general informations

Belgium’s insurance system combines public and private benefits to provide coverage for health, social security, employment and old-age risks.

Public social insurance

• Health insurance: The Belgian health care system is universal, financed by social contributions. It covers a large proportion of medical expenses, but supplementary insurance may be required for certain services.
• Unemployment: Unemployment insurance in Belgium provides financial support for workers who have lost their jobs involuntarily, depending on their work history and contributions.

Professional insurance

• Pension: The Belgian pension system is mainly public, financed by contributions from employees and employers. It provides benefits for old age and disability.
• Workplace accidents: Employers are required to take out insurance to cover accidents in the workplace.

Private insurance

• Supplementary health insurance: Covers treatments not reimbursed by social security, such as dental care or specific drugs.
• Life and disability insurance: Provides benefits in the event of death or incapacity for work.

International agreements

Belgium has agreements with other EU and non-EU countries to ensure that migrant and expatriate workers do not lose their social security cover.

Links

For more information, visit the ONSS and regional insurance institutions websites.