Belgium has an extensive social security system that is for the most part a public system financed by the state and by contributions of its citizens. Basic access to the system depends on a number of administrative obligations, the payment of financial contributions and/or – for expats - the existence of international agreements with your home country. It covers healthcare, unemployment, retirement and childhood. Adherence to the so-called ‘mutuelles’ or mandatory healthcare insurance companies are typically Belgian and are an important condition to get refunds on medical costs. International civil servants have a separate system and normally do not have access to the system as long as they are employed by an international institution.
