Do you have a medical problem while your regular doctor is not available?
From now on, you can call 1733. This phone number is for non-urgent medical assistance and is linked to the local out-of-hours services.
This emergency number can also be reached via the number +3225249889 (e.g. for GSM subscriptions with foreign telecom operators).
When to call 1733?
If you need medical assistance:
- On Saturdays or Sundays
- On public holidays
In many regions it is also possible to call 1733 if you need an on-call doctor on weeknights. In the future, this will be possible all over Belgium. If 1733 is not available for weeknights in your region, the answerphone will tell you so. You should then call a local number in your city or town.
Only call 1733 for medical issues that cannot wait until the consulting hours of your personal doctor. 1733 is a local rate number, no additional charges will be applied.
Where to call 1733?
In the greater part of Belgium it is possible to call 1733 for an on-call doctor. In the years to come, this will be possible all over Belgium.
You can check here whether your region uses the 1733 number.
The use of the 1733 number is gradually being rolled out in Belgium. There are several phases involved. The regions that already make use of 1733 are either in phase 1 or phase 2.
- If you call 1733 in a region in phase 1, the menu options will transfer you to an employee at the out-of-hours service or to the local on-call doctor. He will give you an appointment.
- If you call 1733 in a region in phase 2, the menu options will transfer you to an operator specialised in medical triage. He will ask you several questions and provide further instructions depending on your health condition.
In the future, all regions will move from phase 1 to phase 2. In the whole country you will then get an operator who will ask you questions to determine where you can best be helped.
How to get an answer in a few steps
- Call 1733
- Choose your language: press 1 for Dutch, 2 for French, 3 for German or 4 for English
- Enter your postal code followed by a hashtag (#)
- If your town/city is in phase 1, you will be transferred to an employee at the out-of-hours service or to the local on-call doctor. He will give you an appointment.
- If your town/city is in phase 2, you will be transferred to an operator. He will ask you several questions and provide further instructions depending on your health condition:
- He may advise you to come to the out-of-hours service or to go to the practice of an on-call doctor.
- In exceptional cases, he can send an on-call doctor to your house.
- He may propose to wait until your personal doctor is available for consultation.
- If the situation appears to be serious, he will sends an ambulance.