- The best travel insurance plans for Belgium
- Is it currently safe to travel to Belgium?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Belgium?
- Why take out travel insurance for Belgium?
- What travel insurance for Belgium should cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Belgium
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Belgium
- Your current insurance coverage in Belgium
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Belgium: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Belgium covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost personal belongings.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for Australians but is strongly recommended for comprehensive financial protection.
3. Healthcare cost: Uncovered medical costs can be expensive, even with the reciprocal health agreement in place.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Belgium can cost between AUD $30 and AUD $60.
5. Good to know: Australia's reciprocal health agreement with Belgium does not cover all medical-related costs.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Belgium.
The best travel insurance plans for Belgium
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | A$1.64M | Recommended for Belgium with wide protection and high limits. - strong medical cover - repatriation - effective for terrorism-related emergencies |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | A$1.64M | Suits both leisure and business travellers in Belgium. - 24/7 medical helpline - trip cancellation - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | A$820k | Practical core cover for tourism in Belgium. - adequate medical limit - emergency response - simple documentation |
| Travel Pass Monde | A$1.15M | Balanced cover for city or multi-country trips. - hospitalisation covered - includes repatriation - wide territorial range |
| Globe Partner | A$492k | Reliable for longer or budget stays in Belgium. - medical overseas - repatriation - civil liability coverage |
| Globe Traveller | A$820k | Good value for essential health needs. - medical emergencies - quick reimbursement - capped medical limits |
- strong medical cover
- repatriation
- effective for terrorism-related emergencies
- 24/7 medical helpline
- trip cancellation
- no deductible
- adequate medical limit
- emergency response
- simple documentation
- hospitalisation covered
- includes repatriation
- wide territorial range
- medical overseas
- repatriation
- civil liability coverage
- medical emergencies
- quick reimbursement
- capped medical limits
Is it currently safe to travel to Belgium?
As of June 2025, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises travellers to exercise normal safety precautions in Belgium, with the national threat level remaining at ‘serious’ due to ongoing terrorism risks.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: terrorism remains a concern in Belgium, especially in crowded public places such as train stations and popular tourist sites in Brussels or Antwerp. Temporary border controls with France, Germany, and the Netherlands may disrupt overland travel.
- Health risks: Belgium experienced a measles outbreak in 2024, particularly in Brussels, so ensure your MMR vaccination is current. Medical care is of a high standard and reciprocally accessible for Australian residents at public facilities.
- Legal requirements: always carry your passport or official identification, as police checks can occur in cities and near international borders. A return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are also required.
- Social risks: general strikes occur frequently and can cause significant disruptions to transport or access to public services, particularly in city centres or around major railway stations.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Belgium.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Belgium?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Australian travellers to enter Belgium.
It is still strongly recommended because, while Australia has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Belgium for public medical facilities, there are limitations and private care or emergency repatriation costs are not fully covered. Medical expenses can be significant, especially for accidents, specialised treatment or if you need care outside the public system.
According to our data, 50% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Belgium. This reflects Belgium’s high standard of safety but also awareness of unexpected medical expenses.
Why take out travel insurance for Belgium?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Belgium.
