Q&A : Medical expenses reimbursement file

Which medical expenses are reimbursed?

In Belgium, medical expenses of Belgian citizens are reimbursed in an efficient way: you go to the doctor, get a digital prescription, go to the pharmacy, buy your medication and the costs are reimbursed.

Outside of the familiar Belgian social security system, expats are often required to deal with different rules and procedures in order to receive a reimbursement.

Here are the conditions you must meet to be eligible for reimbursement abroad.

At a doctor's visit

If you are affiliated with the Overseas Social Security (OSS), you are entitled to reimbursement of medical consultations under the conditions set out below.

What	In Belgium	Abroad
Doctor's fees	Based on certified nomenclature codes. Reimbursement at the NIHDI rate, no contribution to care services outside the nomenclature. Under the AC contract formula: for the period of sickness and disability and under Deferred Medical Care Insurance.	Healthcare providers abroad use the specific coding system for the country in question. This varies from country to country. Reimbursement at 75% of the actual costs for eligible expenses is subject to submission of detailed invoices with proof of payment and accompanied by a medical prescription, where necessary.

What

In Belgium

Abroad

Doctor's fees

Based on certified nomenclature codes.

Reimbursement at the NIHDI rate, no contribution to care services outside the nomenclature.

Under the AC contract formula: for the period of sickness and disability and under Deferred Medical Care Insurance.

Healthcare providers abroad use the specific coding system for the country in question. This varies from country to country.

Reimbursement at 75% of the actual costs for eligible expenses is subject to submission of detailed invoices with proof of payment and accompanied by a medical prescription, where necessary.

At the pharmacy

If you are affiliated with Overseas Social Security (OSS), you can submit your medical expenses by attaching a specific form in addition to the regular prescription and proof of payment: the Annex 30. You should request this form from the pharmacist.

What	Right to reimbursement?	Purchased in Belgium	Purchased abroad
Non-prescribed medication	No	No	No
Prescribed medication	Yes, provided it is included in the list of the NIHDI's reimbursable finished medicinal products (in french)(New window).	Yes, if you bought the medication in a Belgian pharmacy. Please note that the medication will only be reimbursed if an Annex 30 is submitted. The BVAC form will not be accepted.	Yes, if you have a detailed invoice from the pharmacy showing the patient's name and surname, the correct description of the medication and the name and price for each medication. In addition, you must also attach the medical prescription.
Exceptions	Some medication require prior approval from the service's consultant doctor. Contact : rsds-om@onss.fgov.be	Eligible prescribed and approved medication is reimbursed at the NIHDI rate. A standardised request form must be completed by the doctor (the standardised request form can also be submitted in advance, either by the doctor or the insured person before medication is purchased).	Eligible prescribed and approved medication will be reimbursed at 75% of the actual cost. Attach the doctor's report justifying its necessity.
Vaccines and antimalarial drugs	Yes, where prescribed and purchased after the start date of affiliation and if included in the NIHDI scales. In Belgium there is a list of vaccines, available here, that are reimbursed by the NIHDI.	Yes, the Overseas Social Security provides a contribution at the NIHDI rate. For vaccines not reimbursed by the NIHDI and which are purchased in Belgium on medical prescription, we contribute 75% of the actual cost.	Yes, Overseas Social Security will provide a contribution at 75% of the cost actually paid when the medication is also available in Belgium and if purchased on medical prescription.

Would you like to share your travel experiences?

Are you an expat or do you know someone with an inspiring experience abroad? Please don't hesitate to contact us at overseas-expat@onssrszlss.fgov.be. And who knows, you might inspire future expats with your story.