Belgium Travel Insurance Guide
Belgium travel insurance is essential due to the Level 2 terrorism advisory and high pickpocketing rates at major tourist sites and train stations. Medical costs are moderate but must be paid by tourists, making comprehensive coverage important for Brussels and beyond.
- What there is to do in Belgium Travel Insurance Guide
- Cultural experiences & natural wonders
- Seasonal attractions & adventure activities
- Quick profiles of major cities
- Hotel cost ranges
- Visa & entry requirements
- Healthcare costs & detailed insurance breakdown
Safety Ratings and Resources
Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.
Exercise increased caution in Belgium due to terrorism.
Country Summary: There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other related activities in Belgium.
Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target:
- Tourist locations
- Transportation hubs (e.g. airports, train stations, mass transit)
- Markets and shopping malls
- Local government buildings
- Hotels, clubs, and restaurants
- Places of worship
- Parks
- Major sporting, music, and cultural events
- Schools
- Public areas
Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Belgium.
If you decide to travel to Belgium:
- Stay alert in tourist spots.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for Belgium.
- Prepare a plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
- We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
Safe and organized; main issues are pickpocketing and occasional harassment in nightlife districts.
View Women's Travel Safety Guide →Marriage equality and strong protections; Brussels and Antwerp have established queer scenes.
View LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Guide →Visa & Entry Requirements
- Valid passport required (must be valid for at least 3 months beyond planned departure from Schengen Area)
- US/UK/Canada/Australia citizens: No visa required for stays up to 90 days within 180-day period (Schengen Area)
- ETIAS authorization will be required starting 2026 for visa-exempt travelers
- Proof of sufficient funds and onward travel may be required at border
Additional visa information
- US/UK/Canada/Australia citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period
- Belgium is part of the Schengen Agreement - days spent in other Schengen countries count toward the 90-day limit
- Starting in 2026, ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will be mandatory
- ETIAS is required for visa-exempt countries including US, UK, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Singapore
- For stays exceeding 90 days or for work/study, appropriate visa or permit required
Healthcare & Medical Information
Healthcare overview
Belgium has one of Europe's most sophisticated healthcare systems, ranking highly in the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report with 4 doctors per 1,000 inhabitants (well above the OECD average of 2.9). The system features advanced medical technology and internationally renowned specialists. However, hospital treatment is not free - tourists must pay daily fees, admission fees, and separate charges for medicines, lab tests, and imaging. EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for emergency care reimbursement. Major hospitals in Brussels include Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc (renowned for surgery, transplants, oncology), Hospital Erasme (oncology and traumatology), and CHIREC Hospital Group. In Antwerp, University Hospital Antwerpen specializes in infectious diseases and cardiology. Most doctors speak English fluently, with many speaking French, English, and German. Medical costs are reasonable compared to the US but higher in Brussels. Travel insurance covering medical expenses is strongly recommended for non-EU visitors.
Typical medical costs
- Emergency room visit: €19 advance payment (card required), plus additional fees
- Hospital daily fee: €5.89-€43.84 per day for inpatients (as of 2021)
- Private room in Brussels hospitals: Up to 300% markup over standard rates
- Hospitalization: Additional charges for medicines, lab tests, imaging services
- Medical evacuation to US: $50,000-$150,000
- Note: Brussels hospitals are the most expensive in Belgium
Travel Insurance Recommendations
While travel insurance is not always required, it's recommended for international travel to protect against unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other travel-related issues.
Common travel issues to consider
- Pickpocketing and bag snatching at Grand-Place, train stations (Midi/Zuid, Nord), and on Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam trains
- Theft on Eurostar and international trains (Brussels-London route)
- Terrorism-related trip cancellations or interruptions (Level 2 advisory, threat level 3 of 4)
- Medical emergencies requiring hospitalization
- Credit card fraud and distraction scams
- Trip delays due to strikes or public transportation disruptions
Recommended providers
Consider comparing policies from multiple providers to find coverage that matches your travel needs.
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
112
US Embassy Brussels - 24/7 Emergency
+32 (0)2-811-4000
US Embassy Email
USCitizenBrussels@state.gov
US Embassy Address
Boulevard du Régent 27, B-1000 Brussels