Insurance for entry into Belgium: who needs it, rules for obtaining it, and where to purchase it?

For travel to Belgium for any purpose – employment, study, tourism or visiting relatives – a valid medical insurance policy is a mandatory requirement or a strongly recommended element of safe travel. Find out who needs insurance to enter Belgium, how to get it and where to buy it

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine

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This article is your comprehensive guide to medical insurance for travel to Belgium. We will take a detailed look at the key requirements and aspects relating to both long-term visas or residence permits and short-term visa-free travel.

We will pay special attention to medical support for refugees, whose needs require a specific approach. And for drivers, we will explain all the nuances of the mandatory ‘Green Card’, without which crossing the border is impossible.

Be prepared for your trip: informed, protected and confident!

Planning a trip to Belgium? Make sure you have reliable insurance.

Who needs insurance to enter Belgium?

According to Belgian law, medical insurance requirements for entry into the country depend on the person's citizenship and purpose of stay.

Who needs medical insurance to enter Belgium?

According to current legislation, medical insurance for entry into Belgium is mandatory for the following categories of persons:

1. Foreigners applying for a long-term visa (type D), regardless of the purpose (work, study, family reunification). The policy must cover the period until the residence permit is obtained and access to the local healthcare system is granted.

Find out in which cases Ukrainians need a visa to Belgium and how to obtain it, follow the link.

2. Foreigners applying for a residence permit (residence card). Upon arrival in Belgium, until registration with the Belgian social security system (mutuelle/ziekenfonds), you must have a valid insurance policy.

3. Persons who have been granted international protection (refugee status or subsidiary protection) and those who are in the process of obtaining it.

4. Foreign students and doctoral students studying at higher education institutions in Belgium, especially until they have taken out local student health insurance.

Please note! Medical insurance is a mandatory requirement for most long-term visas (e.g. for work or study) and residence permits in Belgium.

For whom is medical insurance for entry into Belgium desirable?

Although medical insurance is a mandatory requirement for many categories of foreigners, there are situations where it is strongly recommended, even if not formally required for obtaining a visa or entry permit.

Tourists and persons travelling without a visa (e.g. citizens of Ukraine with a biometric passport)

Even if you are travelling to Belgium without a visa for a short period (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) and the purpose of your trip is tourism, having medical insurance is critically important, although not always mandatory for crossing the border. Medical services in Belgium are not free and can be very expensive. Any unexpected illness, injury or other medical emergency can result in significant financial expenses that will not be covered without an insurance policy. It is recommended to have a policy with coverage of at least €30,000.

Citizens of EU and EEA member states

For citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area, a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is usually sufficient. However, it is important to remember that the EHIC only covers emergency medical care in public institutions in Belgium. It does not cover the cost of private medical services, repatriation, trip cancellation or loss of luggage. Therefore, for more comprehensive protection and to avoid unexpected expenses, we strongly recommend that you take out additional travel insurance.

Short business trips and visits to relatives/friends

Even if your trip is not for tourism, health risks remain relevant. Medical insurance will provide you with financial protection in case of unforeseen medical situations.

Persons engaged in active sports or with chronic illnesses

It is particularly important for these categories of travellers to have extended medical insurance. Standard policies may not cover exacerbations of chronic illnesses or injuries sustained during extreme sports, so choosing the right cover is key to your safety and peace of mind.

What medical assistance is available to refugees in Belgium?

Medical assistance for refugees in Belgium is provided according to their status and stage of application for international protection. The information is based on data from the Federal Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (Fedasil) and other official sources.

Asylum seekers

Persons who have applied for international protection are entitled to medical assistance provided through the public social welfare centre (CPAS/OCMW) in their place of registration. This covers necessary medical assistance, including consultations with doctors, medication and hospitalisation.

Until a decision is made on their status, Fedasil is responsible for reception and the provision of basic services, including medical care.

Persons who have been granted refugee status or subsidiary protection

Once they have been granted one of these statuses, they are entitled to register with the Belgian social security system (mutuelle/ziekenfonds). This gives them access to a wide range of healthcare services on the same terms as Belgian citizens, with contributions (which may be covered under certain conditions, for example if the person is unemployed).

Working adults pay contributions from their wages, which gives them access to the health insurance system. Children and unemployed persons also have access to medical care through this system.

Persons under temporary protection (Ukrainians)

Under the EU Temporary Protection Directive (implemented by Belgium), Ukrainian citizens who have been granted temporary protection are entitled to access the labour market and social benefits, including healthcare.

They can register with their local ‘mutuelle’ (health insurance fund). Until they are registered or if they do not yet have access to this system, emergency medical care and other necessary services can be provided through the CPAS/OCMW.

It is important to contact your local CPAS/OCMW or ‘mutuelle’ to register and obtain detailed information about access to medical services.

Find out all the details about applying for temporary protection for Ukrainians in Belgium on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Emergency medical care

All persons present on the territory of Belgium, regardless of their status, are entitled to free emergency medical assistance in cases that threaten life or may lead to a serious deterioration in health. In emergencies, call the single European number 112.

