Practical, administrative and financial matters

Costs of medical care – insurance

When you are pregnant you will have a lot of practical issues to arrange. If you have a health insurance, most medical costs will be covered. There are also free medical services like those from Kind en Gezin.

When you are in Belgium as a tourist, you are most likely dependent on travel insurance from your own country. When you are staying in the country as an asylum seeker, you can get help from the OCMW for emergency medical assistance. This includes the care for pregnant and birthing women. When you are not entitled to health insurance, you can contact the prenatal service of Kind en Gezin.

Also see “I need practical assistance or care"

Maternity benefits

Before you give birth, you should arrange your maternity benefits. Every woman with a (family) income or on social benefits has the right to obtain them. Contact your “mutualiteit” and your employer for details.

Housing and household needs

If you need to find suitable housing, financial support, help in purchasing baby care items, you can contact the OCMW in your municipality. Besides, The CAW (centre for social welfare) can support you. Many organisations provide support when you are struggling to make ends meet. Also see “I need practical assistance or care”

Day care

If you intend to use day care for your child because you are working, you should better organise this before the delivery. The number of vacancies for children is limited, especially in the city!

Information, services and advice can be found at:

Useful links