What actually happens to travelers here.
Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date, bring your prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter, and verify your travel insurance covers international medical care + evacuation.
The system.
System: Universal (mandatory health insurance)
Quality: ★★★★☆ Very Good
High-quality healthcare with excellent hospitals in Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. Most doctors speak English in addition to French/Dutch/German.
Where to actually go.
University hospital. English widely spoken.
Major university hospital. French and English speaking.
Main hospital serving Bruges tourists.
Finding what you need.
Access: Easy
Hours: Most pharmacies open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-12pm. Duty pharmacies (pharmacie de garde) available nights/weekends — check apotheek.be or pharmacie.be
Prescription rules: Most antibiotics and stronger medications require a prescription from a Belgian or EU doctor. EU prescriptions are generally accepted.
Look for the green cross sign. Pharmacists are well-trained and can advise on minor ailments. Many OTC products require asking the pharmacist (behind counter but no prescription needed).
Available over the counter
- paracetamol (Dafalgan)
- ibuprofen
- antihistamines
- cough medicine
- antacids
- throat lozenges
Useful pharmacy phrases
- I need medicine for a headache: J'ai besoin d'un médicament contre le mal de tête (French; Dutch: Ik heb medicijn nodig tegen hoofdpijn)
- Where is the nearest pharmacy?: Où est la pharmacie la plus proche ? (Dutch: Waar is de dichtstbijzijnde apotheek?)
Chains you'll see
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Dafalgan or Doliprane
Dafalgan is the most common Belgian paracetamol brand. - ibuprofen → Brufen or Nurofen
Available at most apotheek/pharmacie locations. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium
Available OTC at most pharmacies.
What you can't bring in.
EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU travelers should carry prescriptions in English, ideally with generic drug names. No special import certificate needed for personal-use quantities.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: Codeine · Xanax · Opioids
Low-dose codeine available OTC, higher doses require prescription
Prescription required, bring documentation if carrying personal supply
Strictly controlled, requires Belgian/EU prescription
If something breaks.
Availability: Good dental care. EHIC covers emergency dental for EU citizens.
Cost range: €30-80 for consultation; €60-200 for fillings
Belgian dental care is affordable by Western European standards.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Recommended
Average cost: $3-6/day
Belgium is part of the Schengen Area. If you need a Schengen visa, travel insurance is mandatory. EU/EEA citizens can use EHIC for reduced-cost care.
Filing a claim
Belgian healthcare uses a reimbursement system. Keep attestation de soins (care certificates) from doctors. EU citizens with EHIC get partial reimbursement. Non-EU visitors pay upfront and claim from travel insurance.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $60-150 |
| ER visit | $200-700 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $400-1,200 |
| Ambulance | $100-500 |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs at private or international facilities. Public-system rates can be much lower (or free for residents). Actual costs vary by city, facility, and exchange rate.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Local treatment is world-class
Secondary destination: Cross-border to a major European center
Typical cost band: $10,000-40,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Local hospitals handle the vast majority of cases — air evacuation is rarely needed for tourists. If a condition exceeds local capacity: Western European hospitals are among the best in the world. Cross-border air evacuation is uncommon and usually only for highly specialized cases.
What to get done before you fly.
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Routine immunizations (MMR, DTaP, flu)
No special vaccinations required for most travelers. Tick-borne encephalitis is not a significant risk.
Water, food, and stomach safety in Belgium.
Tap water: Safe to drink
Tap water is safe and high quality throughout Belgium.
Food safety
Excellent food safety standards. Street food (frites, waffles) is safe. Mussels and other seafood are fresh and well-regulated.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: Tele-Onthaal: 106 (Dutch); Télé-Accueil: 107 (French)
English-speaking therapists: Available in Brussels, which is highly international.
Belgium has good mental health services. Brussels has many English-speaking therapists due to the EU/NATO presence.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Belgium has good accessibility in modern areas. Historic city centers (Bruges, Ghent) with cobblestones can be challenging.
Hospital accessibility: Hospitals are wheelchair accessible.
Accessible transport: Brussels Metro has elevator access. STIB/MIVB buses are low-floor. SNCB trains offer assistance for disabled travelers.
Bruges is walkable but cobblestones are difficult for wheelchairs. Ghent's tram system is accessible.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID requirements.
Mask policy: No mandates.
Testing availability: Available at pharmacies.
All restrictions removed.
Belgium travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
- WHO
- CDC Travelers Health
- Belgian Federal Public Service Health
- European Commission EHIC