Do I Need Travel Insurance To Go To Belgium
Belgium is the perfect travel destination for history buffs, beer lovers and chocoholics. There are more than 3,000 castles to explore, as well as the battlegrounds from the two World Wars, museums and picturesque medieval cities like Bruges. The country is famous for its beers, with over 1,000 breweries in a relatively small country. Its chocolatiers are also among the most famous in Europe - rivaled only by the Swiss.
If you are traveling to Belgium, AXA’s Schengen travel insurance offers extensive protection as it can cover medical expenses up to €100,000 in Belgium and other Schengen Area countries. It also allows you to obtain the travel insurance certificate required with your visa application.
What does AXA Schengen travel insurance for Belgium cover?
Starting at €30 per week (approx. US$33) of your trip, our Europe Travel insurance covers:
- Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses
- Medical repatriation & transport
- 24/7 medical assistance in English or French in case of urgency
- Up to 180 days of coverage
- All Schengen, European Union countries as well as the United Kingdom (depending on the chosen insurance)
- Insurance certificate issued immediately and approved by the embassies
- No age limit
- Zero deductible - which will allow you to avoid some upfront and early costs with your claim
Is travel insurance required for Belgium?
Travel and medical insurance is mandatory if you need a Schengen visa for Belgium. If you don’t need a visa, travel insurance is optional but strongly recommended as medical costs can be high for foreigners, especially as you will need to pay for any prescriptions.
Ready to subscribe?
Do you cover emergency medical costs related to coronavirus?
We will cover your medical costs related to coronavirus provided you haven't traveled against World Health Organization advice, personal medical advice from your doctor, or any other government body’s advice in your home country or the country you are traveling to. Emergency and additional travel costs are also covered providing you have stuck to this advice. All issued electronic certificates purchased on the axa-schengen site include this disclaimer: “Medical fees related to COVID-19 are covered in the terms, conditions & exclusions established in the insurance policy”. This will satisfy any embassy rules that state you must get an insurance certificate with Covid protection.
Will AXA Schengen travel insurance be accepted with my Belgian visa application?
Yes! For over 10 years, AXA has been delivering insurance certificates that meet Schengen countries’ requirements to obtain a visa. All you need to do is print the electronic form of the health insurance certificate and enclose it with your visa application. Each AXA Schengen insurance certificate is individualized and bears a number which is verifiable on our website.
What are the requirements for travel insurance for my Belgium visa?
To obtain a Schengen visa to Belgium your insurance must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses
- It should cover all member states of the Schengen Area
- It should cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons
I don’t need a Schengen visa to visit Belgium - can I still purchase your insurance to cover my possible health expenses?
Even though Schengen travel insurance is not mandatory for some travelers, that doesn’t mean you won’t be injured or get ill. A broken wrist or nasty infection can happen to anyone! We therefore strongly recommend that you subscribe to our insurance for travelers visiting Europe to make sure your trip is as safe and peaceful as possible. It is especially advisable if you plan on partaking in risky activities - such as indulging in one of Belgium’s national sports, cycling - where a fall could mean nasty injuries.
What are the main advantages of AXA Schengen insurance?
- Compliant with European requirements for Schengen visa - 10 years of existence
- Immediate coverage. Your insurance covers you from the first day you need it
- No age restriction, zero deductible
- No price variation because of nationality or age
- Refund if your Schengen visa application is denied
Why should you trust us?
- Medical files processed by AXA Schengen in 2021: 2292
- Medical calls processed by our agents in 2021: 3845
Which insurance plans to consider?
Coverage duration | Max. Coverage |
Countries Covered | Average price | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Europe Travel | Up to 180 days | €100,000 | Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom |
33€ per week (approx. US$ 35) |
Multi Trip | Illimited number of stays of 90 days max. during 1 year |
€100,000 | 328€ per year approx. US$ 349) |
|
Low Cost | Up to 180 days | €30,000 | Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland |
22 € per week |
What should I do if I am injured or ill while in Belgium?
Don’t worry - AXA’s Schengen insurance is here to guide, help and protect you. In case of a medical emergency, you must contact the AXA Schengen call center at the number provided on your insurance policy. Medical assistance professionals will answer your questions and advise you 24/7 to help you find the medical center best suited to your situation and the closest to your location.
The following information must be given to the call center:
- The number of your policy, which begins with “SCH”
- The address and telephone number at which you can be reached and the details of the people that can be contacted locally
- The dossier number, which is communicated at the time of the first call
IMPORTANT: Remember to always keep bills/invoices and enclose them with your file.
What should I know when preparing for my trip to Belgium?
Security: Belgium is a safe country but you should still take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings, such as only taking the minimum amount of cash, credit cards and personal ID necessary when you go out. If you can, leave jewelry, other valuables and documents in a secure place like a hotel safe, and avoid carrying money, bank/credit cards and your passport in the same bag or pocket.
Public transport: Belgium’s public transport network is extensive, making it easy to travel through Belgium on train, tram or bus. It can, however, seem complex - being divided into national rail, local metros and trams, and buses with their own separate ticket systems and rates. To make things easier, the MOBIB travel card was introduced in 2018. It’s a chipcard that allows you to buy all the tickets you’ll need with one card and top it up at one of the many dispenser points. It is valid on the entire Belgian public transport system and will ensure you always get the cheapest fares, instead of having to buy much more expensive tickets. The MOBIB Travel Card costs €5 and is valid for 5 years.
Opening hours: Most shops in Belgium are open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday and many are closed on Sundays. Supermarkets are usually open at 8.30 a.m. and close after 6 p.m.. Almost all shops are closed on Sundays.
Driving license: Visitors from most countries can drive on Belgian roads for up to 185 as long as they have a valid license from their country of residence.
Restaurants: It is common for a 10 to 15 percent service charge to be included in the final bill, so tipping anything extra is unnecessary. You can, however, leave a few extra euros for excellent service, if desired. Belgians usually eat their evening meal between 7 and 8 p.m.
Visa: Although many countries have visa-free travel with Belgium and the Schengen Area, if you think you do need a visa to Belgium you can find out more, here.
Will my travel insurance fees be refunded if my visa is refused?
If your visa is refused- AXA will refund your insurance fees in most cases. But you must provide documentation from officials showing the reason for your refusal.
Are my children covered on AXA’s Schengen travel insurance?
Yes. AXA’s insurance provides coverage for your family on your trip - providing you with peace of mind throughout your stay.
Will my travel insurance remain valid if I leave Belgium?
Yes it is valid for all Schengen states- as well as the U.K. and Ireland and some other European states.