Studying abroad in Belgium is thrilling, but before starting your academic journey, focus on a key requirement: health insurance.
International students in Belgium, regardless of origin, must have valid health insurance throughout their stay. Belgium provides various public and private insurance options, many designed for students.
This blog outlines the best 10 health insurance choices for international students in Belgium. It details coverage levels, costs, and how each plan meets visa and residence permit needs.
Understanding Health Insurance in Belgium for Students
There are two main pathways to get health coverage in Belgium:
- Public Health Insurance (Mutuelles/Mutualiteit)
These are Belgian government-regulated funds that provide core medical coverage and partial reimbursement for medical costs. - Private International Health Insurance
These plans provide extensive global coverage and are commonly utilized before arrival or during the visa application process, particularly by non-EU/EEA students.
🩺 Top 10 Health Insurance Providers for Students
1. CM (Christelijke Mutualiteit)
Type: Public
Eligibility: All students with university enrolment
Coverage:
- 60–75% reimbursement on doctor’s visits, hospitals, and medications
- Basic dental and physiotherapy available
View this post on Instagram
Process: Pay upfront, then submit invoices for reimbursement.
✅ Recommended by universities due to its strong student support.
👉 Learn more(https://www.odisee.be/health-insurance-international-students)
2. Partenamut / Helan
Type: Public
Coverage:
- Similar benefits as CM
- 60–75% reimbursement on basic care
- Optional extras for dental, vision, or home care
View this post on Instagram
Highlights: User-friendly online registration and multilingual customer service.
👉 Learn more(https://www.odisee.be/health-insurance-international-students)
3. Solidaris
Type: Public
Eligibility: Open to EU and non-EU student.
Coverage:
- Reimbursement of doctor and hospital visits
- Optional packages for mental health and chronic illness support
View this post on Instagram
Highlights: Particularly inclusive for vulnerable or low-income students.
👉 More info(https://corporate.solidaris-vlaanderen.be/international/english/studying-in-belgium/)
4. Mutualité Neutre / Neutrale Ziekenfonds
Type: Public
Coverage:
- Basic medical care reimbursement
- Flexible optional insurance packs for added protection
View this post on Instagram
Highlights: Easy enrollment with student documents. Quick claim processing.
👉 More info(https://www.odisee.be/health-insurance-international-students)
5. Swisscare
Type: Private international student insurance
Coverage:
- Medical emergencies, hospitalization, repatriation
- Assistance and visa compliance
View this post on Instagram
Best For: Students waiting for Belgian residency cards or public fund enrollment.
Extras: Instant policy delivery—perfect for visa applications.
👉 More info(https://swisscare.com/en/country/belgium)
6. Expat & Co (Student Plan)
Type: Private Belgian/international hybrid
Coverage:
- Hospitalization, urgent dental care, mental health
- Trauma assistance and 24/7 multilingual support
Compliant With: Erasmus+, university, and Schengen visa requirements.
Ideal For: Students attending international or EU-based programs.
👉 More info(https://expatinsurance.eu/en/study-insurances/student-insurance)
7. Allianz Care
Type: Global private insurance
Coverage:
- Worldwide access to hospitals
- Mental health, evacuation, second medical opinion
- Optional vision and dental care
View this post on Instagram
Highlights: Trusted brand with direct billing in many countries.
👉 More info(https://www.allianzcare.com/en/personal-international-health-insurance/who-we-help/students.html)
8. AXA Global Healthcare
Type: Private
Coverage:
- Comprehensive for short- or long-term students
- Teleconsultation, repatriation, psychological support
View this post on Instagram
Best For: Students in transition (e.g., pre-public registration or visa gap).
👉 More info(https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com/en/international-health-insurance/belgium/)
9. IMG (International Medical Group)
Type: Private international plan
Coverage:
- Emergency services, evacuation, repatriation
- Affordable and customizable student plans
Benefit: Broad global network and simple claims processing.
👉 More info(https://www.imglobal.com/international-student-health-insurance)
10. Student Insurance Portal
Type: Service platform (not an insurer)
Purpose:
- Helps compare private and public plans
- Tailors advice for visa and university requirements
Benefit: Saves time researching by curating top-rated student-friendly providers.
👉 Explore(https://studentinsuranceportal.com/to/belgium)
📝 Key Information for International Students
📌 Legal Requirements:
- All students must show proof of health insurance at the time of visa/residence application and during university enrollment.
- Non-EU/EEA students must either:
- Join a Belgian public mutual fund after arrival, OR
- Purchase a private insurance plan before arrival to satisfy visa requirements.
- Join a Belgian public mutual fund after arrival, OR
💶 Reimbursement Process (Public Funds):
| Expense Type | Typical Reimbursement Rate |
| Doctor visits | 60–75% |
| Hospital care | 60–75% |
| Prescriptions | ~20% |
| Dental (basic care) | Limited |
🔖 Pro tip: Always keep invoices/receipts for all services. Claims must be submitted with these documents.
🦷 Supplemental Insurance
Belgian mutual funds don’t cover everything. If you want full coverage, consider:
- Dental & vision insurance
- Psychological or trauma support
- Private/specialist treatment options
- Hospital stay upgrades
Private providers like Swisscare, AXA, and Allianz Care often bundle these extras into student-friendly plans.
📊 Quick Comparison Table
| Provider | Type | Visa Compliant | Reimbursement | Extras Available | Best For |
| CM | Public | ✅ Yes | 60–75% | Dental, vision | Affordable long-term coverage |
| Partenamut / Helan | Public | ✅ Yes | 60–75% | Optional care packs | Easy online registration |
| Solidaris | Public | ✅ Yes | 60–75% | Mental health, dental | Inclusive for all student groups |
| Neutrale Ziekenfonds | Public | ✅ Yes | 60–75% | Flexible add-ons | Fast setup with student documents |
| Swisscare | Private | ✅ Yes | 80–100% | Repatriation, assistance | Short-stay & pre-residency coverage |
| Expat & Co | Private | ✅ Yes | Up to 100% | Dental, trauma, mental | Erasmus and Schengen students |
| Allianz Care | Private | ✅ Yes | Up to 100% | Global access, mental | Premium worldwide services |
| AXA Global | Private | ✅ Yes | Up to 100% | Virtual doctor, dental | Transition periods or full programs |
| IMG | Private | ✅ Yes | Up to 100% | Evacuation, global access | Cost-conscious international students |
| Student Portal | Service | ✅ Yes | N/A | Personalized advice | Comparing and choosing best option |
✅ Final Tips & Recommendations
For EU/EEA/Swiss Students:
- Bring your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)—you’ll receive access to basic services.
- For comprehensive coverage, consider topping up with a private or supplemental plan.
For Non-EU/EEA Students:
- Start with private insurance (like Swisscare or Expat & Co) to fulfill visa requirements.
- Once settled in Belgium, enroll in a public mutual fund for core coverage.
Before You Buy:
- Make sure your plan is visa-compliant
- Check if direct billing is available or if you’ll need to pay first and claim later
- Review coverage exclusions (especially for mental health, dental, repatriation)
🧭 Your Health, Your Safety, Your Choice
As an international student in Belgium, selecting the right health insurance is crucial for peace of mind, legal compliance, and financial security. Whether you choose public insurance like CM or private options such as Allianz or Swisscare, it’s essential to begin the process early. Understand your specific needs and ensure the plan aligns with your student lifestyle.
Focus on learning, growing, and enjoying your study experience in Belgium.