Although Belgium has a high standard of healthcare, foreigners without local insurance may face significant costs in private clinics like Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc in Brussels or UZ Leuven. Ambulance services and medications are not always fully subsidized, and upfront payment is often required for non-residents.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Belgium.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | €3,250 (approx. A$5,300) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | €1,150 (approx. A$1,880) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | €35,000 (approx. A$57,200) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | €8,100 (approx. A$13,250) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What travel insurance for Belgium should cover
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers hospital stays, emergency treatments and specialist consultations at clinics such as Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc in Brussels. Recommended reimbursement limit: A$500,000 minimum. |
| ✈️ Emergency medical evacuation | Includes air ambulance to Australia if treatment is not possible in Belgium. Recommended reimbursement limit: A$200,000 minimum. |
| 💊 Repatriation of remains | Covers the cost of returning remains to Australia in case of death abroad. Recommended reimbursement limit: A$100,000 minimum. |
| 🛄 Baggage and personal effects | Protects against loss, theft, or damage to your belongings. Recommended reimbursement limit: A$7,500 minimum. |
| 🚫 Trip cancellation and curtailment | Reimburses non-refundable expenses if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to unforeseen events. Recommended reimbursement limit: A$10,000 minimum. |
| 🦴 Personal liability | Covers legal costs if you unintentionally injure someone or damage property. Recommended reimbursement limit: A$2,500,000 minimum. |
| 🚗 Rental vehicle excess | Covers excess payable in the event of an accident or theft with your rental vehicle. Recommended reimbursement limit: A$6,000 minimum. |
| 🏄♂️ Adventure activities | Ensures medical cover for risks related to sports or leisure (e.g., cycling, skiing, hiking in Ardennes). Recommended reimbursement limit: A$100,000 minimum. |
Recommended reimbursement limit: A$500,000 minimum.
Recommended reimbursement limit: A$200,000 minimum.
Recommended reimbursement limit: A$100,000 minimum.
Recommended reimbursement limit: A$7,500 minimum.
Recommended reimbursement limit: A$10,000 minimum.
Recommended reimbursement limit: A$2,500,000 minimum.
Recommended reimbursement limit: A$6,000 minimum.
Recommended reimbursement limit: A$100,000 minimum.
Travel insurance from local providers or included with some bank cards often has limited coverage, low reimbursement limits, and many exclusions. For safer and fuller protection, compare top travel insurance options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Belgium
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | A$45 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | A$82 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | A$145 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | A$278 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of travel insurance for your trip to Belgium will vary. Key factors include: your age, trip duration, level of cover, and any pre-existing medical conditions. It's crucial for Aussie travellers to consider these elements to find a suitable policy that provides peace of mind without breaking the budget.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to Belgium
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Belgium while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🕒 Trip duration | The longer you stay in Belgium, the higher the premium. | Cover only your confirmed travel dates and avoid insuring extra days before or after your stay. |
| 👥 Traveller’s age | Insurers usually charge more for older travellers–age influences the premium. | Compare policies, as Heymondo does not increase prices for people over 62, which can help reduce costs. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Medical care is of high standard, but private bills can be costly in Belgium for Australians. | Set medical cover at A$250,000 minimum but avoid paying extra for add-ons that are unnecessary for your trip. |
| 🦷 Pre-existing medical | Covering chronic or recent illnesses increases the price. | Only include pre-existing cover if absolutely necessary, and check if exclusions for minor conditions are possible. |
| 🚲 Type of activities | Active trips or high-risk sports lead to higher insurance costs. | Select standard cover unless you plan to ski, cycle extensively, or do adventure sports in Belgium. |
| 🌍 Area of coverage | Worldwide policies are more expensive than European-only ones. | Choose “Europe only” coverage if you are not going elsewhere during your trip. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Family/group policy | Belgium is a family-friendly destination, and group policies reduce per-person cost. | Buy a group or family policy rather than insuring everyone separately. |
Your current insurance coverage in Belgium
It’s completely legitimate to wonder whether your current coverage—like public health insurance, private health options, or even your credit card—can protect you when travelling to Belgium. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Belgium? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance | Limited coverage | Hospitalisation at Belgian public hospitals, with significant out-of-pocket fees for private treatment and no repatriation. | Travel insurance covers up to A$500,000 for private care, repatriation, trip issues, and lost or delayed baggage. |
| Private health insurance | Limited coverage | Some emergency medical costs abroad, with limits up to A$10,000, no cancellation or valuables cover, and limited repatriation. | Travel insurance can pay up to A$500,000 for medical, plus high limits for travel disruption and valuables. |
| Classic credit card (Commonwealth, ANZ, NAB) | Limited coverage | Overseas medical emergencies with maximum cover A$15,000-A$20,000, strict conditions, and excludes sports and pre-existing health. | Travel insurance increases cover up to A$500,000, covers more scenarios, ages, and activity types. |
| Premium credit card (Westpac Platinum, ANZ Black, NAB Qantas) | Limited coverage | Medical cover sometimes up to A$50,000, but not for all trips or ages, often excludes repatriation, valuables, or companion return flights. | Travel insurance can go up to A$500,000 for medical, emergency return, baggage, and cancellation. |
Example
In Brussels, Chloe's measles case required private hospitalisation, costing $25,000 AUD. The reciprocal health agreement didn't apply, and her NAB Classic Banking card offered no cover. She faced the entire bill herself, a massive financial shock that dedicated travel insurance would have prevented.
