Best Travel Insurance for visiting Belgium and Safety Tips

Name: Axel Strauss
Date: 24/02/2025

Belgium is a magical land of beautiful contrasts. Here, medieval castles meet modern metropolises. Enchanted forests meet seaside resorts. Three official languages (i.e., Dutch, French, and German) coexist in near-perfect harmony. It’s also the original home of Audrey Hepburn, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and the Smurfs. Plus over 1,500 varieties of beer, the saxophone, the world’s best chocolate, and the headquarters of the European Union. Oh, and, of course, don’t forget the forever mislabeled French fries!

In fact, there’s so much to see and do here, it’s not surprising that Belgium welcomes around 10 million international visitors each year. And if you too have your heart set on “the heart of Europe,” you might be wondering about the right travel insurance for your Belgian adventure. In which case, fear not — because AXA got you covered.

• Is travel insurance mandatory to visit Belgium?
• Who needs a Schengen visa to visit Belgium?
• I don’t need a Schengen Visa — should I still get travel insurance for Belgium?
• Why AXA Schengen travel insurance is your best bet for Belgium
• What travel insurance options does AXA offer?
• What to do if injured or ill while in Belgium
• Some more practical tips for visiting Belgium

Is travel insurance mandatory to visit Belgium?

It may be. Because along with being the birthplace of both the Big Bang theory and the saxophone, Belgium also happens to be one of Europe’s original Schengen countries. And this means that most non-European Union travelers need a Schengen visa to enter its borders.

Having the proper Schengen travel insurance,* in turn, is one of the first mandatory requirements for being granted that Schengen visa.

*PRO-TIP: Moreover, your plan must meet a certain set of criteria (don’t worry, because AXA’s plans do — but more on that below).

Meanwhile, whether you need a visa or not — and, therefore, whether your travel insurance for Belgium is mandatory or not — mostly depends on where you’re coming from. And here’s a quick overview of that:

Who needs a Schengen visa for Belgium?

If you’re a citizen of China, India, Russia, most of the Middle East, or any African nation — you will most likely indeed need a Schengen visa to visit Belgium.

And that’s because your home country is one of over a hundred nations* worldwide that have not signed a visa waiver agreement with the EU.

Who doesn’t need a Schengen visa to come to Belgium (for stays of less than 90 days)?

However, you don’t need a Belgian visa (for a visit of up to three months) if you are:

-A national of one of the roughly 60 countries that don’t need a Schengen visa because they did, in fact, sign that visa-exemption agreement (the more popular ones being Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, the U.K., and the U.S.);

-A national of the Schengen area and/or the EU.

*PRO-TIP: If you’re still not sure where you stand, the European Commission provides full lists of all the countries that do and don’t have visa waiver agreements with the Schengen Zone.

How do I get a visa for Belgium?

And if you do need that Belgian visa, you’re already in the right place too! Because we happen to have a simple, comprehensive step-by-step guide to help secure your Schengen visa for Belgium in no time!

Not only that, but we even got another specific one on how to apply for a Belgian visa from India.

Moreover, we can tell you all about:

-the different types of Schengen visa you have to choose from;

-Schengen visa validity;

-Schengen visa processing times;

-Schengen visa extension;

…and a whole bunch of other Schengen-visa-related topics (down to the finest details, in fact — like the proper flight itinerary for your Schengen visa).

In other words, if you have any Schengen visa questions whatsoever — for Belgium or anywhere else — chances are that AXA has the answers. So click around!

I don’t need a Schengen Visa — should I still get travel insurance for Belgium?

Well, that’s totally up to you. However, we think some top-quality travel insurance is always a good call for your Belgian trip — even if it’s not mandatory. Because, ultimately, any trip abroad can come with a few surprises, and not always necessarily good ones.

Belgium is both a relatively small and overall safe country. However, it does pack a lot into its borders. For instance, over 3,000 ancient castles. And Europe’s longest tramline. And 60% of the world’s truffles. Plus not one but — again — over 1,500 unique brews.

