Helan Independent health insurance

Belgium’s healthcare system is part of the broader social security system. Social security covers several areas of protection including pensions, unemployment benefits and healthcare.

Belgium has a solid social security system, funded by government contributions and by social security payments that are deducted from employees’ salaries or paid through specific schemes for the self-employed.

Within this system, health insurance funds — also called mutualities — play a key role. They act as a link between clients and the NIHDI (National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance), the public body that manages healthcare and disability insurance.

Through these funds, clients can:

• Get reimbursements for medical expenses such as doctor visits, hospital care and medication.
• Receive financial support in case of incapacity for work or maternity leave.

Yes, everyone in Belgium is legally required to register with a health insurance fund. You can choose the health insurance fund that suits you best — for example, Helan.

Belgium’s healthcare system has three levels of health insurance:

Mandatory health insurance
This is the basic insurance that everyone living or working in Belgium must have. Mandatory health insurance covers a large part of your essential medical costs, such as doctor and specialist consultations, hospital care, prescribed medication, maternity care e.g. 

These reimbursements are fixed by law and are the same for all recognised health insurance funds. You still pay a small part yourself — the co-payment.

Additional benefits
In addition to the mandatory insurance, each health insurance fund offers its own extra benefits to make healthcare more affordable and support your wellbeing. These can include extra reimbursements (for glasses, contraception, vaccines, physiotherapy, etc.), financial support for wellness activities, such as sport or mindfulness. 

These additional benefits are specific to each fund and can differ from one organisation to another.

Paying insurance plans
On top of the first two levels, you can choose extra paying insurance plans, such as:

• Hospitalisation insurance – covers the high costs of a hospital stay in a private or single room, and sometimes pre- and aftercare.
• Dental insurance – helps cover expensive dental treatments not fully reimbursed by mandatory insurance.

These plans are optional, but they provide extra financial comfort and peace of mind in case of unexpected or costly care.

Mandatory health insurance in Belgium usually covers around 60% to 70% of your medical expenses, depending on the type of care.

The exact amount is set by the government and is the same for all recognised health insurance funds.

You’ll pay the remaining part yourself — this is called the co-payment. 

Tip! Through Helan’s additional benefits, you can get extra reimbursements for things like glasses, contraception, or preventive care.

A co-payment is the part of the medical cost you pay yourself. For example, if a doctor’s consultation costs 30 euros and your health insurance reimburses 20 euros, your co-payment is 10 euros. This system ensures that everyone contributes a small part to the cost of healthcare.

Registering with Helan is easy. The process depends on your situation — whether you’re an employee, student or self-employed.

1. Collect your documents – for example, your Belgian national number, ID and proof of residence or enrolment.
2. Complete the online form on our website or contact us by phone or email.
3. Helan takes care of the rest – we guide you through the registration and confirm when your coverage starts.

You can always get personal support in English, French or Dutch.

• Expats and foreign professionals
• Companies and HR departments
• International students
• Universities and colleges