Healthcare sector in Belgium - Statistics & Facts

Belgium is among the top ten best performing healthcare systems in Europe. Approximately one-tenth of its gross domestic product (GDP) is spent on health. In 2021, the total expenditure on health as a share of GDP amounted to 11.2 percent, while in terms of per capita the health expenditure amounted to around 4,789 euros. Over three-quarters is financed by the public sector, followed by out-of-pocket payments. Like most Western European countries, due to changing demographics demand for long-term care will grow, resulting in higher annual healthcare expenditure in the coming decades.

Health Insurance

The Belgian healthcare system is a Bismarckian-type model based on mandatory health insurance. Public health expenditure in Belgium is mainly financed through social contribution, while other financing sources include government subsidies and alternative financing. The National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (NIHDI) governs the sickness funds which are responsible for medical claim reimbursements, people eligible for health insurance must register with a sickness fund in Belgium. Many people also have private health insurance since sickness funds only reimburse up to 75 percent of healthcare costs. In 2022, approximately 98.6 percent of Belgian population was covered by public or private health insurance.

Care access

Healthcare delivery in Belgium is principally founded on freedom of choice, equal access, and fee-for-service model. In 2022, Belgium invested over 60 billion euros in healthcare provider facilities and services. The healthcare system provides access to a range of services such as doctors, hospital care, dental care, maternity care, and prescriptions. The regional distribution of healthcare service providers, hospitals, and hospital beds are in line with the needs of the Belgian population. The majority of healthcare providers are employed by the state, while some are self-employed. Even though the overall healthcare system in Belgium is performing well, in future it will have to tackle challenges related to healthcare staff shortage, access to high-quality care while making the system more efficient and sustainable.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Preeti Vankar, Sep 1, 2023

Key insights

Total out-of-pocket (OOP) spending in Belgium
9.9b euros
Forecast public expenditure on healthcare as a share of GDP in 2070
6.3%
Health and social care employees in Belgium
657.7 thousand
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Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Total expenditure on health as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) in Belgium from 1980 to 2022

Health Economics

Healthcare expenditure as a share of gross domestic product in Belgium 1980-2022

Share of individuals who said select problems were the biggest facing the health care system in Belgium in 2023

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Opinions on most serious healthcare system issues faced in Belgium 2023

Share of individuals who agreed that waiting times to get an appointment with doctors are too long in Belgium 2023

Health System

Opinions on waiting times for doctors appointment in Belgium 2023

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