Which car insurance policy should you choose for entering Belgium?

To enter Belgium in your car, you must have a Green Card. This international motor vehicle liability insurance policy confirms that you are insured in the event of a traffic accident caused by you in Belgium. It covers damages caused to victims of traffic accidents.

Before travelling, make sure that your Green Card is valid for Belgium and covers the entire period of your stay. If you do not have one or it is invalid, you will have to purchase insurance directly at the border or from a local insurance company. This is usually less convenient and may be more expensive. It is always better to take care of your Green Card in advance!

General requirements for insurance policies for short-term and long-term trips

Key requirements for insurance policies for travel to Belgium

Your insurance policy for travel to Belgium must meet the following mandatory criteria:

Coverage amount: The minimum insurance coverage must be at least €30,000. This amount must be sufficient to cover the costs of medical repatriation (return to your home country for medical reasons), emergency medical care, urgent hospitalisation and in the event of death.

Validity: The medical insurance policy must be valid for the entire planned period of stay or transit through Belgium.

Territorial coverage: The insurance must cover the territory of the Republic of Belgium. If you are travelling on a Schengen visa or plan to travel within the Schengen area, the policy must be valid throughout the Schengen area.

Excess: It is strongly recommended that you choose insurance without excess, as this means that all costs will be covered by the insurance company without any financial contribution from you.

Exclusions: It is important that the policy does not contain any exclusions relating to repatriation and emergency assistance, as these services are critical.

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Mandatory insurance requirements for the Schengen area

For travel to Schengen countries, including Belgium, your insurance policy must meet the following requirements:

Insurance coverage: The policy must guarantee coverage of expenses significantly exceeding €30,000. This will ensure full reimbursement of your treatment, repatriation and COVID-19-related treatment costs.

Extensive coverage of medical services: The insurance policy must cover a wide range of medical services, including doctor's consultations, outpatient and inpatient treatment, the purchase of necessary medicines and other medical services.

Territorial coverage: The insurance cover must extend to all countries in the Schengen area.

What insurance can I get for Belgium?

It is best to take out medical insurance for your trip to Belgium before leaving the United Kingdom. Purchasing a policy after arrival can cause a number of inconveniences:

Limited coverage: Insurance purchased locally is often only valid in Belgium and not in other Schengen countries that you may wish to visit.

Higher cost: Policies purchased abroad are usually more expensive.

Difficulties with understanding: There may be problems with understanding local insurance nuances and language barriers.

Why choose Ukrainian insurers?

Taking out medical or travel insurance through Ukrainian companies has significant advantages:

Online convenience: A wide range of programmes that can be purchased quickly and easily online.

Understanding of needs: Local insurers are well aware of the specifics of Ukrainian travel and the potential risks abroad.

Competitive prices: Ukrainian policies are often more attractive in terms of cost compared to foreign offers.

Support for the economy: By purchasing insurance in Ukraine, you are supporting the national insurance market.

Simple settlement: Ukrainian insurers have well-established mechanisms for working with domestic customers, which simplifies the process of receiving payments.

Insurance policies on Visit Ukraine: comprehensive protection

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can purchase medical or travel insurance policies that will provide you with reliable protection.

What are the advantages of a medical insurance policy on Visit Ukraine?

A standard medical policy covers basic medical cases, including:

– initial examination by a doctor and diagnostics.

– outpatient and inpatient treatment.

– emergency medical care and hospitalisation.

– compensation for the cost of prescribed medication.

– payment for transportation to the hospital.

– emergency dental care.

For maximum protection, choose an extended medical insurance package, which can additionally cover:

– vaccinations and emergency surgery.

– repatriation of the body in case of death.

The extended policy may also cover other travel risks:

– flight delays or cancellations.

– loss or damage to luggage.

– payment for emergency phone calls.

– compensation for damages in a traffic accident involving you.

Ensure your peace of mind and safety on every trip – choose medical insurance at Visit Ukraine!

What are the advantages of a travel insurance policy from Visit Ukraine?

A travel insurance policy provides financial protection in the following cases:

– payment for treatment (outpatient, inpatient) and emergency dental care;

– organisation and coverage of evacuation, transportation, and repatriation of the body or burial abroad;

– compensation for losses in case of cancellation or significant delay of a flight, as well as loss of luggage;

– provision of legal advice;

– financial protection in case of a traffic accident.

Ensure yourself a carefree trip – get travel insurance on Visit Ukraine today!

How much does insurance cost?

Medical insurance

Travel insurance

On the Visit Ukraine portal you can choose a policy for travelling to any country in the world!

Advantages of purchasing insurance on Visit Ukraine

Speed and simplicity: Instant calculation of the cost and easy online registration.

Advantageous and flexible: Optimal price-quality ratio, convenient payment methods.

Instant delivery: The policy is sent to your email immediately after payment.

Individual approach: Choose the coverage that suits your needs.

24/7 support: Our support team is always ready to help.

Take care of your peace of mind and safety – choose insurance from Visit Ukraine today!

Reminder! Earlier, we told you how to emigrate from Ukraine to Belgium in 2025.

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