Belgium
Healthcare quality & costs · 2023
Good — 77.0/100 Mixed systemHealthcare index trend
Europe comparison
| Country | Index | Life Exp | GP Visit | Doctors/1k | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | 84.0 | 83.5 yrs | $125 | 4.30 | 100.0% |
| Norway | 82.3 | 82.9 yrs | $19 | 4.70 | 100.0% |
| Sweden | 81.1 | 82.8 yrs | $19 | 4.30 | 100.0% |
| Denmark | 80.6 | 81.1 yrs | $72 | 4.00 | 100.0% |
| France | 80.3 | 82.2 yrs | $29 | 3.30 | 100.0% |
| Finland | 79.3 | 81.8 yrs | $24 | 3.50 | 100.0% |
| Austria | 78.9 | 81.6 yrs | $24 | 5.30 | 100.0% |
| Germany | 78.6 | 80.9 yrs | $19 | 4.50 | 88.0% |
| Netherlands | 77.3 | 81.8 yrs | $19 | 3.70 | 100.0% |
| Belgium | 77.0 | 81.4 yrs | $29 | 3.20 | 100.0% |
| Spain | 76.0 | 83.2 yrs | Free | 4.40 | 100.0% |
| Ireland | 75.6 | 82.5 yrs | $58 | 3.30 | 100.0% |
| Italy | 74.9 | 83.5 yrs | $29 | 4.00 | 100.0% |
| United Kingdom | 73.0 | 81.1 yrs | Free | 3.00 | 100.0% |
| Portugal | 71.3 | 81.0 yrs | $14 | 5.50 | 100.0% |
| Czech Republic | 67.0 | 79.2 yrs | $21 | 4.10 | 100.0% |
| Greece | 65.6 | 82.1 yrs | $48 | 6.30 | 84.0% |
| Poland | 61.3 | 77.5 yrs | $17 | 2.50 | 91.0% |
| Hungary | 58.9 | 76.4 yrs | $24 | 3.50 | 90.0% |
| Romania | 51.1 | 75.8 yrs | $19 | 2.90 | 88.0% |
Healthcare in Belgium — FAQs
How good is healthcare in Belgium in 2023?
Belgium scores 77.0 out of 100 on the LifeIndexed Healthcare Quality Index in 2023, rated as "Good". Life expectancy is 81.4 years. The country runs a Mixed (combination of public insurance and private providers) and spends 10.10% of GDP on health services.
How much does a doctor visit cost in Belgium?
A typical GP / doctor visit in Belgium costs approximately $29 USD. Hospital accommodation costs around $816 USD per day. These are out-of-pocket costs; insured patients may pay significantly less.
Is healthcare free in Belgium?
Belgium has near-universal public health coverage — essentially 100% of the population is covered. Basic medical services are free or heavily subsidised for all residents. The government funds this through 10.10% of GDP in health spending.
How much is private health insurance in Belgium?
Average private health insurance in Belgium costs approximately $125 USD per month. This provides access to private hospitals, shorter wait times and specialist care beyond what the public system offers.
What type of healthcare system does Belgium have?
Belgium has a mixed healthcare system combining public insurance with private providers. Public coverage extends to 100.0% of the population, with private options available for supplementary or faster care.
How many doctors are there per 1,000 people in Belgium?
Belgium has 3.2 doctors per 1,000 people. This is above the global average of approximately 1.8 per 1,000. The country also has 5.60 hospital beds per 1,000 people.
What is the life expectancy in Belgium?
Life expectancy in Belgium is 81.4 years in 2023, compared to the Europe average of 81.1 years. Life expectancy is a key indicator of population health, nutrition, and the effectiveness of the healthcare system.
What is the infant mortality rate in Belgium?
The infant mortality rate in Belgium is 3.1 deaths per 1,000 live births. This is a low rate, indicating strong maternal and newborn healthcare.
How does Belgium compare to other Europe countries?
Belgium ranks 10 out of 20 Europe countries on the healthcare quality index. Its score of 77.0/100 is +3.3pp above the Europe average of 73.7/100. Life expectancy is +0.3 years versus the regional average.
Can expats and foreigners access healthcare in Belgium?
Expats who obtain legal residency in Belgium generally gain access to the public healthcare system, though registration processes and contribution requirements vary. Many expats also take out international or local private health insurance for faster access and broader coverage.
Is Belgium a good destination for medical tourism?
Belgium is not typically considered a primary medical tourism destination. Patients seeking cost savings usually prefer regional alternatives. However, emergency and specialist care is available in major cities.
How much does a hospital stay cost in Belgium?
A hospital stay in Belgium costs approximately $816 USD per day for private or uninsured patients. Public system patients pay little or nothing for inpatient care. Hospital costs can vary significantly between public and private facilities.
Is Belgium's healthcare improving?
Belgium's healthcare quality index has improved by 2.5 points from 2022 to 2026, rising from 75.7/100 to 78.2/100. Life expectancy also rose from 81.0 to 81.7 years over the same period.
What is the quality of hospitals in Belgium?
Belgium has good hospital infrastructure in urban centres, with 5.60 beds per 1,000 people. Quality varies between public and private facilities and between urban and rural areas.