Mutualité/Ziekenfonds (Student Rate)
€0–€20/month
Best for: All students — mandatory registration
Heavily subsidized for students. Choose from Solidaris, CM, Partenamut, etc. Covers public healthcare.
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Health Insurance for Students in Belgium
All residents must register with a mutualité/ziekenfonds. Students pay heavily subsidized rates: €0–€20/month.
5 requirements 3 plan options 5 setup steps
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- All residents in Belgium must register with a mutualité (mutuelle/ziekenfonds)
- Mandatory health insurance for all students
- EU/EEA students with EHIC can register more easily
- Non-EU students must register within 3 months of arrival
- Students pay heavily subsidized rates (€0–€20/month)
Available Insurance Options
Private Supplementary Insurance
€10–€30/month
Best for: Students wanting extras like dental, optical, private rooms
Optional supplement to mutualité. Covers dental, optical, private hospital rooms, alternative therapies.
Learn moreEHIC + Mutualité
€0–€20/month (mutualité)
Best for: EU/EEA students
EHIC accepted, but mutualité registration recommended for full coverage and easier access.
Learn moreCost Overview
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mutualité Student Rate | €0–€20/month | Heavily subsidized for students. Varies by mutualité and personal situation. |
| Supplementary Insurance | €10–€30/month | Optional for dental, optical, and private hospital coverage |
| Doctor Visit Co-Pay | €5–€25 | Typical out-of-pocket cost after mutualité reimbursement. Lower with mutualité membership. |
| Hospital Care | Mostly covered | Public hospital care largely covered by mutualité. Private rooms extra. |
Item
Mutualité Student Rate
Cost
€0–€20/month
Details
Heavily subsidized for students. Varies by mutualité and personal situation.
Item
Supplementary Insurance
Cost
€10–€30/month
Details
Optional for dental, optical, and private hospital coverage
Item
Doctor Visit Co-Pay
Cost
€5–€25
Details
Typical out-of-pocket cost after mutualité reimbursement. Lower with mutualité membership.
Item
Hospital Care
Cost
Mostly covered
Details
Public hospital care largely covered by mutualité. Private rooms extra.
Visa & Insurance Requirements
- Student visa requires proof of health coverage
- EU students: EHIC sufficient for visa, but register with mutualité after arrival
- Non-EU students: Proof of mutualité registration or private insurance required for residence permit
- Insurance must cover entire stay duration
- Mutualité registration certificate accepted by Belgian immigration
How to Get Insured
Apply for Student Visa
Submit visa application with proof of insurance (EHIC for EU, or declaration to register with mutualité).
Arrive in Belgium and Register Address
Register your Belgian address at the local town hall (commune/gemeente) within 8 days. Receive temporary registration.
Choose a Mutualité/Ziekenfonds
Select from major providers: Solidaris (socialist), CM (Christian), Partenamut (liberal), or others. All offer same base coverage at similar rates.
Register with Mutualité
Visit your chosen mutualité office with passport, residence permit, and student ID. Complete registration and pay first contribution.
Receive Your SIS Card
Your Belgian health insurance card (SIS card) arrives by mail within 2–4 weeks. Use this when visiting doctors or hospitals.
Student Health Insurance in Belgium
Belgium’s healthcare system requires all residents to register with a mutualité (French) or ziekenfonds (Dutch) — a health insurance fund. As a student, you’ll pay heavily subsidized rates of just €0–€20/month.
Mandatory Mutualité Registration
Within 3 months of arriving in Belgium, you must register with a mutualité. Popular providers include:
- Solidaris (socialist-affiliated)
- CM (Christelijke Mutualiteit) (Christian-affiliated)
- Partenamut (liberal-affiliated)
- Liberale Mutualiteit
- Neutraal Ziekenfonds (neutral)
All provide the same base coverage at similar rates. Choose based on location, language preference, or recommendations.
What Mutualité Covers
Mutualité provides comprehensive coverage:
- Doctor visits (GP and specialists) — reimbursed 70-100%
- Hospital treatment (public hospitals)
- Prescription medications — reimbursed 40-100% depending on type
- Physiotherapy, maternity care, preventive services
- Emergency care
You pay upfront and receive reimbursement from your mutualité.
Student Rates — Heavily Subsidized
Students benefit from extremely low rates (€0–€20/month) because:
- Belgian system subsidizes students
- Low income = lower contributions
- Some students with minimal income pay nothing
EU Students with EHIC
EU/EEA students can use EHIC for immediate coverage, but registering with a mutualité is highly recommended for:
- Lower out-of-pocket costs
- Easier reimbursement process
- Access to all Belgian healthcare providers
Why Belgium?
With over 55,000 international students, Belgium offers excellent universities in Brussels, Leuven, Ghent, and Antwerp. Enjoy multilingual education, central European location, and world-class healthcare at student-friendly rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does health insurance cost for students in Belgium?
Students pay heavily subsidized rates of €0–€20/month for mutualité/ziekenfonds coverage. Exact cost depends on personal situation and chosen mutualité.
What is a mutualité/ziekenfonds?
A mutualité (FR) or ziekenfonds (NL) is a Belgian health insurance fund. Registration is mandatory for all residents. Major providers include Solidaris, CM, and Partenamut.
Can EU students use EHIC in Belgium?
Yes, EU/EEA students with EHIC can access Belgian healthcare. However, registering with a mutualité is strongly recommended for full coverage and lower costs.
What does mutualité cover?
Mutualité covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, specialists, physiotherapy, and maternity care. You pay upfront and receive reimbursement (often 70-100% of costs).
How do I see a doctor in Belgium?
Find a GP or specialist and book an appointment. Pay upfront (€20–€50 for GP), then submit the receipt to your mutualité for reimbursement via your SIS card.
Ready to Study in Belgium?
Register with a mutualité/ziekenfonds for affordable, comprehensive healthcare in Belgium.
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