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
- J'ai besoin d'un médicament contre le mal de tête
- Où est la pharmacie la plus proche ?
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.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
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