Mobility aids
Do you need help getting around because of a chronic condition, ageing or a disability? If so, you can apply for a permanent mobility aid through the Flemish Social Protection (VSB). The care fund will cover all or part of the cost.
Conditions for reimbursement
- You need a permanent mobility aid.
- You have a medical prescription from your treating doctor.
- You are up to date with your annual care contribution for the Flemish Social Protection.
More information? Take a look at the website of the Flemish Social Protection. Or download the brochure from the Agency for Care and Health.
Buying or hiring a mobility aid? You can read more about it in the brochure from the Agency for Care and Health.
Apply for a mobility aid
Have your treating doctor complete a medical prescription.
- Digital
Send us your medical prescription, you can easily do this online. Helan’s accredited mobility aid providers will contact you and be happy to help you choose the most suitable aid together.
- On paper
We prefer to receive your medical prescription digitally (see above). Prefer to send it on paper? Post your document in a Helan letterbox, hand it in at a Helan Health Insurance office or at a Helan Healthcare Shop location.
Of course, you are free to choose a bandagist outside Helan. In that case, provide your medical prescription to the organisation of your choice.
Your bandagist will forward your application to your care fund. You don’t need to do anything yourself.
Your care fund will inform you by post whether the requested mobility aid has been approved. Your bandagist will also be notified.
If the decision is positive, your bandagist will provide you with the mobility aid.
Do you disagree with the decision of your care fund? You can lodge an appeal with the Agency for Flemish Social Protection. You can find out how to do this on the website of the Flemish Social Protection.
Which mobility aids are eligible?
The Flemish Social Protection provides reimbursement for a range of mobility aids. This ensures you receive the most suitable support for your specific situation. For some mobility aids, you can also receive a budget for maintenance and repair costs. These must be carried out by an accredited bandagist.
There are standard manual wheelchairs, more adjustable modular wheelchairs, ‘active’ wheelchairs, care wheelchairs, wheelchair bases for a seating shell, and models for children, such as pushchairs and children’s wheelchairs.
Wheelchairs with electric motors, operated using a joystick and control buttons.
Mobility scooters with 3 or 4 wheels, suitable for indoor and/or outdoor use.
Bicycles for people who are unable to ride a standard two-wheeled bike.
Walking frames or rollators provide support when standing and walking.
A standing frame enables people with complete paralysis of the lower limbs to adopt a therapeutic standing position.
Advice from an occupational therapist
Some mobility aids require adjustments in or around your home. You may also need additional aids or home adaptations. Our occupational therapists are happy to provide you with free expert advice. Request an advice appointment.
Practical questions and answers
You don’t really have a choice: it’s the government that decides when equipment must be hired rather than purchased.
You fall under the mandatory hire scheme if you:
- live at home and are over 85
- live in a residential care home
- have a rapidly degenerative condition
- have just completed rehabilitation
- have palliative status
On the Flemish Social Protection website, you’ll find an overview of recognised bandagists. Or get in touch with Helan and we’ll refer you to a bandagist. During a home visit, the bandagist will explain everything clearly and give you tailored advice on the mobility aid that suits you best. They will also submit the application to the care fund on your behalf.
Flemish Social Protection ensures that mobility aids remain affordable for everyone. They reimburse:
- A fixed reimbursement per type of mobility aid you apply for. In most cases, you can choose a model without any personal contribution. Your bandagist will guide you through the options.
- The full hire cost if you fall under the mandatory hire scheme.
- A contribution towards maintenance and repair costs for certain mobility aids.
No, reimbursement is only possible if you submit an application through a recognised bandagist.
Does a partner, family member or neighbour help you with your administration? Or do you have care needs and does an informal carer take care of everything for you? Make sure to register a contact person in your file, so we can easily reach them if we have any questions.
A check-up for your scooter, (electric) wheelchair or electric tricycle? The Helan Healthcare Shop maintenance service will carry this out at your home.
Rates 2025:
- Electric wheelchairs and scooters: € 98 including call-out charge
- Manual wheelchairs and electric tricycles: € 17 per quarter hour + € 60 call-out charge
- Need new parts? As a Helan customer, you receive a 10% discount.
The Helan Healthcare Shop repair service can arrange this for you at home or at a repair point, even if you bought your rollator, wheelchair or other mobility aid elsewhere.
Rates 2025:
- All mobility aids: € 17 per quarter hour + € 60 call-out charge
- Need new parts? As a Helan customer, you receive a 10% discount.
Good to know: do you have an approved budget for repair costs from Flemish Social Protection (VSB)? If so, VSB will reimburse your repair costs, as long as the repair is carried out by a service with a recognised mobility aid provider such as Helan Healthcare Shop.
Looking for a bandagist?
Helan Healthcare Shop works with accredited bandagists to make the application for your mobility aid as smooth as possible. During a home visit, the bandagist will explain everything clearly and give you practical tips about the mobility aid that suits you best. They will also submit the application to the care fund on your behalf.
