at approximately 75%. Basic insurance against serious risks is compulsory for all residents in Belgium, and all employees are automatically legally covered for both major and minor risks.

Besides the obligatory insurance, a complementary insurance is recommended. It is offered by either the “mutualité/mutualiteit” or by an insurance company, and covers certain wider medical expenses such as hospitalisation, confinement costs, or ambulance transport. This optional insurance is not particularly expensive and is recommended for women planning to have a baby.

After registering at a “mutualité/mutualiteit” the SIS card (Social Information System) has to be used. This card allows social security institutions to exchange data, making it unnecessary to fill in forms.