The right to reimbursement for medical care is in principle a national matter. European Union law, however, makes it possible:
- to go to another European Union* country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
and
- subject to certain conditions, to receive reimbursement of your medical costs under the compulsory health insurance* regime.
There are two ways to receive reimbursement for the costs of healthcare provided in one of these other countries:
1. on the basis of Regulations (EC) 883/2004 en 987/2004*
In this case, you will be treated in the same way as a resident of the country you are staying in and where you are receiving health care. The costs are reimbursed according to the rules and rates of the country in which you received the care.
2. on the basis of the European directive 2011/24/EU*
You pay the costs yourself upfront, and then later claim reimbursement from your Belgian health insurance fund*, according to the rules and rates applicable under the Belgian compulsory health insurance* regime.
These two ways to receive reimbursement differ in various aspects:
- legal basis;
- conditions regarding your right to cross-border care;
- the way in which the healthcare provider* is paid;
- the way in which the healthcare received is reimbursed;
- your contribution (e.g. the co-payment) to the cost of the care.
Attention!: There is a priority rule.
* cf. Glossary