A Look at Health Care Services in Belgium

If you are moving abroad to live in Belgium for any period of time you will want to familiarize your self with the health care services in the country. If you find your self in need of medical services or treatment from a hospital or clinic while in Belgium you can find a hospital by looking for a sign with a white "H" on a blue background.

You will find that hospital care and services in Belgium is of high quality. Of course it is likely to be a bit different that what you are used to experiencing in your home country. For instance, if you are going to a hospital in Belgium you will need to take your own sleeping clothes, your own robe and slippers and your own toiletries. You will also need to bring your own towels. Of course you will not have time to get these items if it is an emergency so you will have to get someone else to get them for you. You will also want to make sure that you have some money with you. You will need money to pay for any telephone calls, any programs that you watch on the television, and possibly for items such as bottled water if you want it.

You will find that there are two different kinds of hospitals in Belgium. A general hospital, know as a ziekenhuis, will have its own staff on duty 24 hours a day. Typically you will not see your doctors if you end up at a hospital because the staff is in charge of your care as soon as you are admitted to the facility. A clinic, known as a kliniek, is a private hospital that also has its own staff that cares for you. However your doctor will be in charge of your care during a stay in a private hospital. Usually doctors in Belgium are affiliated with a couple of different clinics so that you have a choice if you need to be hospitalized for any reason.

If you need to go to a hospital it is important that you remember to bring your Belgian identification card or your passport. You will also need to bring your SIS card, or you Systeme d'Information Sociale card, if you will be seeking treatment at a public hospital. Or if you are going to a private hospital you will need to have your proof of private health insurance. Not all hospitals accept insurance so you should try to check that out in advance of your visit.

When you are admitted to a hospital you will be expected to pay a deposit unless the hospital already has an arrangement with your insurance company. Note that in Belgium women are admitted to hospitals under their maiden names. That means if you will be visiting a woman in the hospital in Belgium you will need to know her maiden name.