Insights

Welcome to Belgium

Introduction

Are you moving to Belgium as an expat and don't know much about the country yet? No shame, there are many other expats like you. In fact, Belgium is a popular choice for expats. Copper has listed the most important things that you need to know. This way you will be fully prepared for your stay in Belgium.

Why is Belgium a popular destination for expats?

As mentioned earlier, Belgium is an attractive destination for expats, but why is that? Belgium is known for a high standard of living, excellent health care, public facilities and education. Right now there is a record number of expats residing in Belgium.

Geographics

Belgium is a small country, yet it consists of three separate and almost autonomous regions and each one has a different language. Flanders is located in the north of the country and forms the largest part of Belgium. About 58% of the population lives here. People here speak dutch and flemish. Wallonia is the country’s southern French-speaking region. Only 11% of the country’s inhabitants live here. Brussels, the capital and home of the European Union, is bilingual. This division makes politics very complicated. There is a federal government, three regional governments and three community governments. A slightly easier subject, the weather. It’s not too hot, not too cold. But you never know what kind of weather it’s gonna be. You can have four seasons in one day. The day can start sunny and end rainy. There is rain every season but there are beautiful days too. So packing for each season is the message!

Health Insurance

You will probably wonder how to arrange everything for your health insurance. Belgium is known for a very good health care system. Copper has figured it out and written it out for you. Read it here.

Where is your new home?

Do you have no idea yet where you would like to live in Belgium? It’s an important decision because it’s soon going to be your new home. Belgium is a small country but there are a lot of options for expats. Most expats go to the capital, where the most english-speaking job opportunities are. Next to the capital, Ghent, Antwerp and Liege are also popular destinations with internationals. The Belgian coast is very beautiful and a bit quieter. Copper is happy to help you find your new home!

Some Belgian culture

Are you ready to immerse yourself in Belgian culture? Get a small preview here. Let’s start in the kitchen. Belgium is known for a good and extensive cuisine. The most famous food that you really have to try are waffles, beer and frites. Also, Belgium has many museums you can visit, movies you can watch, shopping areas and much more. Do some day trips in the most famous cities: Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent,... or go on a nature trip to the Ardennes. That’s how you will discover everything about Belgium.

Career opportunities

There are a lot of you expats that come to Belgium but haven’t found a job yet. Good news, the Belgian job market is very diverse. Are you looking for an English-speaking job? Then you will definitely find something in Brussels or in another big city of Belgium. The most important tip we can pass along is that your resume should be well tailored to the local market.

Expat Services, your partner in your expat adventure

 Hopefully we were able to help you a lot further with this article. But if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. We are here to help you and make sure you will have a carefree stay and most of all, enjoy your expat experience.  Article by https://copper.be/nl

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Everything you need to know about mutual insurance

Are you an expat in Belgium? Or are you planning to come to Belgium for work? There are some important things you need to know about, such as mutual health insurance. Copper is happy to inform you all about this in this text. We will help you and your family with the entire process, so you have an easy-going and amazing stay.

What is a mutual health association

A health insurance fund, also called mutual fund or sickness fund, is a health insurance that partially or fully reimburses some health expenses. When you come to live in Belgium, you must have health insurance and therefore be affiliated with a health insurance fund. If you are a member of a health insurance fund, you are insured for medical expenses. The health insurance fund reimburses part of the money you pay to the doctor, pharmacy, hospital,... This way you are protected against extremely high medical costs. And that’s how you go carefree to the doctor in Belgium.

What does the health insurance fund do for you?

The health insurance fund has 3 main tasks it helps you with:

1. Medical care interventions. This is the mandatory health insurance that each mutual health insurance fund must offer. The health insurance fund reimburses your medical expenses or provides a replacement income if you are ill for a long time. You don’t have to pay a membership fee for this. The RIZIV (Rijksdienst voor Ziekte en Invaliditeitsverzekeringen) determines which expenses are reimbursed.
2. In addition to the mandatory insurance, you can also take supplementary insurance for an annual fee. The health insurance fund then intervenes in various matters, such as reimbursement for glasses, pregnancy, sports and more.
3. Every health insurance fund has a care fund in Belgium. It is a solidarity mechanism, it aims to keep healthcare affordable for everyone. To achieve that, everyone pays an annual health care premium.

Which health insurance fund do you choose best?

The health insurance funds are non-profit associations that unite into subsequent national unions. There are 5 national federations in Belgium, divided into as many as 60 regionally organized health insurance funds.

1. National association of christian mutual insurance companies
2. National Association of Neutral Health Insurance Funds
3. National Confederation of Socialist Mutual Funds
4. National Association of Liberal Mutual Funds
5. National Association of Independent Mutual Funds

You choose best based on price, supply and what is near you Article by Copper. Was everything clear or would you like some help with this whole process? We are more than happy to help you with everything around insurance. With us, you can rest assured that your medical care is safe. So you are all set for your adventure in Belgium.

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Understanding Belgian health insurance 

Are you planning to move to Belgium and work as an expat? Of course, there are a few important things to take into account. As experts, we will tell you everything you need to know about hospitalization insurance. So you (and your family) are 100% protected and you will have a carefree stay here. The Healthcare system in Belgium, how does it work? If you work in Belgium, you pay social security contributions every quarter. By doing so, you are in order with your social security and get social rights. These rights comprise that your basic health care costs are reimbursed. This is statutory health insurance. Your employer pays this contribution to the government.  To enjoy these benefits, you must enroll in a health insurance fund. There are a number of them in Belgium, you are free to choose one that suits you best. The health insurance fund will then reimburse your medical care and medicines on the basis of documents and prescriptions from your doctor. This may be total or partial but it is different in each case.  Very important to know is that everyone who lives and works in Belgium, has access to the health care system. However, provided that he has completed the mandatory registrations and has health insurance.  Additional health insurance First, supplemental health insurance is not mandatory, but we highly recommend it. This insurance is for risks that social security does not cover. For example, for glasses, lenses, more physical therapy than the basic package, dental costs and much more. Copper will help you find the supplementary insurance that is most beneficial to you. What if your employer already provides hospitalization insurance? Your employer is not obliged to offer hospitalization insurance to its employees. If it is indeed provided, it is an extra-legal benefit. Very convenient because then you don't have to arrange it yourself. As long as you have an employment contract, you remain fully insured. What if you don't get this benefit? Don’t worry because Copper will help you find the best insurance that protects you and your family the way you feel secure. Your medical needs are safe here So expat, are you ready to come to Belgium? We are happy to welcome you with open arms. Rest assured, you are in safe hands as far as your medical needs are concerned. Belgium is home to the most reputable and reliable healthcare systems in Europe. Copper will support you 100% in finding the insurance that suits you best. Article by https://copper.be/nl

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Expatriate from Belgium

Due to the worldwide globalization of business, more and more companies have to send their employees to multiple foreign countries for a certain period. These employees are of paramount importance for the company. Protecting them is essential. Copper offers the best protection for employees and their families. This can be offered on an individual basis or a personalized package for your whole company.

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