What is the best Schengen visa travel insurance for Belgium?

Planning a trip to Belgium? Find out if you need mandatory travel insurance

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 mislabelled 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 — AXA has got you covered.

• Is travel insurance mandatory to visit Belgium?
• Who needs a Schengen visa to enter Belgium?
• What are the travel insurance requirements for a Belgian Schengen visa?
• Is travel insurance mandatory if you don’t need a Schengen visa to visit Belgium?
• Why choose AXA Schengen Travel Insurance for Belgium? 
• Which AXA plan best suits your Belgian travel needs? 
• What should you do in case of injury or illness during your Belgian trip?
• Useful information and safety tips for your trip to Belgium

Is travel insurance mandatory to visit Belgium?

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

To obtain the said visa, travellers need to submit an application file.

This file must enclose several compulsory documents, including a travel insurance certificate as having the proper Schengen travel insurance is one of the first mandatory requirements to be granted that Schengen visa.

PRO-TIP: Moreover, your insurance plan must also 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 come 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 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 to get a Schengen visa for Belgium?

If you do need that Belgian visa, don’t panic, once again the AXA team is here to help you in your endeavour and will explain everything you need to know on:

• How to get a Schengen visa for Belgium?
• How to apply for a visa for Belgium from Algeria?
• How to apply for a visa for Belgium from Morocco?
• How to apply for a visa for Belgium from Tunisia?
• How to apply for a visa for Belgium from India?

Moreover, we can also tell you all about:

• The different types of Schengen visa you might need,
• 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 how to produce the proper flight itinerary for your Schengen visa file).

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

What are the travel insurance requirements for a Belgian Schengen visa?

As mentioned before, in order for your Schengen visa application file to be accepted, you must provide proof that you are protected by travel insurance which complies with the several compulsory requirements established by Article 15 of the European Union Visa Code. Otherwise, your visa application for Belgium will be denied.

Your Schengen travel insurance for Belgium must:

• Guarantee a €30,000 minimum coverage for medical expenses.
• Cover emergency hospitalisation and medical care due to health issues occurring during your stay.
• Bear the costs of repatriation to your home country in case of serious health issues or even death.
• Be certified by all the countries of the Schengen area (not just Belgium).
• Be valid in all Schengen countries (not only Belgium).
• Remain valid during the entire duration of your stay.
• Be purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries.

Heads-up! AXA Schengen travel insurance meets all these criteria and much more!

Is travel insurance mandatory if you don’t need a Schengen visa to visit Belgium?

Technically no. 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 is AXA Schengen Travel Insurance the best choice for your trip to Belgium? 

For over 65 years, AXA has built its longstanding international reputation on offering affordable, comprehensive and reliable insurance coverage. Dedication, reactivity, thorough knowledge and understanding of local cultures worldwide have allowed our teams of experts to bring fast and effective assistance to travellers who need us then and there.

Here are a few more reasons why AXA’s got your back and remains the best choice for Schengen visa applicants:

• AXA Schengen visa insurance complies with all E.U requirements in terms of visa obligations.


• It is certified and accepted by the consulates and embassies of all the countries part of the Schengen area.


• It is thus automatically accepted with Schengen visa applications.


• It guarantees a coverage of minimum €30,000 and up to €2 million depending on the chosen plan.


• It covers medical expenses, hospitalisation, sanitary repatriation including in the event of death.


• It includes both civil liability and personal liability coverage.


• It includes death and disability insurance.


• Its coverage scope includes all the Schengen states, European microstates, other non-Schengen but European countries as well as the United Kingdom (depending on the chosen option).


• It offers duration flexibility - from just one day, up to six months, or up to a full year.

Other advantages of choosing AXA travel insurance:

• AXA is internationally renowned for its expertise in Schengen travel insurance.


• It offers 24/7 assistance thanks to its devoted teams of experienced professionals.


• Online subscription is quick and easy.


• Your Schengen travel insurance certificate is available instantaneously. You can thus immediately print and enclose the certificate with your application file, saving you precious time.


• There is no age restriction.


• 0 deductible applies to medical expenses.


• No medical check-up is required.


• It is refundable if your visa application is denied.


• It offers many additional advantages: 


• delivery of prescriptions, glasses and prosthesis, 
• daily hospitalization allowance,
• coverage of search and rescue costs,
• coverage of the early repatriation of the injured’s travel companions and their luggage. This also applies to the policy holder if they must interrupt their stay due to an emergency (such as serious illness in the family, etc.)


• It includes baggage insurance depending on the chosen plan.


• Free remote medical consultations are available with our unique *“Doctor, please!”* feature in English, French, and several other languages.


• AXA offers tailor-made insurance with multiple upgrade options designed to satisfy all needs and budgets.

Which AXA plan best suits your Belgian travel needs? 

And now for the nitty-gritty. Before you start sampling those Belgian waffles, fries, beers, truffles, chocolates, castles, bike paths, beaches, and everything in between — take a minute to consider what type of trip to Belgium you are going to take. Adventurous or quiet? Solo or with travel companions? For business or pleasure? Whatever your reasons, AXA has the perfect plan to suit your needs and budget.

• AXA Schengen Basic offers standard and efficient coverage to obtain your Schengen visa.

This travel insurance option meets all the mandatory requirements, covers you in all the countries of the Schengen Area as well as in the 4 European microstates (Andorra, Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino).



• AXA Schengen Essential provides complete and reliable coverage at an affordable price. Another perfect choice to obtain your Schengen visa.

Not only does it meet all visa requirements and is valid in all the Schengen countries + the European microstates, but it also offers coverage in all the EU countries as well as the UK.



• AXA Schengen Premium is THE all-inclusive plan allowing you to obtain your Schengen visa and to travel stress-free all over Europe.

Its coverage is valid in all Schengen countries + the EU countries + the 4 microstates + the UK.

• AXA Schengen Annual is the ideal yearly travel insurance plan for frequent travellers to Europe as well as multiple-entry Schengen visa holders.

One contract for a full year of travel coverage across Europe!It is valid in all Schengen countries + the EU countries + the 4 microstates + the UK

What should you do in case of injury or illness during your Belgian trip?

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

• Simply reach out to our AXA call centre at the number featured on your insurance policy.
• 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!
• During your first call, you will be given a file reference number. Keep it handy as you will be asked to provide it each time you contact the assistance team.

What to Provide When Contacting AXA's Call Centre

• 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 file reference number (provided during your initial call).

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

• Always have your insurance documents and all information related to it in a safe/accessible place.
• Keep all invoices related to medical expenses for your records.
• Remember to keep your phone charged.

List of Emergency Numbers in Belgium

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.

Useful information and safety tips for your trip to 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 Licence in Belgium

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

BONUS PRO-TIPS:

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

- To find out more, don’t forget to read our article on which driving licences are accepted in Europe.

• 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.

Related Articles

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• How to choose the best Schengen travel insurance
• How much does Schengen travel insurance cost?
• How safe is it to travel to Europe?
• What are the most common scams in Europe for tourists?
• Understanding Europe from A to Z

FAQ

When should I purchase my Schengen travel insurance for Belgium?

Before you leave of course! And if you need a Schengen visa, well before your departure date as a travel insurance certificate is among the mandatory documents to be enclosed with your visa application file. Consequently, we recommend purchasing your travel insurance before submitting your application form i.e. at the early stages of your visa application process.

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).