And whether you're strolling through the fairytale streets of Bruges or hiking the rugged forests of the Ardennes. Cycling along a scenic canal path or standing in the exact spot where Napoleon was defeated. Or just simply indulging in some waffles and mussels in a bustling Brussels square — accidents can happen.

Navigating medical care as a foreigner, meanwhile, is never easy. But especially when French, Dutch, and German are all in play. And, of course, without health insurance, a last-minute doctor visit, a filled prescription, or a hospital stay could come with a surprisingly hefty bill.

In short, from its cobblestone charm to the world’s best chocolate to everything in between — having a proper insurance plan means that you can explore all Belgium has to offer worry-free. And, more importantly, knowing that you and your family are in good hands — from start to finish — in case something does go wrong.

Why AXA Schengen travel insurance is your best bet for Belgium

And here are just a few reasons why AXA is your number-one go-to for that proper insurance plan.

Firstly, if you need that Schengen visa, our plans meet all the necessary requirements for being granted one. Just in case, said requirements stipulate that your plan must:

-be purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries;

-have a minimum coverage of €30,000 (in case of medical care, hospitalization, and/or medical repatriation);

-be accepted by all countries within the Schengen zone;

-be valid for the entire duration of your trip.

Along with being legally good to go, AXA also offers you:

-Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses;

-Medical repatriation & transport (including in case of death);

-Up to 180 days of coverage;

-Coverage in all Schengen and European Union countries + the U.K. (depending on the chosen plan, that is);

-24/7 assistance;

-And free Video and Phone Medical Consultations (in English, French, and a number of other languages);

We also require no medical exams and have zero age restrictions or deductibles.

Moreover, your AXA plan can be purchased online, from anywhere in the world, in just a few minutes. Once it is, we’ll email you our world-class AXA travel insurance certificate — and it too can be instantly downloaded and/or printed online.

And AXA’s certificate is, of course, accepted by all Schengen consulates, embassies, and visa application centers worldwide (including the Belgian ones).

Oh, and, finally — if for some reason the Belgian authorities deny you that Schengen visa (which we obviously hope they don’t!) — AXA’s plans are refundable in most cases.
You’ll only be asked to provide an official explanation as to why it was refused (that is, from the relevant Belgian embassy, consulate, or visa application center).

What travel insurance options does AXA offer?

And now for the nitty-gritty. The three plans AXA has to offer for your Belgian getaway are:

1. Low-Cost travel insurance, which is best suited for those traveling on a budget. It meets all Schengen visa requirements, covers up to €30,000 in medical expenses (along with hospitalization and repatriation, including in case of death), and covers you in Belgium, across all the other Schengen Zone countries, and in the European microstates of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City.
2. Europe Travel insurance — perfect for the more adventurous travelers (be it food-, beer-, or travelwise), families, and/or those hoping to explore Europe beyond its Belgian heart.
   It too meets all Schengen visa requirements while covering medical expenses of up to €100,000 (and offering additional benefits like protection for lost documents and/or valuables).
   Moreover, it covers you in all the Schengen countries, the European microstates above, all EU member states, and the U.K.
3. And Multi-Trip Travel Insurance — the ideal coverage if you are a frequent and/or business traveler, and/or are applying for a multi-entry Schengen visa. On top of providing all the benefits above, Multi-Trip is unique in that it provides you with coverage for up to an entire year.

So before you start sampling those Belgian waffles, fries, beers, truffles, chocolates, castles, bike paths, beaches, and everything in between — take a minute to compare AXA’s different travel insurance options and get a free AXA quote too.

Because with the right AXA plan, your Belgian adventure is sure to be memorable in all the right ways!

What to do if injured or ill while in Belgium

But if there is an unpleasant surprise or two, fear not — AXA is here for you.

Simply reach out to our AXA call center* — and our medical professionals will answer all your questions, provide guidance and support, and — if need be — even help you find the nearest medical facility. We’re standing by 24/7!

