THE ESSENTIALS
In Belgium, being covered by a health insurance fund (mutuelle) is mandatory for everyone, including you as a student. It’s your safety net to get your medical expenses reimbursed, whether it’s a simple consultation or a hospitalization. You can be “dependent” on your parents, which is often the case until you’re 25, or become the “primary policyholder” of your own health insurance. In both cases, mandatory insurance covers you for basic care, but the additional benefits vary depending on the health insurance fund you choose.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
When you’re “dependent” on your parents
Until you’re 25, you’re generally covered by your parents’ health insurance as a “dependent person.” This means you don’t pay contributions for mandatory insurance and you benefit from their reimbursements.
However, pay attention to your income! To remain dependent, your net resources must not exceed a certain ceiling. For the income year 2026 (tax year 2027), this ceiling is 12,300 euros. If you have a student job, you can remain dependent as long as you don’t exceed a certain number of hours or a certain amount of income. If you exceed these limits, you’ll have to register as a primary policyholder.
When you become the “primary policyholder” of your health insurance
You must register as a primary policyholder as soon as your situation changes:
- As soon as you turn 25, even if you’re still a student or unemployed.
- If you start working full-time (employee or self-employed).
- If you receive benefits (unemployment, integration, incapacity for work).
- If your student job income exceeds the authorized ceilings for being dependent.
As a primary policyholder, you pay your own contributions. For non-European students with “student status,” the legal contribution is 78.93 euros per quarter in 2026. If you have an official residence in Belgium and a residence permit, you can register under “resident” status, which can be more financially advantageous if you don’t have official income (no mandatory contribution).
In addition to the legal contribution (for mandatory insurance), most health insurance funds require an additional contribution for their extra services. These amounts vary in 2026: for example, Mutualité Chrétienne (MC) is 15 euros per month, Partenamut is 14.75 euros per month, and Solidaris Wallonie is 16 euros per month. CAAMI, on the other hand, doesn’t require any additional contributions but doesn’t offer any extra benefits.
What’s reimbursed
The Belgian healthcare system has two pillars: mandatory insurance and supplementary insurance.
- Mandatory insurance (managed by INAMI): This reimburses you for part of the costs for basic healthcare. This includes consultations with a general practitioner or specialist, certain medications, hospitalization costs, physiotherapy, or dental care. You always pay a portion of the costs, which is the “patient’s contribution” (ticket modérateur). If you have a Global Medical File (DMG) with your general practitioner, your patient’s contribution
Verified sources
- mc.be
- cfwb.be
- studyinbelgium.be
- student.be
- bruxelles-j.be
- ijbxl.be
Information verified on 27/08/2026. Amounts and rules may change: always check with the official body.