Expert advice
Your credit card or health fund might not cover trip interruptions for a family emergency. Always check the policy details carefully to avoid getting caught out overseas. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to take out dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Belgium?
Australian citizens do not need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days when travelling to Belgium for tourism or business. You will need a valid Australian passport, proof of sufficient funds, a return or onward ticket, and you must carry identification at all times while in Belgium.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Belgium?
Start by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to review different options available to Australians travelling to Belgium. Check the details of each policy to ensure it covers health care needs, trip disruptions, and baggage loss. Once you choose a policy, buy it online and you’ll receive your certificate by email.
Are there any health risks I should consider when visiting Belgium?
Belgium has high-quality medical facilities similar to Australia. However, there was a major measles outbreak in 2024, so make sure your vaccines are up to date. Although there is a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Belgium, it only provides basic coverage, so extra travel insurance is strongly advised.
Does travel insurance for Belgium cover strikes and transport disruptions?
Many comprehensive travel insurance policies cover additional expenses if your plans are disrupted due to strikes or transport delays, which are common in Belgium. Always check the policy's terms to ensure cancellations or delays are covered and what specific documentation will be required for claims.
Do I need special insurance if I am travelling to neighbouring countries from Belgium?
If you plan to visit other European countries within the Schengen Area alongside Belgium, choose a travel insurance policy that covers all your destinations for the duration of your trip. Most Australian policies do this by default, but always confirm the list of covered countries before purchasing.
Are adventure activities and winter sports covered by standard insurance in Belgium?
Standard travel insurance usually does not cover high-risk activities such as skiing or adventurous excursions by default. If you plan to participate in these activities, make sure your policy specifically includes them, or consider an add-on for adventure sports to ensure protection for accidents or injuries.
Do I need a visa to travel to Belgium?
Australian citizens do not need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days when travelling to Belgium for tourism or business. You will need a valid Australian passport, proof of sufficient funds, a return or onward ticket, and you must carry identification at all times while in Belgium.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Belgium?
Start by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to review different options available to Australians travelling to Belgium. Check the details of each policy to ensure it covers health care needs, trip disruptions, and baggage loss. Once you choose a policy, buy it online and you’ll receive your certificate by email.
Are there any health risks I should consider when visiting Belgium?
Belgium has high-quality medical facilities similar to Australia. However, there was a major measles outbreak in 2024, so make sure your vaccines are up to date. Although there is a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Belgium, it only provides basic coverage, so extra travel insurance is strongly advised.
Does travel insurance for Belgium cover strikes and transport disruptions?
Many comprehensive travel insurance policies cover additional expenses if your plans are disrupted due to strikes or transport delays, which are common in Belgium. Always check the policy's terms to ensure cancellations or delays are covered and what specific documentation will be required for claims.
Do I need special insurance if I am travelling to neighbouring countries from Belgium?
If you plan to visit other European countries within the Schengen Area alongside Belgium, choose a travel insurance policy that covers all your destinations for the duration of your trip. Most Australian policies do this by default, but always confirm the list of covered countries before purchasing.
Are adventure activities and winter sports covered by standard insurance in Belgium?
Standard travel insurance usually does not cover high-risk activities such as skiing or adventurous excursions by default. If you plan to participate in these activities, make sure your policy specifically includes them, or consider an add-on for adventure sports to ensure protection for accidents or injuries.
On the same topic