*PRO-TIP: The number will also be provided with your insurance policy — so save it and keep it handy.

What to Provide When Contacting AXA's Call Center

-Your policy number (which begins with "SCH");

-The address and telephone number at which you can be reached (as well as the details of any people that can be contacted locally);

-Your dossier number (provided during your initial call).

PRO-TIP: Keep these on hand too (in a safe/accessible place).

List of Emergency Numbers in Belgium

And here are some other crucial contact numbers to keep — along with AXA’s — during your stay:

112 – Universal European Emergency Number (valid in Belgium too)

101 – Urgent Police Assistance

100 – Medical Emergency and Fire Brigade

1722 – Non-Urgent Fire Brigade Assistance (activated during storms or floods, for example)

1733 – On-Call Doctor for non-life-threatening medical issues

PRO-TIP: The country code for Belgium is +32.

Some more practical tips for visiting Belgium

And, finally, to further ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, consider the following:

Safety in Belgium

Belgium is generally a safe country — but it's always wise to remain vigilant, especially in crowded tourist areas of major cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Bruges. Be mindful of your belongings and surroundings to prevent petty thefts.

Public Transport in Belgium

Belgium boasts a reliable and extensive public transport network, including trains, buses, and trams. The national railway company — SNCB — connects major cities and towns efficiently. For urban travel, cities like Brussels and Antwerp offer comprehensive metro and tram systems too.

Driving License in Belgium

Visitors from EU/EEA countries can use their national driving licenses in Belgium. However, non-EU drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their valid national license.

BONUS PRO-TIP: Familiarize yourself with Belgian traffic regulations, and be aware that some cities have low-emission zones (aka LEZ) — requiring prior registration.

Weather in Belgium

Belgium experiences a temperate maritime climate. Winters are cool and damp, with temperatures averaging around 3°C (37°F). Summers, meanwhile, are mild — averaging 18–22°C (64–72°F). Oh, and rain is common throughout the year. So definitely pack that umbrella just in case!

Opening Hours in Belgium

Typically, shops operate from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Monday to Saturday). Many establishments close on Sundays — but tourist areas are obviously more flexible..

Belgian Restaurants

Belgium is, of course, renowned for its culinary delights. Restaurants typically serve lunch from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and dinner from 7:00 PM onwards (sometimes past midnight even).
Tipping in Belgium isn’t mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is appreciated for good service.

FOODIE PRO-TIPS: Don't miss out on traditional dishes like moules-frites (aka mussels with fries) and carbonade flamande (aka Flemish beef stew). And for dessert — indulge in a Liège waffle (aka a sweet, dense slice of heaven) — and, of course, the chocolate (in any way, shape, or form).

Currency in Belgium

Belgium uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors and markets. ATMs are readily available in urban areas.

FINAL PRO-TIP: For more touristy stuff, check out the heart of Europe’s official tourist website Visit Belgium.
And for the best travel insurance for your Belgium adventure? See above.

Bon voyage, veel plezier (aka "have fun"), and be safe!

RELATED ARTICLES:

• How to choose the best Schengen travel insurance
• How much does Schengen travel insurance cost?
• Do I need an international driver’s license in Belgium and the rest of Europe?

FAQ

Is Belgium in the European Union?

Yes, Belgium is both a member of the European Union (EU) and part of the Schengen Area. Belgium is also in the Eurozone — and therefore uses the euro (€) as its currency.

Can I use my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in Belgium?

Yes, but only for public healthcare. It won’t cover private clinics, medical repatriation, or unexpected out-of-pocket expenses. Moreover, if you need specialized care or hospitalization, you may still have to pay upfront. So additional travel insurance is highly recommended.

Can I purchase an AXA plan for someone else?

Yes. AXA allows its customers to take out a plan for their guests and/or loved ones. You’ll just be asked to provide their personal info (i.e., DOB, address, passport number, and itinerary).