Safety and Travel Insurance for Trips to Belgium
Belgium is a small country in Western Europe known for its world-famous chocolate, waffles, and beer. Belgium, home to the European Union headquarters, is also a founding member of the EU. With its historic monuments, beautiful castles, cobblestone streets, diverse population, and friendly reputation, Belgium is an ideal destination for travelers, expatriates, students, and retirees.
Before embarking on a long or short-term trip, travelers should be aware of safety concerns and consider travel insurance options when visiting Belgium. Due to Belgium’s high level of development, stable democracy, and modern economy, it is a relatively safe country in which to live and travel. Additionally, Belgium offers one of the highest standards of living anywhere in the world.
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International Travel and Medical Insurance for Travel to Belgium
Belgium is widely known for having one of the highest-quality healthcare systems in the world. Both universal and private coverage are available. Travelers and tourists visiting Belgium will find that healthcare costs are reasonable while service quality remains high. To access the best facilities and doctors, we strongly recommend purchasing an international travel insurance plan before visiting the country.
The following plans will cover visitors and tourists traveling to Belgium for periods ranging from five days to 12 months. They provide excellent benefits and 24/7 access to medical advice.
Single Trip Platinum Travel Insurance
- For U.S. citizens and residents up to age 95
- Includes pregnancy coverage, baggage loss, trip interruption & more
- 24/7/365 service and assistance
Patriot Platinum Travel Insurance
- Maximum limits up to $8,000,000
- IMG pays 100% of medical expenses in-network
- Evacuation due to Natural Disasters & Political Unrest
For expatriates, health insurance in Belgium is mandatory; purchasing it before you arrive will make for fewer headaches later. The state’s health insurance is primarily offered on a fee-for-service basis, allowing individuals to choose their medical provider.
Students from outside the EU traveling to Belgium for less than 90 days must apply for a Schengen Visa. The Schengen Area comprises 26 European countries, including Belgium, that have eliminated passport and other border controls at their common borders. For more than 90 days, they will need to apply for a student or travel visa and show proof of insurance.
Vaccines Required and Staying Healthy when Visiting Belgium
Generally, no special immunizations or medications are required when traveling to Belgium; however, all travelers should consult a doctor before traveling abroad. Children should be up to date on routine immunizations recommended by the World Health Organization.
Pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems should not receive the MMR vaccine. Tetanus-diphtheria immunization is recommended for all travelers who have not received it within the last ten years. When traveling during flu season (November to April), the influenza vaccine is recommended. Pregnant women and people allergic to eggs should not receive the influenza vaccine.
Recent outbreaks in Belgium include a measles resurgence in April 2011. The city of Ghent was particularly affected, and the outbreak was attributed to inadequate vaccine coverage. Another outbreak in 2007-2008 occurred in orthodox Jewish communities in Antwerp.
Hantavirus infections have increased in recent years. Most infections occur in the provinces of Luxembourg, Liège, Namur, and Hainaut. Hantavirus causes serious illness, with the main complication being kidney failure. In Belgium, the predominant hantavirus is the Puumala virus, carried by the bank vole, a type of rodent. Most travelers are at low risk of hantavirus infection.
In August 2014, cases of Lyme disease were reported from Arlon in Luxembourg Province. However, travelers are generally at low risk for these diseases.
Travelers are more likely to experience minor discomforts such as motion sickness and jet lag. On long flights, be sure to walk around the cabin and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Other general tips for staying healthy abroad include avoiding contact with stray dogs, wearing sunscreen regularly and reapplying as needed, and always wearing a seatbelt.
Common Safety Tips for Travelers to Belgium
Petty theft, such as purse snatching and pickpocketing, is common in major cities. Thieves tend to loiter in metro and train stations. The Gare du Midi, the primary international train hub in Brussels, is a popular spot for thieves. Travelers should remain vigilant and keep a close eye on their belongings. Thieves also tend to work in teams, with one team member causing a distraction. Common distractions include dropping money, bumping into the target, and drawing the target’s attention by speaking to them about signing a petition or a similar cause.
The U.S. Embassy is an excellent resource for victims of crime. They can help replace a stolen passport, find medical care in the event of a violent crime, contact the appropriate police authorities and local attorneys, and contact family members and friends. Victims of crime can also dial 100 for an ambulance or fire, 101 for the police, or 112 for other emergency assistance. Additionally, the Commission for Financial Aid for Victims of Deliberate Acts of Violence, established in 1985, provides financial assistance to victims of intentional acts of violence.
Because Belgium maintains openness with its neighbors, terrorist groups can enter and exit the country with anonymity. However, Belgium has had very few major terrorist incidents due to its stringent policies on political demonstrations and mass gatherings.
Public demonstrations require prior police approval to ensure the safety of participants and passersby. Sometimes spontaneous demonstrations occur, and even those intended to be peaceful can turn violent and unpredictable. Travelers should pay attention to local news media and check the Alerts for U.S. Citizens on the U.S. Embassy in Belgium website for more information.
The most essential thing to do when traveling to Belgium is to prepare thoughtfully, equip yourself with knowledge, and, of course, purchase quality travel insurance to protect yourself and your loved ones. Traveling in Belgium and most of Europe is generally safe, with a low risk of incidents; however, you never know what misfortunes you may encounter while abroad, including breathing different air, eating different foods, and adjusting to a different climate.
Instead of worrying about hospital costs or locating an appropriate doctor, your itinerary should be full of touring the cartoon culture, tasting the wide variety of frites, and soaking in the surrealist and nouveau art!
Find the Best International Travel Insurance
- Compare top-rated travel insurance providers
- Get quotes for Travel Medical, Trip Cancellation, and more
- Choose the best plan for your trip and budget
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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