The quality of healthcare becomes essential with age. In this article, you will find all the current information to understand the Belgian senior healthcare system, the available assistance, and care options at home or in facilities.
Senior citizens in Belgium
by the enf of 2025, about 2.4 million Belgians will be over 65 years old. Although this isn't a huge portion of the population, it is expected that the number of seniors will only increase in the coming years. Naturally, you and your loved ones will need elderly healthcare at some point, so it is important to know your options.
In Belgium, health insurance is mandatory. You can also obtain supplementary health insurance policies, which can help cover healthcare expenses you might incur.
The public healthcare system in Belgium
Like everyone else, retirees (those over 65) are covered by the public healthcare system, which is funded by both social security contributions and health insurance. They benefit from the following coverage:
- 50 to 75% per medical consultation (at a private practice, clinic, or hospital);
- 20% for prescriptions;
- Basic dental care.
Home care cervices in Belgium
It is preferable for elderly people to stay at home as long as possible because they fare better in a familiar environment. It is also easier for their family members to monitor them and provide minor care when necessary.
Fortunately, there are home care services available in Belgium. This type of service can be very helpful for seniors: for household chores, shopping, cleaning, meal preparation, dishwashing, among others. You can arrange for these providers to visit on a regular or occasional basis.
To date, the ParkingPlus project, which aimed to facilitate parking for home care providers through stickers on garages, is on hold and not operational. Although it was launched in Brussels, no official body currently manages it, and the associated website is no longer in service.
However, some Brussels municipalities are exploring regional alternatives, such as professional exemption cards or parking facilities for medical caregivers. It is important to inquire directly with your municipal administration to find out what options are available in your neighborhood.
And if you need to adapt your home for people with reduced mobility needs, the Belgian government and/or your local municipality may provide you with financial assistance. For more details, talk to your health insurance provider.
Types of long-term care facilities in Belgium
There comes a time when you or a loved one may need long-term care. Even though the focus is on home care, sometimes stays in specialized residences may be necessary for seniors. In Belgium, there are two types of residential facilities dedicated to them: nursing homes and rest homes. Both are funded by the federal public health insurance system.
Nursing homes
Nursing homes in Belgium are also known as ROB facilities or MRPA. These residences are intended for more or less autonomous elderly people, with some minor limitations. Nursing staff will assist them with daily care and basic hygiene.
Rest homes and care facilities
Rest homes are known as RVT facilities or MRS. If you or a loved one have more severe limitations, but not severe enough to warrant permanent hospital care, rest homes are a good alternative. What is great about rest homes is that each is attached to a hospital, so in case of a medical emergency, you receive prompt care as a priority.
For both nursing homes and rest homes, the average monthly budget is €1,446. Note that this is an indicative price as it depends on the person's health status and the need for a more or less pronounced level of medicalization.
Practicing geriatricians in Belgium
Unfortunately, there is a shortage of practicing geriatricians in the country. In fact, compared to other G7 countries, Belgium has the lowest number of geriatric professionals.
On the other hand, the good news is that measures have been taken to encourage medical students to specialize in geriatrics. For instance, there is now more financial compensation for geriatrics, making the field more attractive. Also, medical students can only superspecialize in a field after completing a three-year specialization training in internal medicine.
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