Can expats access pregnancy care in Belgium?

Yes. Expats living in Belgium can access maternity care through the Belgian healthcare system. If you are registered with a Belgian health insurance fund, most pregnancy care and hospital costs are partially reimbursed.

Can I choose where to give birth in Belgium?

Yes. In Belgium you are generally free to choose your care provider and the hospital where you give birth. Many parents choose a hospital linked to their gynaecologist or midwife.

When can I apply for the birth allowance?

You can usually apply for the birth allowance from the sixth month of pregnancy. A medical certificate confirming your expected due date is typically required for the application.

How often will I see a healthcare provider during pregnancy in Belgium?

Pregnancy appointments typically take place once a month until around 28 weeks, every two weeks until 36 weeks, and then weekly until the birth.

Are pregnancy tests and ultrasounds routine in Belgium?

Yes. During pregnancy in Belgium, healthcare providers normally offer several routine tests including blood tests and ultrasounds to monitor the health of both the mother and baby.

Pregnant in Belgium

Pregnancy In Belgium - Frequently Asked Questions

Can expats give birth in Belgium?

1

Yes, anyone legally residing in Belgium can access maternity care through the public healthcare system. Most prenatal care and childbirth costs are reimbursed through Belgian health insurance, although some hospital fees may still apply depending on your room choice and doctor.

How much does it cost to give birth in Belgium?

2 Who provides pregnancy care in Belgium?

The cost depends on your hospital, doctor and room type. With Belgian health insurance, a standard birth usually costs between €200 and €1,000 out-of-pocket. Private rooms and additional services may increase the cost.

With insurance, most costs are reimbursed, though hospital supplements may apply. Read: Cost-of-giving-birth-in-belgium

Do I need a midwife in Belgium?

3

Most pregnancies involve both a midwife and a gynaecologist.

Do I need health insurance to have a baby in Belgium?

4

5

Yes. To receive reimbursements for pregnancy care, you must be registered with a Belgian mutualité / ziekenfonds (health insurance fund). This covers most prenatal appointments, ultrasounds, and part of the hospital stay.

What is the birth allowance in Belgium?

6

Belgium provides a birth allowance (kraamgeld / prime de naissance) to help cover the costs of a newborn baby. Parents receive a payment after applying through their family benefits fund.

When should I apply for the birth allowance?

7

You can apply for the birth allowance from the 6th month of pregnancy. The payment is usually made shortly before the baby's birth or soon after delivery.

Can I choose which hospital to give birth in?

Pregnancy care is typically provided by a gynaecologist, midwife, or both. Many women see a gynaecologist for medical check-ups and a midwife for additional prenatal support and birth preparation.

8

Yes. In Belgium, you can usually choose your preferred hospital and doctor. Many hospitals also allow you to visit the maternity ward in advance and attend information sessions.

How long do mothers stay in hospital after birth in Belgium?

9

Most mothers stay around 3 days after a vaginal birth and 4 to 5 days after a caesarean section. After leaving the hospital, midwives often provide follow-up care at home.

Do midwives visit you at home after birth?

10

Yes. Postnatal home visits from a midwife are common in Belgium and are usually reimbursed by health insurance. These visits help monitor the baby’s health, support breastfeeding, and assist with recovery after birth.

Do babies born in Belgium automatically get Belgian citizenship?

11

Not automatically. Citizenship depends on the parents’ nationality and legal status. However, all babies born in Belgium must be registered at the local commune within 15 days of birth.